U.S. government is considering designating Mexican drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This designation would provide law enforcement

 Syndicated investigative reporter, Michael Webster

The assertion that U.S. military weapons are finding their way into the hands of Mexican drug cartels is substantiated by several reports. U.S. firearms, including military-grade weapons, are frequently smuggled into Mexico, where they end up with cartels, exacerbating the violence and instability in the region. The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) has traced many of these weapons back to U.S. origins .

Furthermore, the relationship between Mexican drug cartels and terrorist organizations is a growing concern. There are reports and allegations of Mexican cartels training terrorists and collaborating with existing terror cells within the United States. This alliance is viewed as a significant threat to U.S. national security, with implications for both regional stability and internal security  (RAND Policy Analysis) .

Additionally, the U.S. government is considering designating Mexican drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This designation would provide law enforcement agencies with broader powers to combat these groups, such as freezing assets, denying entry into the U.S., and imposing stricter penalties on those who support the cartels. The proposal has sparked debate about its potential effectiveness and the diplomatic repercussions it might have with Mexico (University of Michigan News)  (RAND Policy Analysis) .