Sin Fronteras: Fentanyl, Weapon of Mass Destruction?

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
PROGRAM #10993 12:00 PM PT

Sin Fronteras. This is a program of “Sin Fronteras,” a special series to serve audiences in the US and Mexico with breaking news and analysis about major developments impacting Latinos in the US.

Guests: Mariana Pineda, Reporter, Houston, TX; Araceli Martinez, Reporter, Los Angeles, CA; Jose Lopez Zamorano, Correspondent, Washington, DC.

Fentanyl: Weapon of Mass Destruction? 

The White House took an unprecedented step by declaring fentanyl a “weapon of mass destruction,” linking its production and distribution to direct threats to national security. The measure reinforces the narrative of war against cartels, already classified as terrorist organizations, and justifies military action. What does this plan do to reduce drug use and overdose deaths? In what context was this order given? How does it connect to the current attacks on Venezuela? How would it impact Mexico and Colombia, and what is the reaction of these countries?

Guest: Maritza Pérez Medina, Director of the Office of Federal Affairs, Drug Policy Alliance, Washington, DC.

Crime Survivors Left More Vulnerable. ICE’s aggressive tactics are weakening the U visa, which is granted to crime survivors so they can safely cooperate with law enforcement. Some within the administration are proposing to eliminate the program. A new human rights report examines the threats to this protection. What is changing in the system? What are the report’s main findings? Why is this visa a vital lifeline for many immigrants?

Guest: Angélica César, U.S. Program Fellow, Human Rights Watch, Phoenix, AZ.

Texas and Florida Target Mifepristone. Republican-led states have filed a new lawsuit seeking to restrict access to Mifepristone, commonly known as the abortion pill. The suit demands overturning FDA rules, arguing that allowing the medication to be delivered by mail undermines state abortion bans. What does science say about this drug? What does this new litigation mean for reproductive health? What debates surround its use? And what would be the consequences for women if the courts decide its future?

Guest: Alejandra Soto, Director of Latino Communications, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, New York, NY.

Health Insurance with High Deductibles Puts Patients in a Bind. Health insurance plans available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance marketplace, which require patients to pay high amounts before insurance covers most services, have become increasingly common. In 2026, premiums for these plans will be higher, and it is very likely that several subsidies will end before the year is out. Which groups are most severely affected by this type of insurance? How does this situation impact the Latino community, and what urgent changes are needed for insurance to truly protect patients?

Guest: Paula Andalo, Ethnic Media Editor, KFF Health News, Silver Spring, MD.

Photo: DEA via flickr

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