1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing in strong opposition to the nomination of Terry Cole to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration. Cole’s history of aggressive tactics during his time in Mexico has already alarmed both U.S. diplomats and Mexican officials, who fear his leadership will further damage one of our most sensitive international partnerships (ProPublica, May 2025). This nomination risks escalating diplomatic tensions at a time when cooperation with Mexico is essential in the fight against transnational drug trafficking. During his tenure as a DEA attaché in Mexico, Cole was nearly expelled by Mexican authorities for unauthorized operations and combative behavior. His reputation for disregarding protocol and coordination strained relationships with Mexican law enforcement, making future joint operations more difficult. Appointing someone with this track record to lead the DEA sends a message of confrontation, not collaboration. Furthermore, Cole’s nomination appears to align with President Trump’s broader pattern of appointing aggressive, loyalty-first figures to top law enforcement positions. These decisions have too often prioritized political optics over effective, accountable leadership. At a time when fentanyl-related deaths are rising and global cooperation is more critical than ever, we cannot afford to put volatile relationships ahead of thoughtful strategy. I urge you to oppose this nomination and demand a nominee who can lead the DEA with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to international cooperation.