Anne Milgram : “Mexico Delays Visas for DEA Agents: Impact on Operations”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Mexico visa delays for DEA agents
2. DEA visa holdup in Mexico

House members are concerned about the delays in obtaining work visas for DEA agents fighting Mexican drug cartels sending fentanyl to the U.S. This issue raises questions about Mexico’s commitment to stopping the flow of this deadly drug. With at least 70,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. attributed to fentanyl, cooperation between the two countries is crucial. The DEA is still waiting for visas for 13 agents working on this issue, highlighting the challenges in the relationship. Efforts are being made to combat fentanyl trafficking, including the establishment of a new multi-agency task force in El Paso and New York City.

DEA Agents Face Visa Delays in the Fight Against Fentanyl Trafficking

DEA agents working to combat the influx of fentanyl from Mexican drug cartels into the United States are facing significant delays in obtaining their work visas. This revelation came to light during a recent House appropriations subcommittee hearing in Washington, D.C., raising concerns about Mexico’s commitment to addressing the issue.

U.S. Rep. Hal Rodgers expressed his disappointment, stating, “When the DEA encounters obstacles such as difficulties in obtaining visas in a timely manner and outstanding warrants not being acted upon by the Mexican government, it suggests that our relationship with Mexico may not be as strong as it should be.”

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He emphasized the impact of fentanyl trafficking on American communities and criticized Mexico for delaying work visas for DEA agents working to combat cartels like Sinaloa and Jalisco.

DEA Administrator Addresses Visa Delays and the Fight Against Fentanyl

DEA Administrator Anne Milgram confirmed during the hearing that 13 agents and intelligence analysts assigned to track major fentanyl exporters to the U.S. are still awaiting approval from Mexico to enter the country. The prolonged delays in obtaining visas have hindered the DEA’s efforts to address the flow of illicit drugs.

Milgram emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating transnational criminal organizations involved in fentanyl trafficking. She reiterated the DEA’s commitment to working with international partners to tackle this pressing issue and emphasized the need for greater cooperation.

El Paso’s Role in Global Narcotics Interdiction

Subcommittee member U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales raised concerns about expanding state and local law enforcement partnerships to combat fentanyl trafficking. DEA Administrator Milgram reassured the subcommittee of the agency’s dedication to enhancing collaboration with local drug task forces.

She announced the establishment of the Trident Directorate, a multi-agency task force focused on combating fentanyl trafficking. The new initiative will operate out of El Paso and New York City, leveraging state, local, federal, and intelligence community resources to target transnational criminal organizations.

Additionally, Milgram highlighted the deployment of a joint lab at the El Paso Intelligence Center to track seized drugs and identify cartel involvement. This initiative aims to enhance intelligence-sharing and strengthen efforts to combat drug trafficking along the border.

Conclusion

The challenges faced by DEA agents in obtaining work visas and the ongoing battle against fentanyl trafficking underscore the complex nature of the drug trade. As efforts continue to combat the flow of illicit substances into the United States, collaboration between international partners and local law enforcement agencies remains crucial in addressing this pressing issue.