The U.S. has ramped up its efforts against transnational criminal organizations. As part of President Donald Trump’s initiative, the U.S. designated six Mexican drug cartels and two gangs from Central and South America as foreign terrorist organizations last Thursday.
The Designated Groups:
– Sinaloa Cartel
– Jalisco New Generation Cartel
– Gulf Cartel
– Northeast Cartel
– La Nueva Familia Michoacana
– United Cartels
– Tren de Aragua (Venezuela)
– Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13, El Salvador)
The goal is to stop these groups from flooding the U.S. with drugs, particularly fentanyl, and to curb the violence that has claimed countless lives in Latin America. In this week’s episode of Border Report Live, host Daniel Marin and correspondents Julian Resendiz, Salvador Rivera, and Sandra Sanchez examine the implications of this foreign terrorist organization designation.
Targeting Financial Networks
A key aspect of this designation is the focus on the financial side of these organizations. It allows the U.S. to seize assets and identify businesses that support these groups on both sides of the border.
Border security experts tell Border Report that it is unlikely U.S. troops will conduct military operations on Mexican soil. Instead, the U.S. and Mexico have been applying pressure on cartels by disrupting drug and migrant smuggling routes. Both countries have sent troops to the border, and the U.S. has deployed special forces to train Mexican marines. Additionally, the U.S. has provided surveillance drone flights at Mexico’s request.
Cartel Activity Continues
Despite these efforts, cartel activity persists along the border. During a recent ride-along with Border Patrol officials, Border Report visited a spot where thousands of colorful wristbands littered the ground. Smugglers use these wristbands to group migrants by nationality, payment, or the number of crossing attempts.
During the hourslong tour, no migrant encounters were observed, indicating that cartels are operating more stealthily and on a smaller scale.
Shifts in Smuggling Tactics
Authorities in San Diego have noticed a shift in smuggling tactics at the border. In recent weeks, there has been an uptick in maritime smuggling events. Since January 19, the U.S. Coast Guard and border agents have intercepted at least six boats carrying migrants off the coast of the San Diego region. In January, a suspected smuggling boat capsized off the coast of Ocean Beach, resulting in the drowning of one woman.
Tragic Incident in Mexico
This week, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued a warning against cartels after an improvised explosive device (IED) killed a rancher in Mexico. Antonio Céspedes Saldierna, 74, and another man were killed by the IED on a dirt road in San Fernando, Mexico, about 90 miles south of the border. The rancher’s wife was injured in the incident.
The new measures and designations highlight the U.S. government’s commitment to combating cartel activity and reducing the flow of drugs and violence into the country. As the situation evolves, continued cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico will be crucial in addressing these challenges.
Source: WWLP 22 News
