Shield of America w/Mike Vigil

Mike Vigil, identified in the episode as a former Chief of International Operations for the DEA, about the Shield of the Americas, counterterrorism designations, drug policy, immigration enforcement, and election integrity. Vihill offers his perspective on the initiative’s capacity and explains how US foreign-terrorist designations differ from existing tools for targeting criminal networks. Mike Vihill argues that the Shield of the Americas lacks the judicial, financial-intelligence, military, and policing capacity needed for its stated security mission. He says excluding Mexico and Brazil limits the coalition because of their scale, geographic reach, and law-enforcement capabilities. Vihill outlines the US foreign-terrorist designation process, including agency review, consultation among officials, and a seven-day congressional review period. He distinguishes profit-driven criminal networks from terrorist organizations pursuing political or ideological goals, while noting overlap in tactics can complicate comparisons. Vihill argues existing laws, including the Foreign Narcotic Kingpin Designation Act, already provide tools to target drug-trafficking organizations. The discussion covers drug-interdiction priorities, including ports of entry, domestic demand, and weapons flows into Mexico. Sherry and Vihill discuss immigration enforcement, voting procedures, election claims, and public participation in elections. Vihill closes by questioning the consistency of drug-enforcement policy, citing presidential pardons discussed in the interview.