US Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) has expressed concern over the current border policy, stating that it continues to enable cartels to bring "dangerous drugs and crime" into the country. Her comments come in light of the recent arrest of 12 cartel members in Dallas. She made this statement on May 4.
"Biden's wide open border is allowing Mexican drug cartels to gain a foothold in North Texas, bringing dangerous drugs and crime,” said Van Duyne, according to her post on X. "I'm grateful for the dedication of our law enforcement officers in holding these criminals accountable."
According to a FOX News report, a recent FBI investigation in North Texas led to the arrest of 12 members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The individuals were sentenced to federal prison due to their involvement in smuggling $10 million worth of liquid methamphetamine from Mexico to Dallas, hidden in the diesel tank of a semi-truck. Eduardo Chavez, the Special Agent in Charge of the North Texas Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), was quoted saying, "We have seen historically this evolution of how methamphetamine comes across the border," and added, "What we have seen is just this increase in creativity when it comes to trying to traffic methamphetamine."
Rep. Van Duyne's Twitter
| X (Twitter)
FOX News also reported that Francisco Javier Rodriguez Arreola, identified as the lead trafficker, was sentenced to 40 years. Arreola had previously served time in federal prison and had resumed trafficking illegal drugs immediately upon his deportation to Mexico. The FBI linked Arreola with several Mexican drug cartel operations.
In response to increasing cartel activity in North Texas, eight sheriff departments have established the North Texas Criminal Interdiction Unit, as per local NBC news. This unit collaborates with DFW Airport and Homeland Security and monitors trafficking routes such as I-35 and Highway 75 used by cartels. NBC further reported that this initiative has led to an uptick in seizures of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl. Additionally, new legislation enacted this year in Texas allows for charging fentanyl dealers with murder if their drugs result in death.
According to her official website, Beth Van Duyne currently serves as the US Representative for the 24th Congressional District of Texas. She is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, its Subcommittees on Taxation and Oversight, and chairs the House Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight.
