Mexican Drug Wars

Last month, a six year old Las Vegas boy named Cole Puffinberger was kidnapped by members of a Mexican drug cartel who were steamed because the boy's grandfather allegedly owed them money. An "Amber Alert" was issued and later rescinded as the facts became known and the boy was returned.

The fact that Mexican drug cartels are carrying out major crimes in the United States is a great cause for concern. This year, over 4,000 people have lost their lives as a result of Mexico's ongoing drug war. Now that the Mexican drug war has started to spread to this country, the rationale for enforcing and securing the border has never been higher.

During the immigration debate of last summer, I was ambivalent. I sympathized with the arguments made on both sides. If done correctly, I thought that a comprehensive plan to deal with the issue was proper. With the current situation in Mexico, however, it truly is a matter of national security that the United States enforce that border and enforce it now.

A good summary of the situation in Mexico is contained in the IBD editorial today which recommends supporting the Mexican military in the same way that the United States supports the Columbian military.