Mexican president declines Trump's offer of US troops to help fight drug cartels
FOX NewsMAY 1
El Chapo's Family Reportedly Enters US in Apparent Cartel Plea Deal
Above: Border wall fencing along the US-Mexico border between San Diego and Tijuana Image copyright: Patricks T. Fallon/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This is a calculated organizational decision by one faction of the cartel. This arrangement allows one faction to secure protection through cooperation with U.S. authorities while another maintains operational control in Mexico, ensuring the cartel's survival through a division of roles that benefits both sides of the organization. It remains to be seen what the United States gets out of this, but more important details may be forthcoming in the future.
Anti-Trump narrative
The Trump administration's decision to allow cartel family members into the United States contradicts its tough-on-crime stance and border security promises. This move raises serious questions about the consistency of immigration policies and demonstrates preferential treatment for some groups while maintaining harsh measures against others, including students exercising their First Amendment rights.
Pro-Trump narrative
The Trump administration is deeply committed to enhancing national security along its southern border — even taking steps such as offering Mexico military assistance to fight the cartels. U.S. and Mexican officials collaborate deeply, including on the deployment of surveillance drones, but Mexico must do more. The U.S. is consistently exploring multiple, creative avenues for enhancing its national security and dismantling transnational organized crime.