
President Trump vows to declare a national emergency at the southern border, designating drug cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations, sparking debate on national security implications.
Key Takeaways
- Trump declares a national emergency at the southern border and designates certain cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
- The move would unlock new authorities for dealing with migrants and transnational criminal organizations, including potential military action.
- Experts warn that such designations could lead to more brutal tactics by cartels and strain international relations.
- The declaration would allow for deployment of armed forces and construction of physical barriers at the border.
- Critics argue that past border deployments have lacked military training value and affected readiness.
Proposed National Emergency Declaration and Terrorist Designations
In a bold move to address what is nothing more than a crisis at the southern border, President Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to declare a national emergency and designate certain drug cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). This strategic decision aims to provide an expanded arsenal of legal and military measures to tackle migration and transnational crime more effectively.
The proposed designation would specifically target the Venezuela-based gang Tren de Aragua and the El Salvador-based MS-13. This classification would grant the Justice Department enhanced authority to pursue individuals suspected of providing “material support” to these groups. Additionally, it would enable the use of military intelligence and capabilities for deeper surveillance of these organizations.
J/20th, 2021: Biden terminates the U.S. national border emergency declaration
J/20th, 2025: Trump signs a new one pic.twitter.com/nugk8DgxeX
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) January 21, 2025
Implications for National Security
The declaration of a national emergency at the southern border could have far-reaching consequences for national security. It would allow the United States to deploy armed forces and erect physical barriers along the border, expanding upon the approximately 2,500 troops currently serving under a previous authorization.
Proponents argue that these measures could potentially bolster security measures and provide a more robust response to threats posed by transnational criminal organizations. However, critics caution that such actions might deteriorate international relations and potentially escalate violence.
Legal and Military Implications
The designation of certain groups as foreign terrorist organizations would have significant legal implications. As María Calderón explains, “The material support clauses open the door to prosecuting any person in the United States or subject to the jurisdiction of the United States if they knowingly provided ‘material support or resources’ to a designated FTO.” This expanded legal framework could potentially enhance law enforcement efforts against these groups.
From a military perspective, the declaration would authorize the deployment of armed forces to assist in border control efforts. The Secretary of Defense would be tasked with determining the shape and scope of any military action. However, past deployments to the border have been criticized for lacking military training value and potentially affecting overall military readiness.
Potential Risks and Challenges
While the proposed measures aim to strengthen national security, they are not without potential risks. Some experts warn that designating cartels as terrorist organizations could lead to more brutal tactics by these groups. Brian Michael Jenkins cautions, “In response to attacks on their leadership and threats to their livelihood, any self-imposed constraints on attacking Americans will erode.”
Furthermore, such designations could strain international relations, particularly with countries where these organizations operate. The deployment of military forces and further development of border infrastructure could also potentially compromise U.S. military readiness, raising concerns among defense experts.
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Border declaration, terrorist designations unlock new options—and new risks
DECLARING A NATIONAL EMERGENCY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER OF THE UNITED STATES