White House border czar Tom Homan said the Trump administration will "wipe cartels off the face of the earth," adding that the criminal organizations are "broke" due to enforcement policies.
"We have a safe border, patrols are doing their job. Cartels are suffering and president Trump, with his effort and leadership, will wipe cartels off the face of the earth. This will make not only the U.S. safer, but also Mexico," Homan added.
The official went on to claim that cartels increased their profits under the Joe Biden administration. "They made more money than ever trafficking migrants, women and children, as well as drugs across the border. Now we have a safe border," he said.
The Trump administration has made of fighting cartels a central aspect of his relationship with Mexico. In fact, he said on Thursday when extending the deadline to reach a trade deal with the country that Mexico will "continue to pay a 25% fentanyl tariff."
He had announced 30% tariffs on imports over claims that it's not doing enough to prevent the region from becoming a "Narco-Trafficking Playground." Even though Mexico has been "helping" him increase border security, it was "not enough," Trump said.
Trump also claimed in mid July that cartels have "very strong control over Mexico," reiterating his claim about the criminal organizations' influence in the country.
Trump made the statement while signing a law aimed at fighting fentanyl trafficking. He added that "Mexican authorities are petrified to show up at their office, to go to work because cartels have a tremendous grip" on the country and its politicians. "Can't let that happen," he added.
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