From the Desk of Connie Whelchel, Oregon Republican Party Chairwoman

Oregonians woke up to disturbing news Tuesday: a Sinaloa cartel leader-a formerly-deported illegal immigrant living in Salem-had been arrested after trafficking millions of fentanyl pills and other deadly drugs throughout the western United States. The five-state federal investigation and arrests also yielded a record-breaking cache of lethal drugs-methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine-41 firearms, and millions of dollars in cash. The scale of this criminal enterprise is staggering, and it was happening right here in our backyard. This discovery confirms what many Oregonians already know: Democrat policies have made Oregon a haven for criminal enterprises and a danger zone for law-abiding families.

This isn’t about one arrest; this is about the environment that allowed it to happen. Oregon’s soft-on-crime sanctuary policies have created fertile ground for dangerous organizations like the Sinaloa cartel to thrive. Just two weeks ago, 46 Honduran nationals tied to the Sinaloa cartel were arrested in Portland on drug trafficking charges. Over 1.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl were seized in that operation-enough to kill every Portland resident twice.

While the national death rate from fentanyl declined from 2022-2024, Oregon’s drug overdose death rate rose by over 31% between 2022 and 2023, and another 24% between 2023 and 2024. Fentanyl is now the leading killer of Americans aged 18 to 35. These aren’t just statistics-they are our sons, daughters, friends, and neighbors.

Allowing foreign gangs, drug traffickers, and violent criminals to operate freely in our communities is not compassion-it’s gross negligence. And Oregonians are paying the price.

Real compassion means welcoming immigrants through a legal process-ensuring they have the opportunity to work, thrive, and contribute without fear or exploitation. Real compassion means enforcing our laws and protecting our communities. That’s how we honor both American citizens and those seeking a better life in America.

This latest bust is not just a tragedy-it’s a wake-up call. Oregonians must demand leadership that puts safety, security, and common sense ahead of failed ideology. We can-and must-do better.