Part 3/5:
This shift essentially sidesteps congressional authority, concentrating decision-making power within the executive branch. While deemed valid under the legal framework of counterterrorism, critics argue that this undermines the checks and balances essential to a democratic society. The concern is particularly acute given the proximity of Mexico to the United States and the highly accessible nature of targeted individuals. Unlike the distant conflicts in Afghanistan, drug traffickers and cartel figures are often just across the border or even active on social media, making them easier targets but also complicating ethical considerations.