Bensman Guest Hosts Podcast: Interviews Jaeson Jones on 'Implications of Labeling Cartels as Terrorist Groups'

Parsing Immigration Policy, Episode 193

By Todd Bensman and Jaeson Jones on February 27, 2025

Summary

The latest episode of the Center for Immigration Studies podcast series features guest host Senior National Security Fellow Todd Bensman in conversation with Jaeson Jones, a leading expert on Mexican cartels and a border correspondent. This timely discussion highlights the recent designation of six Mexican drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) by the Trump administration and the multifaceted approach by all levels of government that this permits, allowing the U.S. to combat the cartels in sync with the Mexican government.

Key topics covered include:

Evolution of Mexican Cartels: Exploration of how Mexican cartels, now in 65 countries around the world, have transitioned from organized crime syndicates to parallel governments in Mexico, exhibiting extreme violence and governmental infiltration.

Advocacy for FTO Designation: Discussion on Jones’ rationale for advocating for the FTO designation, emphasizing the need for enhanced legal frameworks to effectively combat the rapid and violent operations of cartels.

Strategic Framework Post-Designation: Analysis of the comprehensive approach required to dismantle cartel networks, underscoring the necessity for coordinated efforts across all branches of government.

Implications of FTO Status: Examination of the potential outcomes of the FTO designation, including:

Revocation of visas for individuals associated with designated cartels.
Inclusion of cartel affiliates on no-fly lists.
Enhanced capabilities to target and seize financial assets linked to cartel operations.

Addressing Fentanyl Trafficking: Strategies to combat the smuggling of fentanyl, focusing on disrupting supply chains originating from countries such as China, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, and addressing the corruption within Mexico that facilitates these operations.

Game Changer: Prediction by Jones – With the FTO designation, the number of lives we can now save is unprecedented.

In his closing commentary, Bensman highlights the recent agreement between Mexico and the United States, in which Mexico will deploy 10,000 additional troops to the border, and the United States will assist in intercepting American guns that end up in cartel hands. However, Bensman notes a lack of reliable evidence supporting the claim that most of the cartels’ firearms come from U.S. gun stores. The cartels have, for years, equipped themselves with military-grade weapons from Mexico’s own corrupt military and from the armories of corrupt officials in Central American and South American nations.