McCaul wants to label Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations

Michael McCaulImage via Wikipedia
Houston Chronicle:

In a potentially sweeping and politically charged escalation of the U.S. offensive against Mexican drug cartels, Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, introduced legislation in Congress Wednesday to designate six murderous Mexican drug cartels "foreign terrorist organizations."

Such a designation by the State Department could expose Mexican drug traffickers and U.S. gunrunners to charges of supporting terrorism. McCaul spokesman Mike Rosen said it was the first time that a member of Congress had proposed the designation for the powerful Mexican drug gangs that have waged all-out war against Mexican security forces over the last five years, claiming nearly 35,000 lives.

McCaul, the former federal prosecutor and ex-deputy attorney general of Texas, unveiled the legislation as he raises his profile in Washington for a possible bid for statewide office. The next opening? The seat being vacated at the end of 2012 by U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Dallas.

He's holding a hearing today in his subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee that's designed to elicit support from four high-level officials in the Obama administration for the legislation, which targets the Arellano Feliz, Beltran Leyva, La Familia Michoacana, Los Zetas and Sinaloa and Gulf cartels.

...
There is little doubt that the cartels are running a criminal insurgency that uses terror in Mexico to frighten opposition to its efforts. The argument against the bill boils down to what their objectives are. Those who see the objectives as mainly money are wary of the legislation even though it enhances punishment and gives some additional tools to law enforcement.

I think the bill is worth study and consideration. I would give McCaul a chance to make his case.
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