The Team House What Targeting Mexican Cartels w/ CIA & JSOC Would Look Like
Jan 26, 2025
Andy Milburn, a former CIA officer and counterterrorism expert, teams up with Mick Mulroy, also a former CIA officer and Middle East defense official, to discuss the daunting task of targeting Mexican cartels. They delve into the potential military options available, the legal complexities surrounding intervention, and the impact of cartels on Mexico's governance and economy. The duo highlights the need for a well-rounded strategy incorporating military, diplomatic, and humanitarian efforts while exploring the history of organized crime and its implications for U.S. national security.
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Cartels as Terrorist Organizations
- The executive order designated cartels as terrorist organizations, allowing potential military action.
- This action mirrors the designation of the IRGC Quds Force, which led to the killing of its leader.
Covert Action and FTO Designation
- Covert action allows plausible deniability, aligning with Trump's preference for unacknowledged operations.
- FTO designation extends financial sanctions to any entity supporting cartels, impacting legitimate Mexican businesses.
US Involvement with Mexican Forces
- MARSOC trained Mexican SOF, who arrested El Chapo.
- The DEA arrested the head of the Mexican FBI for cartel ties.
