Part 2/11:
The backdrop of this conflict includes a decisive strategic shift initiated during President Donald Trump's reelection campaign. The president outlined a robust approach towards dismantling the powerful drug cartels, which he designated as foreign terrorist organizations upon his return to office in January 2025. This designation lead to the mobilization of thousands of troops to the border and granted law enforcement increased powers to combat cartel activities. While the intention was to cripple these organizations, their response has been fierce, resulting in an alarming increase in violence against not only their adversaries but also against U.S. border patrol agents and soldiers.