The Trump Administration announced on Apr. 14 that it is imposing sanctions on senior operatives of the Cártel del Noreste (CDN) and casinos linked to the group. The measures are aimed at disrupting the cartel’s money laundering, drug trafficking, and human smuggling operations along border corridors including Nuevo Laredo.
The CDN has been identified as one of Mexico’s most violent criminal organizations. The United States has previously designated it as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Officials say these actions target the financial and logistical networks that allow the cartel to operate.
According to the announcement, CDN's activities—including a March 2022 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo—have threatened U.S. personnel, undermined Mexican sovereignty, and destabilized communities near the border. By targeting revenue streams and safe havens for CDN, officials say they aim to protect lawful cross-border commerce, safeguard American border communities, stop drug trafficking such as fentanyl into the United States, and support joint efforts with Mexico against narco-terrorism.
The administration said this action continues President Trump’s pledge "to protect our homeland, counter drug trafficking, dismantle human smuggling networks, and confront the corruption and violence that these foreign organizations fuel throughout our region." It also emphasized its commitment "to use all tools available to disrupt and dismantle narco-terrorist groups that endanger the United States and our partners."
Sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 14059—which targets international proliferation of illicit drugs—and Executive Order 13224 related to terrorism financing. This marks the third time during this administration that action has been taken against CDN leadership or affiliates.
