Today, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations conducted a hearing focused on efforts to combat cartel activity in Indian Country under the Trump administration. Subcommittee Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) expressed his views regarding the situation.
“Because of the Biden-Harris administration’s leftist open border policies, international criminal cartels infiltrated Indian country, leading to the mass trafficking of drugs, Indigenous people, and untold violence. President Trump has stood up and has taken concrete steps to end the Biden border madness and eradicate cartels from tribal communities. The war against terrorist cartels and other criminal organizations in Indian Country and on federal lands is not over. However, with the Biden border crisis now behind us, Congress can work towards eradicating cartels and allowing tribal communities to thrive.”
The committee highlighted concerns about international criminal cartels targeting tribal communities across the United States. The hearing built upon previous sessions held in April and June 2024 addressing similar issues related to border security.
Since January 2025, Congressional Republicans have collaborated with President Trump to strengthen border security measures. Initiatives such as EO 14157 and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are cited as contributing factors in reducing illegal immigration. For instance, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported no illegal alien releases into the U.S. in May 2025 compared to 62,000 released by the previous administration in May 2024.
The hearing provided insights into ongoing law enforcement activities involving both the Trump administration and tribal stakeholders aimed at enhancing public safety within Indian Country. Witnesses from tribal communities shared their experiences regarding threats posed by transnational criminal cartels.
