Part 2/5:
By reclassifying drug cartels as terrorist organizations, U.S. authorities can justify taking unilateral executive actions. This label is supported by their designation as foreign terrorist organizations, which provides a legal basis for aggressive operations. However, this approach raises significant concerns about the erosion of due process rights and the potential for overreach. The use of counterterrorism measures ostensibly offers a rapid and flexible response but sidesteps the established legislative process that normally governs law enforcement actions.