In 2025, some U.S. officials publicly compared drug‑trafficking organizations to terrorist groups and indicated intent to treat them similarly, while some U.S. lawmakers from both major parties expressed concern that executive-ordered military actions lacked congressional authorization and could raise international law issues.
October 24, 2025
high
temporal
Captures contrasting political and legal reactions within the U.S. to executive actions targeting drug-trafficking organizations in 2025.
U.S. officials state that determinations about immigration benefits should not be based solely on constitutionally protected speech.
October 16, 2025
high
policy
Position that protected speech alone should not serve as the basis for denying immigration benefits.
Some U.S. officials and administrations have invoked legal authorities originally used for counterterrorism to justify using military force against drug trafficking organizations, and legislators have sought legal opinions and lists of designated targetable groups when such force is used.
high
legal/policy
Describes a recurring policy and oversight dynamic linking counterterrorism legal authorities, counter-narcotics military action, and legislative oversight requests.
U.S. officials have expressed longstanding concern about the possibility that the People's Republic of China could use military force to attempt to change Taiwan's status.
high
security_concern
General security concern shaping U.S. policy toward Taiwan and China.
Some U.S. officials and political leaders have characterized drug trafficking organizations as 'narco-terrorists' and compared them to extremist groups such as ISIS and al-Qaeda.
high
temporal
Describes a pattern of rhetoric framing certain drug cartels as terrorist-like actors.