The Trump administration has revoked visas from at least 50 Mexican politicians due to their alleged connections to drug cartels. This action marks an unprecedented scale compared to previous U.S. governments, according to reports. Officials emphasize it as part of broader efforts to combat cartel influence and protect American communities.
The U.S. State Department under the Trump administration has stripped visas from at least 50 Mexican politicians, citing their ties to drug cartels. This move, described as occurring at an unprecedented scale by Reuters, builds on similar but less extensive actions by prior administrations.
Derek Maltz, former acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration under President Donald Trump, highlighted the deep-rooted issue. "There’s a long history of the cartels relying on corrupt officials and politicians in Mexico to advance their criminal goals," Maltz told The Daily Wire. He praised the scrutiny of visas, stating, "Travel to America, the greatest country in the world, is a privilege, not a right. Travel visas for individuals are not automatic and I’m glad to see that the State Department is scrutinizing them at a new level."
Maltz further noted the administration's innovative approach: "Nobody should be surprised that this administration is looking outside the box and will use all capabilities to make it difficult for the cartels to continue to kill Americans at record levels." A senior State Department official acknowledged a "good working relationship" with Mexico's government under President Claudia Sheinbaum, expressing intent to "continue to advance our bilateral relationship in the interest of the America first foreign policy agenda." The official listed reasons for visa revocations, including corruption and drug trafficking, but did not confirm the specific actions.
This policy aligns with intensified anti-cartel efforts, including kinetic strikes that have eliminated 27 alleged "narcoterrorists" on vessels in international waters. One such operation by the War Department occurred off Venezuela's coast on Tuesday morning, targeting six suspected drug traffickers. Maltz underscored the urgency: "Unprecedented death and destruction to American communities and families requires unprecedented action by the United States government."
A 2024 Texas Public Policy Foundation report indicates growing cartel control, estimating 35% to 40% of Mexico under their influence, as Mexican presidents increasingly avoid confronting narcotraffickers.