Media Wire Express Correspondent
Retired US Colonel Douglas Macgregor has raised alarm over the growing power of Mexican drug cartels, claiming they pose a far more serious threat to the United States than China, Russia, or Iran.
Speaking in a recent interview, Macgregor highlighted the alarming rise of these cartels, not only as drug traffickers but also as major players in human trafficking, arms smuggling, and even territorial control along the US-Mexico border.
Macgregor, a former military strategist, explained that the cartels have become incredibly sophisticated and entrenched. They now wield significant influence, extending far beyond the border and into U.S. cities, where their operations have led to increasing levels of violence, corruption, and instability in communities. “These cartels have transformed into a massive force within our own borders,” Macgregor warned, pointing to the expanding power they hold in both criminal and political spheres.
The retired colonel also criticized the U.S. government for not responding strongly enough to the cartel threat. He believes that while Washington focuses on foreign adversaries, the real immediate danger is already within the country. “The drug trade and organized crime are thriving inside the U.S., and the influence of these cartels is now deeply embedded in our society,” he said. Macgregor argues that the impact of the cartels is felt daily, from the streets of American cities to the very institutions meant to protect the country.
For years, the U.S.-Mexico border has been a hotspot for cartel activity, and while drug trafficking is still a major part of their operations, the cartels have expanded their reach. They control parts of the border, smuggling in drugs, weapons, and people, while corrupting local law enforcement and political systems. Their influence now extends well beyond just the border regions, affecting the safety and security of many states across the U.S.
The timing of Macgregor’s comments is significant, as the U.S. continues to battle a devastating opioid crisis, much of which is driven by fentanyl trafficked by these cartels. The scale of the drug-related deaths, especially due to fentanyl, has reached record highs, adding to the urgency of the situation. As law enforcement struggles to keep up with the growing cartel operations, Macgregor’s words call for a reevaluation of how the U.S. deals with this internal threat.
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Experts are increasingly calling for a more coordinated approach to tackle the cartel problem. This includes stronger law enforcement measures and more international collaboration to curb cartel operations. Some even suggest that the U.S. should consider foreign policy changes aimed at reducing cartel influence in Mexico. However, Macgregor’s remarks remind the public that the fight against cartels is not just a law enforcement issue—it’s a matter of national security.
As the cartels continue to grow in power, they represent an ever-evolving challenge for the United States. Macgregor’s warning sheds light on the need for a more holistic, aggressive approach to combating this threat, one that goes beyond traditional military or diplomatic methods. The reality is that the most dangerous threats to U.S. security may not always come from foreign adversaries but from within its own borders, where these criminal organizations hold increasing sway.
The situation is unfolding daily, and with no easy solutions on the horizon, it remains to be seen how the U.S. will respond to this growing crisis.
