Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard commended President Donald Trump for his leadership in the capture of Leonardo Daniel “El Pato” Martinez Vera, a high-ranking Sinaloa Cartel leader accused of kidnapping and murder. Speaking on Fox & Friends Weekend, Gabbard confirmed that the October 15 operation succeeded through intelligence gathered by the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). She praised the coordination between intelligence and law-enforcement agencies, saying the arrest underscored the Trump administration’s firm stance on dismantling cartel networks exploiting the southern border.
Gabbard also highlighted the challenges posed by the ongoing government shutdown, noting that many federal officers involved in the mission were working without pay. Despite those conditions, she emphasized that the operation demonstrated the resilience and commitment of U.S. intelligence and law enforcement. The Sinaloa Cartel, officially labeled a Foreign Terrorist Organization in February 2025, has been central to U.S. efforts to curb cross-border crime. Gabbard stated that the arrest of El Pato sends “a clear deterrent message” to criminal leaders who believe they can operate with impunity.
The achievement comes amid renewed debate over border security, an issue that has seen noticeable improvement during Trump’s second term. Illegal border crossings, which reached historic highs under the Biden administration, have sharply declined, reflecting stricter enforcement policies and increased intelligence coordination. Gabbard pointed to these figures as evidence that the administration’s strategy of combining counterterrorism and anti-narcotics operations is working effectively.
Even Trump’s critics have acknowledged the results. Democratic Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders both credited the administration for its tougher border policies. Sanders recently stated that Trump “did a better job” managing border security than President Biden, arguing that the nation must maintain strong borders to remain secure. The El Pato operation stands as a symbol of renewed federal resolve to combat organized crime and protect the southern border.
