House Republicans Launch Task Force to Combat Mexican Cartels

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw, a Republican from Texas, stated that dismantling the influence of Mexican criminal cartels along the southwestern border could take decades. However, he believes Congress can make meaningful progress in just weeks or months.

Crenshaw emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that there are immediate opportunities to assist the administration’s efforts. Currently, the Department of Defense is refocusing on cartel-related issues, but it lacks additional funding. Crenshaw indicated that this financial support could emerge during reconciliation discussions.

He expressed confidence in identifying necessary program boosts, stating, “I just need to know the numbers. That will come from various agencies including the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Homeland Security, among others. Over the coming weeks, even during recess, we’ll work on acquiring those figures.”

Fox News Digital engaged with Crenshaw shortly after he was appointed to lead a newly established task force aimed at combating Mexico’s powerful drug cartels. This initiative operates under the House permanent select committee on intelligence, on which Crenshaw serves.

Crenshaw pointed out significant differences between this new task force and his previous endeavor from last year. The former lacked sufficient resources to implement its agenda effectively.

“Last year’s cartel task force had no staff. We were just a group of members conducting hearings and investigations,” he explained. “Now, we’re advancing to create viable legislation to counter the cartels.”

He believes the intelligence panel is suitable for this mission, as much of the work involves classified information.

Citing past inefficiencies, Crenshaw stated, “The goal now is to achieve concrete results rather than merely conducting hearings and further investigations. I have a clear outline of the necessary steps, especially with President Trump in office, who is eager to enact change.”

Crenshaw also highlighted a crucial shift in dynamics. Under the leadership of President Sheinbaum, the Mexican government is willing to engage in a collaborative effort against the cartels.

According to Crenshaw, the strategy to confront cartels would unfold in two phases. The first phase involves securing funding, while the second revolves around enacting additional authorities and legal modifications to address what he described as a “terrorist insurgency” at the U.S. border.

He explained, “This means boosting certain funding lines within existing authorities, particularly in the Department of Defense. NORTHCOM oversees operations in this region concerning Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. They require increased resources, particularly for training Mexican special forces.”

Crenshaw advocated for supplying military-grade equipment to border forces, such as Blackhawk helicopters, while also enhancing surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

In terms of funding strategy, he aims to allocate resources primarily through budget reconciliation. This approach allows Republicans to pass significant policy reforms while bypassing potential Democratic opposition.

This strategy benefits from lowering the Senate’s voting threshold from 60 to 51 votes, provided the legislation pertains to financial matters like taxation and spending.

As Republicans aim to expand funding for President Trump’s border security initiatives, specific plans remain unclear. Details regarding the execution of this funding will emerge in the coming weeks following the conclusion of a two-week congressional recess.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, also a Republican from Louisiana, expressed strong support for Crenshaw. He stated, “It is now Congress’s responsibility to ensure the ongoing momentum in this important work by equipping the President with the necessary tools to dismantle the drug cartels permanently.” Johnson praised Crenshaw for his dedication and efforts on this critical issue.

With the establishment of this task force, House Republicans demonstrate their commitment to addressing the complex and pressing issue of cartel violence and its impact on both the U.S. and Mexico. As discussions progress, stakeholders will be watching closely for tangible outcomes and legislative measures aimed at curbing the influence of these dangerous organizations.