A February 5, 2024, document from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has unveiled an aggressive new approach to dismantling some of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world. The strategy targets four major cartels:
- Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
- Sinaloa Cartel
- Tren de Aragua
- MS-13
This announcement follows President Donald Trump’s executive order labeling cartels as terrorist organizations, a move mirrored by Canada shortly after.
What Does the DOJ Strategy Entail?
The DOJ’s new directive expands prosecutorial power by enabling:
- Increased cross-agency collaboration between federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
- Selective arrests and extraditions focusing on high-ranking cartel leaders.
- Economic sanctions against individuals and entities financing these organizations.
- Deportation and expulsion measures for cartel-affiliated individuals within U.S. borders.
A Shift in Law Enforcement Priorities
According to the DOJ document, the “total elimination” of cartels requires a resource-intensive, case-by-case approach. Prosecutors are urged to prioritize individuals who:
- Hold leadership roles within these organizations.
- Have direct links to violence or fatalities affecting U.S. citizens.
- Are operating within U.S. territory or directing criminal activities from abroad.
Low-level operatives involved in narcotics trafficking may be exempt from prosecution if they qualify for legal relief or minor sentencing adjustments.
Cartels’ Influence on U.S. Territory
The DEA’s latest report confirms that CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel have extensive operations across the U.S., reinforcing the urgency of this crackdown.
Key Concerns:
- Escalating fentanyl crisis: Cartels are the primary suppliers of illicit fentanyl, fueling record-breaking overdose deaths in the U.S.
- Weaponized violence: Cartel-affiliated gangs like MS-13 are responsible for homicides, human trafficking, and extortion in major American cities.
- Cross-border threats: Tren de Aragua, originally from Venezuela, has expanded into Mexico and the U.S., increasing transnational crime risks.
Potential Impacts of This Crackdown
- Stronger U.S.-Mexico collaboration on security policies and intelligence sharing.
- Harsher financial sanctions on suspected cartel associates, limiting money laundering.
- Increased scrutiny on border crossings to disrupt smuggling operations.
However, critics warn that these measures could push cartel activities further underground, leading to more violence in Mexico and Latin America.
What Comes Next?
With this initiative, the U.S. signals an unprecedented escalation in its fight against transnational criminal networks. The question remains: Will this strategy be effective, or will cartels adapt and survive?
Stay tuned as law enforcement agencies begin executing these measures in the coming months.
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