Podcast Summary: The Glenn Beck Program
Episode: Ep 253 | Why Trump Must ANNIHILATE Mexico’s Cartels Like ISIS
Release Date: April 12, 2025
Host: Glenn Beck
Guest: Brandon Darby, Co-Founder and Director of Breitbart Border and Texas and Breitbart Cartel Chronicles
Network: Blaze Podcast Network
Introduction
In Episode 253 of The Glenn Beck Program, host Glenn Beck delves deep into the alarming rise of Mexican cartels and their catastrophic impact on both Mexico and the United States. Joined by Brandon Darby, a prominent figure from Breitbart Cartel Chronicles, the discussion sheds light on the brutal realities of cartel violence, governmental corruption, and the urgent need for decisive action akin to the U.S. response to ISIS.
The Brutality of Mexican Cartels
[03:30] Glenn Beck:
Beck opens the conversation by referencing a horrific incident where over 500 individuals were brutally massacred by a cartel in Mexico. He emphasizes the shocking nature of these atrocities, contrasting Mexico's situation with more stable Western European nations.
[05:04] Glenn Beck:
"How is that possible? How is that possible? We don't know about it. How is that possible? It's happening in Mexico."
[05:31] Brandon Darby:
Darby provides context, explaining that Mexico has become a failed narco state, rife with violence and corruption, where cartels exert immense control over various regions.
Specific Cartel Operations and Impact
[07:02] Brandon Darby:
Darby details the operations of the Los Setas (Losetas CDN) cartel in the state of Coahuila. He recounts how cartels rounded up individuals with specific last names, leading to the massacre and subsequent desecration of bodies in nearby prisons.
[10:31] Glenn Beck:
"Tell me what they do. Tell me why these guys are so bad."
[10:41] Brandon Darby:
Brandon shifts focus to the Cartel Jalisco (CJNG), led by the notorious El Mencho. He highlights their unparalleled brutality and substantial influence, including ties to Mexico's Secretary of Defense.
U.S. Government Response and Challenges
[16:17] Brandon Darby:
Discussing the inadequacies of the Trump administration's efforts, Darby points out that while there have been attempts to dismantle certain cartels like the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas, the CJNG remains largely untouched due to political protection and strategic alliances.
[19:27] Brandon Darby:
He criticizes the U.S. State Department's inability to prioritize law enforcement over diplomatic concerns, leading to ineffective actions against powerful cartel leaders.
[22:20] Glenn Beck:
Questions the depth of governmental corruption, suggesting that local politicians are either complicit or directly influenced by cartels, making substantial reforms nearly impossible.
Solutions and Strategic Recommendations
[25:08] Glenn Beck:
Expresses frustration with the slow pace of governmental action, emphasizing the dire need for immediate and robust measures to dismantle cartel operations.
[25:10] Brandon Darby:
Proposes a multi-faceted approach:
- Targeted Removal: Focus on eliminating cartel leadership to disrupt their operations.
- Funding Local Allies: Provide financial and strategic support to groups within Mexico willing to combat cartels.
- Intelligence Collaboration: Enhance collaboration with U.S. intelligence to identify and neutralize key cartel figures.
[37:35] Brandon Darby:
Highlights the importance of providing opportunities to prevent individuals from being coerced into cartel activities. He underscores that while opportunity is vital, it must be coupled with decisive action against existing criminal networks.
[43:02] Brandon Darby:
Discusses the significant gesture made by Mexico's government in handing over Rafael Caro Quintero, a notorious cartel leader responsible for the death of an American DEA agent. This act, though positive, is limited in its impact as Cartel Jalisco remains protected.
Media’s Role and Information Dissemination
[31:33] Brandon Darby:
Explains Breitbart's strategy of publishing undercover reports from Mexican journalists working under pseudonyms to bypass cartel censorship. This ensures that the brutal realities faced by ordinary Mexicans are brought to light internationally.
[68:00] Glenn Beck:
Encourages listeners to support these efforts by spreading information through platforms like Breitbart and engaging with media that highlight cartel atrocities.
Personal Reflections and Call to Action
[71:42] Brandon Darby:
Shares his personal journey from combating far-left terrorism to focusing on cartel violence in Mexico. He emphasizes the importance of providing a voice to those in Mexico who are silenced by cartel intimidation.
[76:28] Brandon Darby:
Reiterates his belief in the potential for change, stressing that collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Mexico can restore stability. He calls for targeted actions similar to those used against ISIS, advocating for a strategic dismantling of cartel infrastructures.
[78:18] Glenn Beck:
Concludes with a passionate plea for listeners to support the movement against Mexican cartels, underscoring the shared interests of both Americans and Mexicans in eliminating this pervasive threat.
Key Takeaways
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Escalating Violence: Mexican cartels are engaging in unprecedented levels of brutality, including mass killings and desecration of bodies, fundamentally destabilizing regions.
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Governmental Corruption: Significant portions of Mexico's government and local politicians are either complicit with or influenced by cartels, hindering effective law enforcement.
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Ineffective U.S. Response: Current strategies by U.S. administrations have been insufficient in targeting and eliminating the most powerful cartels like CJNG.
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Strategic Solutions Needed: A multifaceted approach involving targeted removal of cartel leaders, funding local resistance, and enhanced intelligence collaboration is imperative.
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Media’s Critical Role: Independent media outlets like Breitbart Cartel Chronicles play a crucial role in exposing cartel atrocities and supporting journalists at great personal risk.
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Urgent Call to Action: Immediate and decisive action is necessary to dismantle cartel operations, protect vulnerable communities, and restore stability in Mexico and along the U.S. border.
Notable Quotes
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Glenn Beck:
"How is that possible? How is that possible? We don't know about it. How is that possible?" [03:30] -
Brandon Darby:
"I'm not safe. I feel safe now. I did not feel safe when we started the project." [03:28] -
Glenn Beck:
"Compassion can be so wildly misplaced that it just makes things worse and worse and worse." [40:14] -
Brandon Darby:
"We have to treat them like we're dealing with Al Qaeda, not the entire country." [74:17] -
Glenn Beck:
"I hope we just wipe them from the face of the earth. I mean, set Mexico free." [76:05]
Conclusion
Episode 253 of The Glenn Beck Program provides a sobering analysis of the dire situation caused by Mexican cartels. Through the insights of Brandon Darby, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding cartel violence, governmental corruption, and the pressing need for a robust and strategic response from both the United States and Mexico. The episode serves as both an urgent warning and a call to action, urging Americans to support efforts aimed at eradicating the cartel threat to ensure safety and stability on both sides of the border.