Crane Questions Using Military Against Cartels

PRESCOTT—The "Border Crisis" continues to be a topic of concern for Americans, and a solution that's garnered traction is utilizing the military to counter the cartels. The use of fentanyl has increased in the United States, and there seems to be no end in sight. While the idea of using the military to combat the cartels appeals to Republicans, some conservatives are wary of the tactic.

During an exclusive interview with Cactus Politics, Arizona Rep. Eli Crane (R) discussed the southern border, sharing his thoughts on Vice President Kamala Harris (D), the cartels, the distribution of fentanyl, and if he believes that the military should be called to confront the cartels.

Vice President Harris has recently signaled a shift in policy regarding the southern border. At once a vocal critic of building a wall, the presidential candidate now appears to have softened on the issue. However, Rep. Crane is not surprised, saying that the shift in policy is an example of the vice president being "a typical politician."

"She's a chameleon. She'll become whatever she needs to be to get whatever votes her consultants think she needs to get to become president," he said. "It's kinda typical of Washington, D.C. It's quite frankly pretty sad."

Rep. Crane blames the vice president for what has transpired at the border, commenting that "Kamala Harris has been one of the worst - probably the worst - leader in American history on the border after she was assigned that as her big responsibility."

The "Border Crisis," Republicans argue, has led to a significant influx of fentanyl pouring into the country, and the Arizona Republican worries that it could destabilize his district.

“Fentanyl, like most drugs, doesn’t just stop within a certain mile radius of the border. It goes all throughout the country," he explained. "The cartels have representatives in every single state that distribute this caustic cocktail of drug. It’s one of the many things that people up here experience.”

Though Rep. Crane's district is not necessarily known for gang activity, the Arizona congressman did share that his constituents are worried about the possibility of an increase in crime. With Republicans suggesting that the military would be a great asset in combating the cartels, is that a method that the federal government could utilize? Rep. Crane isn't entirely sold on the idea.

“I understand where my colleagues are coming from when they talk about that. They’re taking a very serious problem, and they’re taking a very serious institution [Department of Defense] and trying to make that the fix," he detailed. "By declaring the cartels a terrorist organization, we can then justify, by law, using our military to stop or defeat the cartels.”

However, he sees issues with the method. “When you look at what happened with our withdrawal from Afghanistan and you look at the leadership and the decisions that were made, I think it was not only one of the most embarrassing things the United States had ever done on a global stage, but it makes you ask the question ‘do you trust this administration to go to war with the cartels?’”

“My answer to that is absolutely not because the cartels don’t play," added Crane.

As for the cartels, he argues, the issue is about execution and profit. “It’s a business," said Crane. “The cartels would lash out, and I don’t think this administration could handle going to war with the cartels.".

When questioned if a Trump Administration would be more effective in carrying out the order, he said things would be different, but the administration would still face an obstacle.

“If they don’t take care of the job in four years, then what are you left with? Does the pendulum swing back the other way, and you have another Kamala Harris type? Or another Joe Biden type that comes into office and can barely put a sentence together?," he questioned.

“Kamala Harris can’t even do an interview. That’s why her handlers won’t let her do an interview.”