### Trump’s National Security Adviser Vows to “Open Gates of Hell” Against Cartels
On February 21, 2025, the United States National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, declared that narcotics cartels should brace themselves for intense action as the U.S. plans to “open the gates of hell” to ensure border safety. Speaking at a conservative conference near Washington D.C., Waltz emphasized the importance of securing U.S.-Mexico borders, asserting that without a secure border, “you do not have a country and you do not have sovereignty.”
This bold statement comes alongside the United States Department of State’s recent decision to classify criminal organizations from Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, and Venezuela as terrorist entities. This move, initiated by President Donald Trump, aims at disrupting these groups’ activities by severing their global ties, a step welcomed for bringing what Rubio Garcia, head of the Department of State, calls a “valuable tool” in combating these entities.
The designation targets several infamous Mexican cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, among others. The move allows the U.S. to utilize any available agency against these criminal organizations if they pose an imminent threat to U.S. security, as explained by U.S. federal official Marco Antonio Rubio Garcia.
### Mexico’s Reaction: A Move Towards Sovereignty
Responding to the U.S. designations, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified that a recent constitutional reform proposal on terrorism was not directly targeting narcotics cartels. In a press briefing on February 21, 2025, Sheinbaum explained that the reform focuses on expanding laws to combat terrorism, which has distinct political connotations compared to organized crime activities.
The reform seeks to prevent any foreign intervention in Mexico under the guise of combatting terrorism, asserting Mexico’s stance to collaborate yet remain autonomous. The proposed changes emphasize that any foreign involvement in security scenarios require explicit Mexican consent and collaboration, safeguarding national sovereignty.
### Additional Insights on Cartel Activities
Reports from various regions in Mexico highlight ongoing challenges with cartel activities. The explosive device incident near Acapulco’s Security Secretariat on the same date underscores the volatile security dynamics. Furthermore, the fiscal authority in Mexico alleges that threats from cartels extend to potential kidnappings of political figures—a reflection of the serious impact these organizations have in both regional and national spheres.
While the U.S. prepares to take decisive action, Mexico’s approach to cartel-related violence involves strengthening constitutional laws to better tackle these entities internally, embracing cooperation without conceding control over national jurisdiction.
This evolving situation underscores the complexity of international efforts against organized crime and the delicate balance between collaboration and sovereignty. As both nations navigate this challenging landscape, the outcomes of these efforts will have significant implications for the geopolitical and security environment across the Americas.