CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Attorney General JB McCuskey has joined a 16-state coalition in support of President Donald Trump’s actions to combat the drug cartels that they say are invading the country. This alleged illegal drug invasion is reportedly fueling violent crime, putting law enforcement and communities at risk, and crippling the public health system.
The attorneys general firmly believe that the President is acting within his Constitutional authority as Commander in Chief to protect the U.S. and its citizens. The attorneys general are also urging Congress to take action on this issue.
“The illegal flow of drugs across Biden’s open borders wrecked our country and destroyed countless families. We now have a President who is taking bold action to stop fentanyl from infiltrating our communities – and I am proud to stand with the Trump Administration to protect America from these deadly drugs,” Attorney General McCuskey said.
In a letter sent to President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the attorneys general note that in FY 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized nearly 22,000 lbs. of cartel-smuggled fentanyl crossing into the U.S., enough to kill the entire American population fourteen times over. In fact, the number of Americans who have died from fentanyl is now comparable to the total U.S. casualties in World War II.
Drug trafficking remains rampant in gang activity, human trafficking, and organized retail crimes, and it has significantly increased the workload for law enforcement across the nation. This influx of illegal drugs has also escalated the physical and mental health crisis, including addiction, overdose, and the spread of infectious diseases.
The attorneys general offer their continued support to the President in his efforts to “protect our country and our states.” West Virginia is among Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Utah in the coalition led by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.
Find a copy of the letter here.
