Why won't the US classify cartels as terrorists?

[JRod]

While I am not a fan on the war on terrorism, it does seem off that the US has not classified cartels who commit acts of terrorism against US citizens as terrorists organizations. This would give the military the power to go in and take out these extremely well armed cartels groups. While initially it would be chaotic, over the long run it would result in a much more peaceful Central(Mexico included)and South America.

Most of us speculate the CIA and company make too much money off the drug and arms trade South of the border, therefore have prevented this from happening. That said, if we only went after the violent drug cartels, perhaps they would learn that they can continue their trade if they do not resort to violence against civilians.

This is an excellent clip from retired DEA Agent Hector Berrellez explaining his thoughts and insights.

[Maxmars]

(I will return to watch the video a bit later but...)

I have a similar question about a certain 'gang' that operates within the US (at least in New York,) namely "MS-13."  They were considered terrorists back in the 80's when they were running around in Central America. 

Now, they openly recruit and are considered a run-of-the-mill gang present in our communities... but never a word about their "terrorism" roots in the news. 

I always wondered why?

[727Sky]

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Tony the terrible was based in Matamoros Mexico which is just south of Brownsville Texas. He was paying the Mexican Marine commander a certain amount of money each month to keep their hands off his local chapter of the of the Gulf Cartel.

When the Zetas ran/were in Matamoros the whole city just about shut down. If you drove a bus an made 25$ a week the Zetas wanted 20%. Businesses were required to pay protection fees. No pay and you and your family could be killed. The Gulf cartel was a kinder gentiler Cartel..

Another Cartel ( I do not remember who now)wanted to move into Matamoros so they made contact with the Marine commander and offered more money per month. Not even a week later the Marines attacked Tony's hacienda with 3 APCs; one of the APCs had a quad 50 Caliber. Not sure but I seem to remember there were about 100 Marines involved in the attack. Tony was killed as were all the Cartel soldiers except for 4 individuals who escaped and came to Houston to hide out; they were all dual citizens of Mexico and USA. Mexico is a Narco State and many cities in the USA are home distribution and money laundry bases for certain cartels.

Yep does not make a pretty picture but it is the way it is/was.
I am far removed from that crap however anyone who wants to know a bit more you can check out one of the better sites called Borderland Beat  https://www.borderlandbeat.com/2024/05/c...es-in.html
WARNING THIS HAS GRAPHIC dismemberment of one person while others wait their turn ..Kinda surprised they did not castrate him first as that seems to be the macho thing they do

At 18 seconds into this broadcast the agonizing moans of a dying man can be heard loud and clear. His head is being violently removed with what looks to be an 8 inch knife by a right handed assassin. The cameraman pulls back from the close range recording to reveal that the victims arms and legs were removed beforehand. 

https://www.borderlandbeat.com/2024/05/w...to-us.html

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https://www.borderlandbeat.com/2024/05/f...ed-to.html

A former U.S. Border Patrol agent was sentenced to 87 months in prison Friday after his previous conviction on drug distribution and bribery charges.
“The level of the betrayal here is a reflection of Mr. Hernandez’s greed, of his individual betrayal," said Tara McGrath, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California.
55-year-old Hector Hernandez admitted he took bribes to smuggle narcotics and people across the U.S./Mexico border while on duty.
“Public servants take an oath, and when we take that oath, we honor it and we stand by it,” said McGrath.

When there is this much money involved the Cartels can buy just about anyone at any place.

[JRod]

I seriously doubt they can buy the US military's protection.

Elected officials in the US absolutely, unfortunately.

While many are focusing on Israel and Palestine as well.as the Russia and Ukraine conflicts, this does open up opportunities for certain groups South of the border to continue to strengthen, continue to arm themselves and of course continue to profit from the illicit drug trade.


I just find it hypocritical that the US is quick to label groups in the Middle East and elsewhere as terrorism groups, yet refuses to even consider certain groups South of the border the same 'threat', especially considering the acts of violence that has been and continues to be committed in the Americas.

Of course there is no easy solution.

[Maxmars]

It does all begin where the ruling "political appointees" focus... or rather don't.

Those cartels and (other organized crime organizations) operate as freely as if they were their own country (  )... go figure. 
We already see governments' flirtations with them 'in practice'... but no word of 'theory' from representatives... "Shhh, it's a secret."

They won't be able to escape it much longer, they can mostly avoid 'consequences' but they can never avoid a reckoning. 
Plus they can't trust each other, that's gotta suck.

Sorry for posting off-point earlier... it just came to mind.

[JRod]

Given the election results, I think its time to revisit this thread.

Will he do it?

It could also help justify the immigration policies as well.

[Tecate]

I think with his track record of being very US centric, it may in fact be one of his tools for changes in immigration policy as well as the war on drugs and human trafficking.

I hope that it definitely gets pushed to the front of the line.

All three of the North American countries are likely to see a fair amount of change.

Tecate