WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw (R) is calling for the United States to expand its role in dismantling Mexican drug cartels by supporting targeted operations directly inside Mexico.
Rep. Crenshaw argues that while border security remains critical, cartel violence and influence continue to pose a threat within U.S. territory, and the solution lies beyond the border.
“They're still here. They're still causing havoc on our side,” Crenshaw told Texas Politics when asked about cartel activity following heightened border enforcement efforts.
When pressed on the role of law enforcement agencies like the FBI, Crenshaw said the focus must shift to cross-border operations.
“We gotta do it in Mexico,” he stated. “The FBI is going to be doing everything it can. There aren’t cartel kingpins in the United States. Like, they would get arrested. We would find them.”
Crenshaw explained that cartels do not operate in the U.S. the way many people assume.
“People always ask, ‘Are the cartels here?’ Where’s your kingpins? We don’t really have kingpins. That’s not how it works here. Drugs get distributed, and that’s how it goes—through gangs and typical criminal networks,” he said.
To address the root of the problem, Crenshaw is advocating for coordinated U.S.-Mexican military operations.
“You go after them mostly with the military, which is what [Mexico is] doing,” he said, pointing to increased military activity in areas like Culiacán, Sinaloa. “They’ve had some pretty big seizures recently—like, biggest ever. Right in Culiacán, Sinaloa, which is pretty unheard of—having soldiers there just controlling streets.”
Crenshaw said he developed a multi-agency strategy and has shared it with the appropriate U.S. departments.
“It’s a true cooperation agreement,” he said. He also referenced a recent diplomatic meeting in Mexico—but incorrectly attributed it to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Crenshaw emphasized the importance of diplomacy and supporting Mexico in its counter-cartel efforts.
“The Mexicans need that—they need that positive reinforcement,” he said. “I think the mistake a lot of politicians have made is giving them a lot of negative reinforcement. It doesn’t help. It’s like you don’t even want to solve the problem.”
Crenshaw continues to push for a shift in strategy. For him, securing the U.S. starts with strong, coordinated action inside Mexico.
