Dayton Reporter

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford and Speaker Mike Johnson have announced the establishment of a new Cartel Task Force. This task force, part of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, will be led by Congressman Dan Crenshaw. Its primary objective is to support House Republicans in collaborating with the U.S. Senate and the Trump Administration to devise legislative measures against dangerous cartels in the Western Hemisphere. These cartels are known for activities such as narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, and the arms trade.

The creation of the Cartel Task Force follows a committee hearing that addressed the ODNI’s 2025 Annual Threat Assessment. This hearing emphasized the dangers posed by cartels to the health and safety of Americans.

Speaker Johnson stated, "I’m glad to see Chairman Crawford build on Republicans’ promise to secure the border by establishing a new Cartel Task Force, led by Congressman Dan Crenshaw." He further expressed gratitude towards Congressman Crenshaw for his commitment to this issue.

Chairman Crawford elaborated on the threat from cartels, saying, “After decades of ineffective or incomplete responses, the cartels and other transnational criminal organizations have become emboldened by the gray space in which they were permitted to operate.” He also emphasized the need for U.S. support in regional efforts against these threats.

Congressman Crenshaw expressed his commitment to the task force, stating, "I’m honored to be entrusted by Speaker Johnson and Chairman Crawford to lead this critical effort to defeat the Mexican cartels."

The announcement signifies a concerted effort to address the cartel threat and secure the U.S. border under the current administration.