LIVE: Pete Hegseth addresses America's Counter Cartel Coalition forum in Panama City

Panama's Role in Combating Organized Crime [0:00]

• Panama is committed to integrity and working with other nations to combat transnational criminal organizations (TCOs).
• Drug trafficking activities in one year have mobilized drugs equivalent to over a year's security budget for Panama.
• In the last 18 months, Panama, with U.S. support, seized $174 million in assets and enhanced capacities to fight organized crime.

  "For a country like most of ours, alone we can't do everything, and alone we can't fight against TCOs and organized crime."

U.S. Support and Equipment for Panama [1:20]

• The U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, has been instrumental in providing equipment such as fast boats and scanners.
• These resources, along with the efforts of Panamanian personnel, have been crucial in the fight against organized crime.

  "I have to mention again the ambassador of Panama present here for the United States, Kevin, has been very helpful so that these equipment and everything, the fast boats, the scanners, the communication systems, everything, any type of resources that have been available to us due to his help."

Environmental and Social Impact of Drug Trafficking [2:00]

• A $3 million donation was made to clean up the Darien, which has been severely contaminated by drug trafficking activities.
• Over a million people have passed through the Darien, with drug trafficking organizations contributing to its ecological damage.

  "These activities, in one decade, have been mobilizing drugs the equivalent over 200 yearly budget for security of Panama."

Call for Joint Action Against Crime [3:00]

• The President of Panama thanked leaders for their participation and urged continued joint efforts with a shared vision.
• He emphasized that the fight against crime is a collective responsibility for the benefit of all nations.

  "I invite all of you to keep working jointly, sharing the same vision and adding forces to fight against this crime for our society altogether."

U.S. Ambassador's Remarks on Borderless Crime [4:00]

• U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera highlighted that cartels do not recognize borders and that past resistance efforts led to more violence.
• He expressed pride in leading efforts on behalf of President Trump and the embassy in Panama.

  "These cartels do not recognize borders. And for many years, they didn't counter or were met with resistance."

Panama's Leading Role and Shared Success [4:30]

• Panama has become a leading country in combating drug trafficking, with significant seizures and collaboration with U.S. equipment and units.
• This success is attributed to shared work, including coast patrols, reinforced borders, and a task force against money laundering.

  "During the last years, Panama has been converted in a leading country in the fight against drug trafficking with large seizures and working with our equipment and units."

Senator Moreno's Personal Journey and Call to Action [5:30]

• Senator Bernie Moreno shared his personal story of immigrating from Colombia and finding opportunity in the U.S.
• He stated that narco-terrorists pillage, corrupt, and rob Latin Americans of their rights, affecting the entire hemisphere.

  "There is a reason, though, that the American dream that I just outlined does not exist the way it should in Latin America. And the reason for that is because we have narco-terrorists that have roamed free."

Economic Security as National Security [7:00]

• Senator Moreno emphasized that economic security is inseparable from national security and is a powerful weapon against criminal networks.
• He advocated for favorable trade agreements with allied nations to counter China and provide opportunities.

  "When legitimate businesses thrive and young people see the real opportunity for a good life, the drug cartels lose their recruiting base and their hold on communities."

General Donovan's Update on Coalition Efforts [10:00]

• General Francis Donovan reported on the success of Operation Southern Spear, noting significant reductions in maritime drug trafficking.
• He outlined next steps for the America's Counter-Cartel Coalition (ACCC), including refining campaign plans and designating lead nations.

  "Our strength is in our complementary, complementary capabilities. And persistence and unity will drive scale and will drive victory."

Secretary Hegseth's Aggressive Stance and Operation Southern Spear Success [13:00]

• Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared the Department of War is done with "nonsense" like gender issues and climate change, focusing on real threats.
• Operation Southern Spear has been a "resounding success," with record drops in maritime drug flows and U.S. fatal drug overdoses.

  "We have knocked the narco-terrorists in the maritime domain on their heels. We've forced them to adjust their tactics, techniques, and procedures, their TTPs, and operate outside of their comfort zones."

Rejection of Failed Strategies and ICC [15:00]

• Hegseth criticized the "fake news media" and the Biden administration for ignoring border crises and promoting failed strategies.
• He warned against the international left's attempt to assert ICC jurisdiction over U.S. and partner military personnel, urging ACCC members to leave the ICC.

  "The left-wing media wants us to return to the failed strategies of the past, when America neglected our own neighborhood and our own neighborhoods."

New Motto and Commitment to Action [18:00]

• Secretary Hegseth announced the new motto of the ACCC: "We do bad things to bad people."
• He pledged that under President Trump, the Americas will "make the Americas great again" through concrete actions and partnership.

  "The Trump administration knows that a safer backyard means a safer home. You can't have prosperity without security."