On the Road in Mexico Urging the Mexican Government to get Serious about Defeating Cartels plus Dems Bemoan Trump's Fighting Violent Crime
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Sep 1, 2025
A recent trip to Latin America highlighted stark contrasts in crime management, with El Salvador's aggressive gang crackdowns praised. Cross-border tensions with Mexico arose as the U.S. calls for cooperation against powerful drug cartels were met with resistance. Domestic crime in Chicago was scrutinized, noting the Democrats' failure to prioritize victims. The discussion also warned of potential U.S. military action against cartels if the Mexican government doesn't take stronger measures, likening it to past successes in Colombia.
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El Salvador's Dramatic Crime Turnaround
Ted Cruz recounts meeting President Nayib Bukele and visiting El Salvador's dramatic drop in homicides.
He highlights a fall from ~100 to 1.9 homicides per 100,000, calling it among the safest globally.
insights INSIGHT
China's Strategic Reach At Panama Canal
Cruz warns China's presence near the Panama Canal poses strategic risks to U.S. military and economic mobility.
He says ports, a bridge, and a tunnel give China potential leverage to disrupt canal traffic in a conflict.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Meetings With Mexican Officials
Cruz describes meetings in Mexico with senior officials about border security and cartels.
He says he urged Mexico to partner with the U.S. to dismantle drug cartels and praised Trump's border successes.
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El Salvador: Cruz praises President Nayib Bukele for drastically reducing homicide rates by aggressively targeting gangs like MS-13 and 18th Street. He contrasts El Salvador’s success with U.S. crime and immigration challenges.
Panama: He toured the Panama Canal and highlighted U.S. concerns about China’s growing influence there, including ports, bridges, and tunnels near the canal. Cruz warns that China could disrupt canal traffic in a future conflict, threatening U.S. national and economic security.
Mexico: Cruz met with senior Mexican officials (Foreign Secretary, Defense Secretary, Agriculture Secretary). He urged cooperation on border security and dismantling drug cartels, stressing Trump’s policies and a reported 99% drop in illegal border crossings.
Mexican leaders, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, rejected U.S. military involvement, citing “sovereignty.”
Cruz compared Mexico’s stance to El Salvador’s crackdown and Colombia’s Plan Colombia (early 2000s), arguing that success requires political will.
He warned that if Mexico refuses, the U.S. may still act militarily against cartels under Trump’s leadership.
2. Domestic Politics & Crime
Cruz and Ferguson shift focus to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, criticizing him for downplaying crime in Chicago.
Cruz cites statistics on Chicago’s murder rate (highest in the U.S. for 13 consecutive years) and argues Democrats prioritize criminals over victims.
He frames Democrat policies in Illinois, California, and nationally as failures comparable to Mexico’s refusal to confront cartels.
3. Broader Political Commentary
Cruz claims Democrats have become the “party of criminals,” siding with offenders over law-abiding citizens.
He notes polling showing Americans are highly concerned about crime in cities.
Discussion touches on 2025 midterm elections:
Republicans may benefit from Democrat extremism.
But Cruz worries about a GOP “enthusiasm gap,” citing a special election loss in Iowa.
He stresses the need for Republican voter turnout despite Trump’s early policy “successes.”
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Verdict with Ted Cruz 