Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'cartels'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But your bill would ostensibly let somebody with cartel quantities of drugs, which is not considered
  • So I think it would cover and catch the cartel quantity of drugs that you were mentioning.
  • I think people do need a second chance, maybe they don't if they're cartel dealers.
  • Firearm traffickers aid and abet cartels in fueling the flow of fentanyl.
  • ...arming of cartels, which are now classified as terror
Summary: The committee meeting featured a rigorous discussion on several bills, most notably House Bill 4201, which aims to expand firearm carry rights for licensed individuals on government-owned properties, including schools. The proponent of the bill, Representative Schatzlein, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Texans. However, multiple witnesses testified against the bill, arguing that it could lead to increased risks, particularly in sensitive locations like educational institutions, where the presence of firearms could exacerbate safety concerns. Testimonies from representatives of various organizations, including Texas Gun Sense and Moms Demand Action, highlighted the potential dangers such legislation could introduce, and many witnesses shared personal stories that reinforced their opposition to the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Mar 27th, 2025 at 10:03 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So a cartel, explain that to me if you don't mind,

  • If they cross where they're supposed to cross, they have to deal with unfriendly sectors of the cartel
  • each commercial vehicle with fuel traveling into Mexico represents $5,000 a load that's paid to the cartel
  • ...dollars a week to the cartel when they were at the height
  • described southbound, times $5,000 a load, and that's what's to the benefit of that sector of the cartel
Summary: The committee meeting comprised extensive discussions on various legislative bills, focusing particularly on transportation, school safety, and accessibility issues. One prominent topic was HB3034, which seeks to clarify and expand the use of school bus stop-arm cameras, allowing communities to implement this life-saving technology more effectively. Testimony from multiple community leaders highlighted the need for clear regulations to protect children from vehicle accidents during school bus boarding and disembarking times. Concerns were raised about the potential misuse of ticketing from these cameras, with calls for accountability from the companies involved in managing these systems. Other bills such as HB2427 and HB2455 addressed the movement of commercial vehicles across international bridges, emphasizing the need for fair competition and safety in transportation infrastructure.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Border Security May 22nd, 2025

Senate Border Security Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • "126"> By launching Operation Lone Star in 2021, Texas has been able to combat illegal crossings, cartel
  • Is it cartel-related at some point? How much of that money makes it to the cartel?
Bills: HCR40, HB214
Summary: The committee convened to discuss two significant bills: HCR40, regarding reimbursement for border security costs, and HB214, which addresses the prosecution of firearm and ammunition-related offenses. Senator Flores represented HCR40, urging Congress to reimburse Texas for expenses incurred under Operation Lone Star, citing ongoing issues with illegal crossings and drug trafficking. Though there was a commendable attempt at public testimony, none was received, and the bill was left pending with intentions for further discussions. Much emphasis was placed on the state's security responsibilities and federal inaction that led to a substantial financial burden on Texas taxpayers. In discussing HB214 introduced by Chairman Birdwell, key points included the need for refinement in identifying which offenses classify as terroristic. The members engaged in a comprehensive debate surrounding the expansion of offenses related to firearms smuggling and terrorism. Members expressed concern over including overly broad definitions that could lead to misuse of power and mislabeling of offenses. The committee's focus shifted towards creating a more precise framework that separates economic offenses from true acts of terrorism. The meeting emphasized collaboration and careful consideration in drafting legislation aimed at enhancing public safety without infringing on rights.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • p>This bill targets illegal fentanyl knockoffs created by the cartels
  • It closes those loopholes so that cartels have no incentive to keep creating these deadly substances.
Bills: SB331
Summary: In this committee meeting, the focus was primarily on S-331, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking and Fentanyl Act, aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis. The bill's key components include making permanent the class scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, confirming existing sentencing penalties, and easing registration requirements for scientific research on Schedule I substances. Numerous parents shared heartbreaking testimonies about their losses due to fentanyl, which fueled an urgent call to pass the legislation without alterations. The committee members engaged in passionate discussions highlighting the urgency of the situation as overdoses continue to claim American lives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Border Security (Part II) Apr 10th, 2025

Senate Border Security Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of cartels and other organized criminal gangs throughout
  • Organizations like the Mexican cartels, transnational criminal
  • Cartels and their threat networks operate in multi-domain environments: land, digital, financial...
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around several significant legislative proposals, notably focusing on SB2201, which aims to enhance intelligence databases to tackle organized crime, including street gangs and terrorist organizations. Senator Birdwell led the discussions by emphasizing the need for strong measures to adapt to the evolving landscape of criminal activity in Texas and proposed key amendments designed to strengthen accountability for law enforcement. Members engaged in detailed conversations with testimonies supporting the bill's intention to safeguard civil liberties while bolstering law enforcement's ability to manage public safety concerns effectively. Additionally, SB2200 and SB2199 were discussed and subsequently passed favorably to the full Senate following committee substitutions that addressed minor drafting corrections and compliance with federal standards.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part I) Apr 29th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • What this tells perpetrators, cartels, organized crime, gangs, and pimps is that you will be penalized
  • Especially in the last four years, we've seen a significant increase in the cartels exploiting...
  • Congressional report that says that in 2022, 2023, and 2024, cartels actually made more money off human
  • You're right, the main source of income and revenue for the cartels now is human trafficking.
  • span marker="361" data-time="2160"> And, of course, drugs are still making a lot of money for the cartels
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, the focus was on various bills aimed at enhancing public safety and addressing issues within the criminal justice system. Notably, Senate Bill 2460 was discussed, which allows for rapid DNA analysis at booking stations to address delays in forensic testing. The bill received support from several witnesses, including law enforcement officials, who emphasized the importance of this technology in solving cases more efficiently. Another significant topic was Senate Bill 1573, intended to provide due process protections for law enforcement officers accused of misconduct, which sparked a debate on balancing accountability and protecting the officers' reputations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • databases, they have intelligence, and they have intelligence officers on board, which are monitoring cartel
  • activity, cartels, foreign terrorist organizations, as well as...
  • understand that forfeiture is the only way that a police chief or a sheriff can actually go after the cartel
  • data-time="7128"> The way that we as police chiefs and sheriffs have the ability to actually hurt the cartel
  • We go after the cartel.
Summary: The meeting of the Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs Committee fostered extensive discussions primarily focused on the ongoing border security issues. Members of the committee, chaired by Rep. Huffman, emphasized the shifting strategies under the new federal administration and highlighted the successful implementation of SB4, which seeks to curb illegal entry into Texas. Notably, the Attorney General's Office reported a 54% decrease in illegal crossings over the past year, signaling a change in the migration trends impacting Texas, largely due to new state and federal cooperation efforts. Additionally, the committee discussed the development of Operation Lone Star, which is now a statewide initiative aimed at addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration and crime associated with it.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part III) Apr 24th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • "754" data-time="4518"> that conspired with a climate cartel
  • core of the matter, where you have out-of-control proxy advisors trying to co-opt insurers into a cartel
  • ...and cracking open the ESG cartel with ISS and Glass-Lewis
  • Action 100 included, quote unquote, the climate cartel threatening
  • State Street still has not, and therefore they still have the same commitments to that climate cartel
Summary: The meeting conducted by the committee featured an extensive discussion on multiple bills, particularly focusing on the ethics reform via SB2403, aimed at enhancing the structure and enforcement processes of the Texas Ethics Commission. The conversation revolved around establishing a three-tier system categorizing violations and enhancing procedural fairness and accountability in ethics investigations. Senator Mayes introduced a committee substitute, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that enforcement processes are transparent and just, particularly relating to minor infractions. Public testimonies in favor of the bill highlighted the need for reform, while concerns were raised about maintaining integrity in oversight mechanisms.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Jan 28th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • The price of smuggling has just gone up; the cartels charge more, and it's really increased.
  • people that we know are part of a gang, a criminal gang or cartel.
  • You can see military shooting at cartel members, cartel

  • It's bad for cartel business when they shoot across the river.
  • ...Shooting with cartel, it's bad for cartel business when
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around discussions on the budgets for the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Significant recommendations included a proposed budget of $3.7 billion for the Department of Public Safety, which reflects a decrease of $199.6 million from the previous cycle. Key topics included customer service enhancements and the increase of staff to improve operations and reduce wait times. Additionally, the Juvenile Justice Department's funding was discussed, including adjustments related to staff salary increases and facility needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Border Security May 15th, 2025

Senate Border Security Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of those drones— the drones that are being used by the cartels
Bills: HCR98, HB180
Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security convened to discuss key resolutions aimed at enhancing border security measures. Notable discussions centered around HCR98, which urges Congress to bolster intergovernmental cooperation in deploying counter-unmanned aircraft systems to address unauthorized drone activities at the border. Committee members expressed the urgency of establishing operational protocols for detecting and neutralizing drones that threaten national security. Additionally, HB180 was presented, focusing on elevating state-level cooperation with Mexican authorities to better manage cross-border challenges like drug and human trafficking. There were no public testimonies for either bill; however, HCR98 was reported favorably to the full Senate following a brief voting process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • 1636" data-time="9810"> activities, including surveillance by dangerous organizations, such as the cartels
  • sent to top officials, including our Secretary of Defense and Homeland Security, highlighting the cartel-driven
  • So if we're trying to tap into a cartel drone.
  • But cartels are using these as ISR platforms, so

  • However, we've seen evidence, and there's YouTube videos actually of them using drones against rival cartels
Summary: The meeting of the Committee covered various bills with a notable focus on HB3426, which aims to modernize how Texans access and present their driver's license by introducing a digital option. Testimonies from proponents highlighted the convenience and necessity of making identification more accessible in a digital age, while security and privacy concerns around the potential for data mishandling were also addressed. Additional discussions included HB3033, which proposes a donation mechanism for non-profits supporting Department of Public Safety employees, reinforcing community support for those in service.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • relationships to bypass enforcement, and who carried counterfeit Texas driver's licenses produced by cartels
  • ...extremely critical as far as working cartel issues?
  • mentioned earlier, we see it all the time, almost on a daily basis, fraudulent documents from the Mexican cartels
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety involved a range of discussions surrounding significant bills aimed at enhancing public safety measures, particularly in response to issues highlighted by past events. Notable was the discussion on HB33, proposed by Representative McLaughlin, which sought to overhaul school safety and establish a statewide emergency response protocol for active shooter situations. This bill emphasizes the importance of coordinated training among law enforcement and school officials to ensure a swift and effective response in emergencies, aiming to prevent delays seen in past incidents. The discussions also included input from law enforcement officials who acknowledged the necessity of improving communication and coordination between agencies, which was a highlighted failure in previous responses to crises.
US

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. May 1st, 2025 at 09:30 am

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • United States, while stepping up the work we already do together to disrupt the operations of drug cartels
  • We, as you know, have a lot of efforts by the cartels to further build out their drug trafficking.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on diplomatic nominations, featuring discussions about the implications of these roles on U.S. foreign policy. Notable was the introduction of nominees for key ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to the Dominican Republic, France, and the Netherlands. Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of U.S.-European relations, particularly in light of current global challenges, while other members voiced their concerns regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the impact on bilateral relationships. Public support for these nominations was evident, as was the committee's commitment to fostering stronger connections with allied nations, particularly in addressing security and trade issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 28th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I witnessed firsthand how cartels— Weaponize our humanitarian
  • Cartels and smuggling organizations understand that U.S. immigration law treats family units differently
  • emboldened traffickers for the dismantling of one of the most effective safeguards ever deployed against cartel-driven
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several pressing legislative issues, with a significant emphasis on immigration-related bills such as HB256 and HB253. Witnesses provided differing perspectives on the implications of these bills, particularly concerning privacy and familial integrity in the context of immigration law. Notably, there were arguments against the invasive DNA testing proposed in HB256, highlighting concerns about accuracy and the potential consequences of errors leading to wrongful separations of families. This discussion revealed a palpable tension between security measures and the preservation of individual rights, prompting the committee to consider the ethical ramifications of such legislation. Additionally, House Bill 4552 was introduced, aimed at ensuring equal treatment in government contracting, which spurred further debate on the balance of meritocracy and social equity in public sectors.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part II) Feb 12th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span>

    In reality, the valley is becoming a condo area for cartel

Summary: The Senate Committee for Criminal Justice convened to discuss several significant pieces of legislation, including SB999, SB1047, SB40, SJR1, and SJR5. Notably, SJR5 sparked a robust debate among committee members and witnesses regarding its potential implications on pre-trial detention practices. Witnesses expressed concerns about the risks of pre-emptive detention outlined in the bill and the associated human costs, particularly for those who are innocent. Testimonies highlighted the disparity in how such legislation could disproportionately affect marginalized communities and lead to increased incarceration rates without addressing the root causes of crime. Overall, the committee displayed a commitment to ensuring public safety while wrestling with the balance of due process rights for individuals.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) May 1st, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span> Venezuelan and Guatemalan illegal immigrants, the Sinaloa cartel
Summary: The committee meeting featured extensive discussions focused on time legislation, including HB1393 and SB692. The primary subject was the proposal to adopt permanent daylight saving time, which sparked diverse opinions from committee members and witnesses. Supporters like Erica Boyd, President and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, advocated for the benefits of extended daylight for outdoor activities and tourism, while others expressed health concerns and the disruption that early darkness in winter months could cause to families. Testimony revealed a split in public sentiment, further complicating the legislative decision-making process. Additional bills, such as SB2943 regarding religious freedom protections for occupational licenses, also received attention, showcasing the breadth of topics covered in this meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll tell you, SB1505 is meant to give the keys of the kingdom over to the Canadian cartel that is now
  • They're simply drug cartels masquerading as Americans.
  • License holders not affiliated with drug cartels are simply victims of predatory attorneys.
  • A regulated industry would hamper the Mexican cartels.
  • The cartels, so I won't belabor the point with you, but
Summary: The meeting of the Senate State Affairs Committee provided a platform for discussing a comprehensive agenda featuring multiple bills, particularly focusing on concerns surrounding THC regulations and its implications for public safety. Notably, Senate Bill 3, which seeks to ban consumable hemp products containing THC, drew strong public testimony from various stakeholders who expressed both support and opposition. Supporters argued the necessity to curb the proliferation of high-potency THC products in schools and among youths, while opponents warned of the potential negative economic impacts and push towards unregulated markets if such a ban were implemented.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's increasingly trafficked by cartels and transnational gangs.
  • ...cartel members and their supporters often take advantage
  • that we saw in South Texas was that sometimes these kids were taken away from their parents by the cartel
  • the good actor and the bad actor in this case where the parent may not be guilty of this, but the cartel
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved extensive discussions around several pieces of legislation aimed at improving law enforcement and addressing social issues in Texas. Notable among the bills was HB2217, introduced by Representative Wharton, which seeks to establish a grant program for equipping law enforcement vehicles with bullet-resistant components to enhance officer safety. The bill received support from multiple members who acknowledged the rising violence against law enforcement. Additionally, HB1775, which focuses on the transparency of the rape kit backlog, was also discussed, highlighting the importance of timely evidence collection in sexual assault cases. The committee heard testimonies both in support of and against various bills, showcasing a vibrant exchange of views on public safety measures and law enforcement accountability.

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