TX-03 Opinion / Editorial
“258 million lives saved.” That’s the number Pam Bondi actually threw out — crediting Trump with stopping fentanyl at the border like it was a done deal. Like it all just ended there. But here in TX-03, we’re not celebrating exaggerated numbers. We’re mourning the ones we’ve actually lost. Because the crisis didn’t stop at the border — it found its way into our schools, our neighborhoods, our homes. And no flashy soundbite is bringing those kids back.
Just this past week, a 20-year-old woman from McKinney was sentenced to 25 years for supplying the fentanyl that killed 17-year-old Mitchel Pultz — a student at McKinney High. He bought the pills on Instagram. Yeah — the same app most of us scroll for dog videos and dance trends. He got the pills, took one, and never woke up.
That wasn’t just a headline. That was our story. Our town. Our loss.
A Hidden Epidemic in Plain Sight
Fentanyl’s not grown — it’s made. A lab-built opioid, way stronger than heroin, way deadlier than it looks. Just a few grains — two milligrams — can shut down your body.
It’s showing up in fake pills that look like Oxy, Xanax, even Adderall. Sometimes it’s laced into cocaine or weed. Most folks don’t even know they’re taking it — until it’s too late.
Here in Collin County, deaths jumped from 11 in 2019 to over 70 by 2022. We don’t have full numbers for 2023 or 2024 yet, but the trend isn’t slowing down — it’s getting worse. Those aren’t just stats. They’re classmates. Neighbors. Sons and daughters.
One McKinney resident, Ivan Rojo, survived three overdoses before turning his life around. That used to be an outlier. Now? It’s alarmingly common.
What Have Our Elected Officials Done?
Gov. Abbott and state lawmakers passed a 2023 law letting prosecutors charge fentanyl dealers with murder — the same law used in the Ciana Armour case. Bold? Sure. It makes a statement.
But where’s the follow-through?
Where’s the funding for school counselors, mental health support, or addiction treatment in communities like ours? Where’s the plan to reach the kid scrolling Instagram at 2 a.m. — before he finds a dealer instead of help?
We say we’re being “tough on fentanyl.” But are we being honest about what that really takes? Arrests make headlines. Education and rehab save lives. So why are we still leading with one and barely funding the other?
And what about Rep. Keith Self? He talks about the border, about seizures — fine, that’s one piece. But here in TX-03, fentanyl isn’t crawling under fences. It’s arriving in mailboxes, showing up at high school parties, pinging through social media apps.
It’s not coming — it’s already here. And we need more than soundbites. We need someone with a plan.
What Can We Do?
Addressing the fentanyl crisis requires more than just stringent laws; it necessitates active community engagement. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Talk to Your Kids: Engage in open and honest conversations about the dangers of fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) emphasizes that even one pill can be lethal, highlighting the importance of awareness.
- Support Local Awareness Efforts: School districts like Frisco ISD and Plano ISD have initiated fentanyl education campaigns. Frisco ISD hosted a town hall featuring local officials and medical experts to discuss the crisis. Plano ISD has conducted classroom presentations and community events to educate students and parents.
- Demand Action: Advocate for your local government and school boards to prioritize prevention programs. Engage with representatives like Rep. Keith Self to inquire about comprehensive strategies to combat the crisis.
- Look Out for Each Other: Be vigilant and supportive of those who may be struggling with addiction. Community support can be a lifeline for individuals in need.
This issue transcends politics; it’s about safeguarding our community and ensuring the well-being of our loved ones.
We lost a teenager in McKinney. We’re losing more in silence. We don’t need another press release — we need urgency, action, and accountability. The plan starts at home. But it damn well better end at City Hall, the school board, and Congress, too.
This piece is an editorial from TX3DNews.com, grounded in verified facts, public records, and the lived realities of our TX-03 community. It reflects the voice and concerns of North Texans who are tired of headlines without action. We tell these stories because they’re ours — and because silence helps no one.