The President's Daily Brief PDB Situation Report | February 22, 2025: Is A Shooting War Coming In Mexico? & Peace Talks Over Ukraine Begin
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Feb 22, 2025 Todd Bensman, a Senior National Security Fellow, dives into Mexico's aggressive military response to drug cartels amid fears of a shooting war. He critiques U.S. immigration policies and their impacts on deportees. Steve Yates, an expert on international relations, shares insights from U.S.-Russian peace talks over Ukraine, exploring the possibility of meaningful diplomatic breakthroughs. They discuss the complexities of U.S. defense policy, the fentanyl crisis, and the impact of geopolitics on global stability.
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Deportee Riots
- Deportees rioted on planes and buses when unrestrained, causing damage and escapes.
- This led to the current practice of restraining deportees for safety, despite criticism.
Shifting Mexican Policy
- Mexico's previous "hugs, not bullets" policy towards cartels is shifting due to pressure from the Trump administration.
- Scheinbaum deployed 10,000 troops, but their commitment is questionable, potentially just for show.
US Border Strategy
- Increased US military presence at the border aims to deter cartel retaliation, not initiate conflict.
- The cartels, cornered with dwindling revenue streams, pose an elevated risk of lashing out.