The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has sparked an unexpected backlash among illegal immigrants, who are now refusing to use the body of water as a route into the United States.
This shift has left coastal border patrols with significantly less work to do, while the illegal drug trade has also taken a hit.
"It's not just about the name," said Juan, an illegal immigrant from Mexico. "It feels like an erasure of our heritage, our identity."
The Department of Homeland Security reported a 75% drop in maritime border crossings since the name change was implemented.
"We've seen a marked decrease in attempts to cross via the Gulf," DHS spokesperson, Maria Lopez told The Washington Wick. "It's an interesting side effect of a simple renaming."
Mexican drug cartels, typically known for their ruthless efficiency, have also shown solidarity in refusing to use the Gulf of America as a means of smuggling or trafficking.
"We won't ship through what they call 'Gulf of America'," declared a masked cartel member, only identified as El Perdedor. "We won't send drugs, we won't send children, we won't send nothing."
The cartel's refusal to compromise has led to a significant disruption in the supply chain for dangerous deadly drugs like fentanyl, which were previously smuggled through these waters.
Critics of the renaming argue that it has done little to curb illegal immigration but has instead created a symbolic barrier.
"This is about respect, not borders," said Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a cultural historian at the University of Washington Wick. "We disrespected the cartels, and now we will be forced to pay the price."
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