VFAF A MOMENT IN HISTORY – 3-15-24. Now–Trump Administration Assistant Drug Czar Victor Avila (ONDCP—Office of National Drug Control Policy) was featured in Border Invasion: An American Crisis by Veterans for America First and appeared in dozens of media interviews promoting a secure border under a Trump administration, as reflected in the film produced and directed by Stan Fitzgerald with Jared Craig.
As the ONDCP is becoming publicly active Victor was featured in the El Paso Times recently: https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/crime/2026/02/05/el-pasoan-victor-avila-plays-key-role-in-president-donald-trump-administration-jaime-zapata/88432037007/
From the article:
Summary: “El Pasoan Victor Avila plays key role in Trump administration” (El Paso Times, Feb. 5, 2026)
Background & Personal History
- Victor Avila is an El Paso native who survived a brutal ambush by members of the Los Zetas drug cartel in Mexico in 2011 while on assignment as a federal agent; his partner Special Agent Jaime Zapata was killed in that attack.
- Avila was shot multiple times but survived, and the experience deeply shaped his views on border security.
Career Path
- Avila began his career in law enforcement as a state parole officer in Texas, then moved through federal roles, including as a probation officer and later as a special agent with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
- Throughout his career, Avila worked on complex investigations involving drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking, and organized crime in cooperation with international partners.
Role in the Trump Administration
- Avila now serves as the Assistant Director for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) — colloquially known as the drug czar’s office — under President Donald Trump.
- In this role, he is involved in shaping and implementing federal drug policy, particularly focusing on combatting drug cartel operations, border security issues, and related criminal enterprises.
His Perspective & Advocacy
- Avila uses his personal experiences — notably surviving the cartel ambush and losing his partner Zapata — to advocate for stronger border security, tougher anti-cartel measures, and reforms in immigration and law enforcement policy.
- He emphasizes that his commitment to public safety comes from having “skin in the game,” given what he has personally endured.
Recognition
- The article recounts Avila’s testimony and reflections when visiting El Paso, as well as comments from allied officials, including representatives of the Trump administration acknowledging his service and value.
Victor Avilia was a National Ambassador with VFAF Veterans for America First / Veterans for Trump prior to entering the Trump administration.
Watch the trailer for Border Invasion:
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