Sec. Pete Hegseth Vows to Hunt Down and Kill Cartel Members Like Terrorists

Mission to Secure the Border

• 🛡️ The mission to protect the American people against invasion has led to 10,000 troops being deployed to the southwest border.
• 🎯 The border is described as 100% controlled, with operations shifting to the offense against cartels.

Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

• ⚔️ Cartels are equated to foreign terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda and ISIS, posing a significant threat to the American populace.
• 💀 They are accused of intimidation, extortion, and poisoning Americans through drug trafficking.

Offensive Operations Against Cartels

• 💥 The U.S. vows to hunt down and kill cartel members, mirroring tactics used against terrorist groups.
• 🗺️ Operations will involve mapping cartel networks, identifying their origins, and understanding their cargo.
• 📈 This approach is intended to change the calculus of cartel operations and deter drug trafficking.

Defeating Terrorist Organizations

• 💥 The Department of War's objective is to defeat and destroy these organizations, not just arrest them.
• 🇺🇸 This mission is seen as core to defending the homeland and making communities and law enforcement safer.