The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control has sanctioned two high-ranking members of the Cartel del Noreste (CDN), a Mexico-based organization formerly known as Los Zetas. The sanctions, announced on May 21, target Miguel Angel de Anda Ledezma and Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda for their roles in drug trafficking and other criminal activities. CDN is recognized as one of Mexico's most violent drug trafficking organizations and is designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States.
According to Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, "In working toward the total elimination of cartels to Make America Safe Again, the Trump Administration will hold these terrorists accountable for their criminal activities and abhorrent acts of violence." He added that CDN leaders have engaged in intimidation, kidnapping, and terrorism affecting communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The sanctions were imposed under Executive Orders 14059 and 13224, targeting illicit drug proliferation and terrorist supporters. The investigation involved collaboration between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's San Antonio office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' San Antonio office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Division. Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit also played a role in coordinating these efforts.
De Anda is identified as overseeing gun procurement for CDN from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. He facilitated payments to U.S. straw purchasers for firearms later used in terrorist activities. Gonzalez Sauceda was arrested by Mexican authorities in February 2025 after leading an armed enforcement wing within CDN responsible for attacks on Mexican police and military forces.
These designations block all property interests related to De Anda and Gonzalez within U.S. jurisdiction or control by U.S. persons. Transactions involving blocked individuals are prohibited unless authorized by OFAC.
Violations of these sanctions may lead to civil or criminal penalties under OFAC guidelines. Engaging with designated individuals poses risks of secondary sanctions under Executive Order 13224.
OFAC emphasizes that its sanctioning power aims not only at punishment but also at encouraging positive behavioral changes among designated entities or individuals.
For further information on seeking removal from an OFAC list such as the SDN List, refer to OFAC’s FAQ 897.
