Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Michigan, addressed the issue of Mexican cartels on the “The Moment Podcast.” During the discussion with co-hosts Jorge Ramos and Paola Ramos, El-Sayed highlighted the role American guns play in empowering the cartels. He advocated for a diplomatic approach to address the problem.
Responding to questions about the Trump administration’s actions against the cartels since 2025, El-Sayed dismissed the use of troops or drones. He stated that U.S. manufactured firearms contribute significantly to the problem and urged diplomatic efforts to curb drug and gun trafficking across the border.
“Let’s be clear, American-manufactured guns are responsible for a lot of the cartels,” El-Sayed remarked.
He emphasized collaborating with Mexican authorities to contain “cartel behavior” involving American weapons. “We need to be working with Mexican counterparts to support them in an effort to contain cartels,” El-Sayed asserted. The focus, he stated, should be on stemming the flow of firearms that contribute to cartel activities.
El-Sayed also discussed the need to stop the northward trafficking of fentanyl, focusing on addressing the multifaceted nature of cartel operations. His campaign reinforced this stance to Fox News Digital, emphasizing collaboration with the Mexican government to tackle guns and drugs crossing the border.
Although El-Sayed criticized the state of border control concerning drugs and firearms, he has previously advocated for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His remarks coincide with recent sanctions by the Treasury Department against individuals and entities linked to the Sinaloa Cartel’s Los Mayos faction.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the Trump administration’s continued efforts to target cartel figures. “Our message is clear: The Trump administration will identify and disrupt any cartel actor who threatens our security or the integrity of our financial system,” Bessent told Fox News Digital.
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