Unit 4 Individual Project: Organized Crime Versus Terrorism

Unit 4 Individual Projectunit Organized Crime Versus Terrorismdue

Research and develop a 5-7 page paper that addresses whether the American government should focus the majority of its law enforcement resources on combating organized crime or on counter-terrorism efforts. The paper should include a detailed history of organized crime in America, including a definition of organized crime, an example of a current criminal organization operating in the United States, the types of crimes it commits, and information about its leadership if available. Additionally, discuss rival criminal organizations and their interactions. The paper should also cover the history of terrorism in the United States, emphasizing both international and domestic terrorism, highlighting that before 9/11, the most devastating terrorist attack on U.S. soil was carried out by a domestic actor. Describe various terrorist activities and the organizations behind them that have targeted or operated within U.S. territory. The discussion should include insights into transnational organized crime, the FBI's efforts to combat such organizations, and how these organizations persist despite law enforcement actions, utilizing the FBI’s broad investigative strategies and legal tools such as RICO. The paper should also address Mexico’s organized crime and drug trafficking issues, considering their significance to U.S. security and stability.

Paper For Above instruction

The debate over whether the United States should prioritize anti-organized crime initiatives or counter-terrorism efforts remains a pivotal strategic question for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the broader national security community. To understand the implications of this choice, it is essential to explore the historical development and current landscape of both organized crime and terrorism within the country. This comprehensive analysis will examine the evolution of these threats, their organizational structures, operational tactics, and the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating these clandestine activities.

Historical Perspective of Organized Crime in America

Organized crime in the United States has a long and complex history, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially fueled by waves of immigration, economic upheaval, and Prohibition-era policies, organized crime groups—most notably the Italian-American Mafia—emerged as influential entities controlling illegal enterprises. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officially recognized organized crime as a significant threat in the 1950s, with the Kefauver Hearings extensively exposing the widespread influence of these groups (FBI, 2021).

Defined broadly, organized crime refers to structured groups engaged in illegal activities with a coordinated hierarchy aiming for profit and power. These organizations operate via a chain of command, enforce discipline among members, and seek to dominate particular markets or territories. An example of a prominent contemporary criminal organization is the Sinaloa Cartel, a major drug trafficking and money laundering syndicate based in Mexico with extensive operations in the United States. The cartel specializes in smuggling narcotics such as cocaine, methamphetamines, and heroin across both land and maritime borders. Leadership within the Sinaloa Cartel includes key figures like Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán (prior to his capture and extradition) and other high-ranking lieutenants who coordinate operations across the drug supply chain.

Rivalries among criminal groups are common, often resulting in violent conflicts over territory and lucrative markets. One notable rivalry exists between the Sinaloa and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, vying for dominance in drug trafficking routes. Such conflicts exacerbate violence and make law enforcement efforts more complex and dangerous (U.S. Department of Justice, 2020).

History of Terrorism in America

The terrorist threat in the United States has evolved considerably, with a significant shift from foreign-origin threats to domestic terrorism. Before the September 11, 2001 attacks, the most devastating terrorist incident on U.S. soil was the Oklahoma City bombing of 1995, carried out by domestic extremists Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. This event underscored the threat posed by homegrown terrorists and highlighted the importance of domestic counter-terrorism strategies (FBI, 2019).

International terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda and ISIS have conducted attacks within the U.S., targeting civilians, government facilities, and critical infrastructure. Notable incidents include the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the 2017 attack in Manhattan. Domestic terrorist groups, including right-wing extremists, anarchists, and anti-government militias, have also carried out violent acts, often motivated by political, religious, or ideological beliefs. The 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville and the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City are examples of domestic terrorist acts that have shaped U.S. security policies (Counter Extremism Project, 2022).

The FBI's role in countering terrorism encompasses surveillance, intelligence gathering, and cooperation with international agencies. The establishment of the Department of Homeland Security post-9/11 significantly expanded domestic counter-terrorism capabilities, emphasizing threat prevention and community engagement. Efforts to disrupt terrorist plots before execution have included infiltration, informants, and enhanced legal measures such as the Patriot Act (Homeland Security, 2020).

Challenges of Combating Organized Crime and Terrorism

Both organized crime and terrorism pose formidable, adaptive threats to U.S. security. Organized crime groups increasingly utilize sophisticated finance mechanisms, encrypted communications, and transnational networks that operate beyond traditional jurisdictional limits. The FBI’s deployment of the RICO statute—originally designed to dismantle racketeering enterprises—has been vital in pursuing leaders of criminal organizations and breaking their grip on illegal markets (FBI, 2022).

Similarly, counter-terrorism efforts have evolved from reactive law enforcement responses to proactive intelligence-driven strategies. The use of data analytics, integration of intelligence from multiple sources, and community outreach programs aim to prevent radicalization and thwart attacks before they occur. Nevertheless, resource allocation remains contentious, as law enforcement agencies lack infinite capacity and must prioritize threats based on potential impact and feasibility (Borum, 2019).

The decision of whether to focus primarily on organized crime or terrorism, therefore, hinges on assessing which threat currently poses the greatest danger to national security. While organized crime primarily threatens economic stability and public safety through violence, drug trafficking, and corruption, terrorism directly targets lives, societal infrastructure, and international stability. Balancing resources effectively requires continual assessment and adaptive strategies that address both issues simultaneously, recognizing their interconnectedness and potential overlaps (United States Government Accountability Office, 2021).

Conclusion

In conclusion, both organized crime and terrorism represent persistent, evolving threats that necessitate substantial law enforcement resources. Historically, organized crime has deeply rooted ties with corruption and violence, while terrorism—both domestic and international—continues to pose acute risks with geopolitical and ideological motivations. Prioritizing resources depends on current threat levels, strategic objectives, and resource availability. An integrated approach that leverages intelligence, law enforcement, and community engagement is essential to effectively combat both threats and safeguard national security.

References

• Borum, R. (2019). Preventing Radicalization and Violent Extremism: Strategies and Challenges. Journal of Homeland Security, 17(2), 45-62.
• Counter Extremism Project. (2022). Domestic Terrorism Trends. Retrieved from https://www.counterextremism.com
• FBI. (2019). History of Organized Crime. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/organizedcrime
• FBI. (2021). Organized Crime. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/organized-crime
• FBI. (2022). Criminal Enterprises and the RICO Statute. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/organizedcrime/rico
• Homeland Security. (2020). Counterterrorism Strategies. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/counterterrorism
• U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). Organized Crime Threat Assessment. DOJ Report. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov
• United States Government Accountability Office. (2021). Combating Transnational Crime and Terrorism. GAO Report. Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2020). Homeland Security Strategic Plan. DHS Publication.
• U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). The Threat of Transnational Organized Crime. DOJ Report.