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Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday that the United States will implement new visa restrictions on “family members and close personal and business associates” of people who have been sanctioned under President Donald Trump‘s executive order cracking down on drug cartels and trafficking.
“We will use all necessary tools to deter and dismantle the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs from entering our country,” Rubio wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The State Department posted Rubio’s full statement to its website, which said the visa restrictions will be implemented via the Immigration Nationality Act.
“Today’s action expands upon existing tools, including sanctions pursuant to E.O. 14059 and visa ineligibilities pursuant to section 212(a)(2)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for controlled substance traffickers,” Rubio’s statement said. “Imposing visa restrictions on drug traffickers, their family members, and close personal and business associates will not only prevent them from entering the United States, but it will serve as a deterrent for continued illicit activities.”
“The U.S. Department of State will use all necessary tools to deter and dismantle the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs from entering the United States and harming U.S. citizens,” it concluded.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Alex Brandon/AP