The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing today addressing how President Joe Biden’s border policies have enabled international criminal cartel activity on Indian lands across the United States. The session also explored how federal and tribal law enforcement agencies are working to address these challenges, despite the difficulties posed by a porous border.
Subcommittee Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) commented, "Joe Biden has surrendered control of our borders to the criminal cartels and drug lords. As a result, roughly 29 tons of fentanyl have poured into our country in the past three years, destroying loved ones and wreaking havoc on neighborhoods across the country. Indian Country has been especially hard hit, where the cartels have exploited vulnerable tribal communities, leading to widespread addiction and drug-related crimes on Indian lands. The violence associated with drug trafficking has further strained tribal resources as tribal authorities struggle to combat organized crime and maintain public safety. The federal government must do more to ensure these communities are protected from the criminal elements that have infiltrated indigenous communities since Joe Biden took office."
Biden’s immigration policies are cited as having broad implications for every community in the United States as illegal migrants and criminals spread throughout the country. International criminal cartels reportedly exploit these weak border policies to traffic illegal drugs and people across the U.S./Mexico border.
In an earlier Subcommittee hearing on April 10, 2024, witnesses described severe conditions in Indian Country due to cartel activities. Testimonies highlighted that criminal cartels place tribes under constant threat, recruiting both tribal and non-tribal residents to distribute illegal drugs within Indian communities. The presence of fentanyl and methamphetamine is expected to devastate entire communities through rampant addiction, overdoses, and increased violent crimes such as homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, and robbery.
Tribal leaders expressed disappointment in federal law enforcement's efforts against cartel activities on Indian lands during this hearing. One witness mentioned that tribal members face death threats and intimidation to prevent them from speaking out.
Today’s hearing focused on exploring collaborative efforts between the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with tribal and local law enforcement officials. The aim is to investigate and prosecute cartel activities effectively on Indian lands while ensuring these communities are secured against coercive activities.
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