Ecuador has been placed under a state of emergency due to escalating violence and gang-related activities, causing concerns among citizens and foreign observers. The country was previously known for its tranquility and had even been listed as one of the '52 places to go' by The New York Times. However, recent events such as armed raids on a television station and a rise in assassinations have raised alarm bells.
The current situation in Ecuador is said to be linked to the troubles on the United States' southern border. Cartels from Colombia and Mexico are said to be expanding their operations into Ecuador, destabilizing the nation. This has prompted former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger to express his concern, noting that the United States has often neglected its own hemisphere's foreign policy for the past few decades.
Kinzinger, who has worked as an international guard pilot on the southern border, reveals the severe human trafficking problem plaguing the region. He emphasizes that this issue goes beyond people seeking opportunities and highlights the cartels' involvement in trafficking humans. The profits from these illicit activities often fall into the hands of the cartels, with some individuals even having to pay their families back for the journey north.
The escalating violence in Ecuador and the problems on the southern border have become major national security concerns. In December alone, there were approximately a quarter million illegal border crossings, a staggering number that is difficult to comprehend. Former Director of National Intelligence for the Obama administration, James Clapper, has also acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
The Biden administration has not been immune to criticism over its handling of the border crisis. While they claim to be working on addressing the issue, the administration has faced accusations from both sides of the aisle. They assert that congressional Republicans are impeding progress by blocking proposals for additional resources, such as 1,600 new asylum officers and 375 immigration judges.
Congressman Kinzinger acknowledges that both sides share responsibility for the failure on the border. He mentions that the administration proposed allocating funds for border security as part of other international situations, but Republicans rejected the proposal. He also highlights the need for more judges and asylum officers to tackle the backlog of cases. Kinzinger believes that comprehensive immigration reform should be a priority, as the problem at the border affects the entire nation.
The situation in Ecuador and the ongoing challenges on the southern border demonstrate that the issue extends beyond political divisions. It is a pressing American problem that requires immediate attention and comprehensive solutions. The urgency of the matter suggests that the time for action is now.
