Unveiling Trump’s War Plan: Border Czar’s Insights on Combatting Cartels

President Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan has outlined an aggressive new approach to combat drug cartels, promising to use the full power of the federal government against them while designating them as foreign terrorist organizations.

Key Takeaways

President Trump has designated Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, enabling stronger action against their operations and finances.
Border Czar Tom Homan emphasized the administration will target cartels “across the globe,” not just at the southern border.
Trump has already achieved record low illegal border crossings in just weeks, according to Homan.
The administration has secured the capture of 29 cartel leaders with help from Mexican authorities.
Trump has highlighted the dangers posed by cartels through recognition of Border Patrol agents like Roberto Ortiz who have faced direct cartel violence.

Trump’s Declaration of War on Drug Cartels

In a decisive policy shift, President Trump has officially declared that America must “wage war on the cartels.” This declaration came during his recent address to Congress, where he outlined his administration’s comprehensive strategy to combat the growing threat of Mexican drug cartels and related criminal organizations. The president has taken immediate action by signing an executive order designating Mexican drug cartels and MS-13 as foreign terrorist organizations on his first day back in office. This designation significantly expands federal authorities’ ability to target these organizations’ financial networks and operations.

The administration has already made notable progress, with Mexican authorities handing over 29 cartel leaders to U.S. officials. Trump has been particularly vocal about the threat these cartels pose, describing them as having “total control over a whole nation” and representing a grave threat to American national security. This strong stance marks a significant departure from previous approaches to cartel violence and drug trafficking across the southern border.

Homan’s Strategy: Global Action Against Cartels

Tom Homan, who serves as Trump’s Border Czar, has detailed the administration’s approach in recent interviews. He emphasized that the strategy extends far beyond border security measures. “We’re not just going to attack them on the southern border, we’re going to attack them across the globe. We’re going to use the full might of the federal government to take them out,” Homan stated. This global approach signals a recognition that cartel operations have expanded well beyond Mexico, with Homan noting that cartels now have a presence in every major American city.

“We’re going to shut them down one piece at a time. What President Trump did designating them foreign terrorist organizations is the first step to wiping these cartels off the face of this earth.” – Tom Homan

The terrorist organization designation is particularly significant as it provides federal agencies with expanded authority to target cartel finances, freeze assets, prosecute those providing material support, and coordinate with international partners. Homan has pointed to early results of the administration’s border security policies, claiming, “What he did in three weeks the Biden administration failed to do in four years. We’ve had the lowest border numbers in history of the United States border.”

Tom Homan Tells Daily Wire: Trump Will Use ‘Full Might’ Of Government To Crush Cartelshttps://t.co/5qQKiIWtzV

— Bill Missen (@my3kidsfather) March 5, 2025

Border Security and Honoring Law Enforcement

A key element of Trump’s strategy involves strengthening border security forces and highlighting the dangers faced by Border Patrol agents. During his congressional address, Trump recognized Border Patrol agent Roberto Ortiz, who was shot at by cartel members while patrolling near an area known as “Cartel Island” along the Rio Grande in Texas. Ortiz was commended for his bravery in protecting his partner during the attack, underscoring the direct threats posed by cartels to American law enforcement personnel.

Trump has also drawn attention to violent crimes committed by gang members who entered the country illegally, including specific references to murders committed by members of the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua. The president has promised that “every last one will be rounded up and forcibly removed from our country,” referring to gang members who entered during the previous administration. This approach reflects the administration’s view that border security and domestic safety are directly linked to the fight against cartel influence.