U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday announced new visa restrictions targeting the families and close associates of foreign fentanyl traffickers, a move he described as essential to “deter and dismantle” the deadly drug’s flow into the United States.
“The fentanyl crisis in the United States is unprecedented, with overdoses remaining the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44,” Rubio said in a statement.
The State Department’s new policy bars entry into the U.S. for family members and business partners of traffickers involved in the fentanyl trade. According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott, the sanctions will act both as a preventive measure and a warning.
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“This move will not only prevent them from entering the United States, but also serve as a deterrent for continued illicit activities,” Piggott said.
Rubio noted that over 40% of Americans reportedly know someone who has died from an opioid overdose, with the country averaging more than 220 overdose deaths per day in 2024.
“We will use every necessary tool to stop fentanyl and other illicit drugs from entering the United States and harming U.S. citizens,” he emphasized.
Fentanyl’s Devastating Toll
Fentanyl continues to pour into the U.S., often smuggled across the southern and northern borders by cartels and other criminal organizations. In 2024 alone, fentanyl was linked to the deaths of 48,422 Americans, according to the CDC.
During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump vowed to combat the crisis through stronger border security and aggressive action against drug traffickers. Since taking office, Trump has deployed troops to the southern border, designated cartel leaders as foreign terrorist organizations, and imposed financial sanctions on trafficking networks.
Seizures Drop, But Enforcement Ramps Up
Despite the crisis, some data suggest changing trends. The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) recently reported that U.S. fentanyl seizures dropped by 50% since the November election. CIS views this as a strong indicator of a broader decline in fentanyl smuggling.
In May 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced one of the largest fentanyl busts in U.S. history. Authorities seized:
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409 kilos of fentanyl pills
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11.5 kilos of fentanyl powder
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35 kilos of methamphetamine
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7.5 kilos of cocaine
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4.5 kilos of heroin
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$5 million in cash
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49 firearms
Sixteen suspects were arrested, six of whom are reportedly in the U.S. illegally.
“Fentanyl is a weapon of mass destruction,” Bondi warned. “When we catch you like all of these individuals, if convicted, we will put you behind bars… for as long as humanly possible.”
“We will not negotiate with those who are killing our family members — brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, parents, friends — everyone in this room.”
