Cartels news and reports on Federal Newswire

Recently, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned several individuals with ties to the Sinaloa drug cartel. A press release from the Department of the Treasury on September 26th provided details of the individuals and the implications of the sanction.

Chief Jason Owens: "USBP has seized 69,000+ lbs. of narcotics between the ports of entry"

Jason Owens, Chief of U.S Border Patrol, provided a glimpse into the staggering amount of narcotics seized along the southern border during the 2023 fiscal year. In a tweet on Sep 26th, Chief Owens revealed that the U.S Border Patrol (USBP) had confiscated over 69,000 pounds of narcotics between the ports of entry. The breakdown of the seizures includes more than 40,000 pounds of marijuana, 13,000 pounds of methamphetamine, 11,000 pounds of cocaine, and 2,700 pounds of fentanyl.

Actions being discussed to combat cartels: ‘The human toll that the Mexican drug cartels have inflicted across the world is staggering’

There has been a growing sentiment amongst certain portions of the American public that not enough is being done to fight the Mexican drug cartels. The America First Policy Institute recently released a report in which they gave their thoughts on this issue.

South Carolina AG: ‘It might surprise people that cartel drug trafficking happens in South Carolina, but it does and we’re fighting to stop it’

Recent reports have shown that the effects of Mexican drug cartels reach deep into the United States, not just border states. One of the states affected is South Carolina, whose Attorney General Alan Wilson is trying to prosecute cartel members in South Carolina.

U.S. Treasury sanctions 10 individuals responsible for fentanyl and drug trafficking

The U.S. Treasury recently sanctioned 10 individuals, many of whom are affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel. Under Secretary Brian Nelson said on X , formerly Twitter, that these individuals were responsible for smuggling fentanyl and other drugs into the US.

Homeland Security Waives Legal Requirements to Expedite Barrier Construction on Texas Border

In a move to bolster border security efforts, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would expedite the construction of barriers and roads along the international land border in Starr County, Texas. The decision, made under the authority of Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, aims to curb illegal entries into the United States.

Mayorkas: 'The international dimension to the deadly scourge of fentanyl requires the all-of-government response that we are delivering today'

Joint task force takes down major fentanyl precursor supply chain

Mayorkas: 'There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States'

Immediate need for border security intensifies; New construction plans revealed

Montana Governor: ‘Drug cartels are trafficking fentanyl across the southern border and into Montana’

By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2023

Over the past several years, the number of fentanyl overdose deaths in Montana have skyrocketed, as even that far away state is being inundated with the effects of cartel influence. According to Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, the U.S.-Mexico border needs to be secured.

New Google search loophole has contributed to increase of online drug sales

By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2023

Borderland Beat, a blog known for reporting on organized crime and drug trafficking, recently revealed a new loophole in the Google search engine that has contributed to an increase in online drug sales. According to a blog post from Sept. 28, hackers have exploited this loophole to post advertisements for illegal drugs on trusted government and education websites, boosting the online sale of narcotics.

Artificial Intelligence raises concern over its potential for Terrorist application

A document posted by C/O Futures discusses the potential for AI to be used by terrorist organizations. Concern has been raised over chat bots facilitating criminal activity.

Border Patrol addresses ongoing challenges amid soaring encounters

Thousands of migrants were encountered in a single day at the Brownsville Station, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. Border Patrol. In a statement issued on September 28, Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez emphasized the difficult tasks that agents are facing on a daily basis. She stated, "'Over 1,800 migrants encountered today'" and expressed her pride in the agents working tirelessly to manage the evolving situation.

Green: 'Secretary Mayorkas is Wasting Taxpayer Dollars and the Cartels are Profiting'

Green highlights the high human and financial toll of the current open-border policies, accusing Secretary Mayorkas of making American communities more dangerous. On September 20, 2023, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN), took aim at DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a hearing that launched the fourth phase of an ongoing oversight investigation into the border crisis.

Mayorkas: 'SSP grants have provided critical support to communities receiving migrants and the need for this support is ongoing'

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the allocation of over $12.2 million in grants aimed at assisting communities that host migrants. These funds are an extension of previous grants disbursed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as part of the Shelter and Services Program (SSP).

Hobbs: 'Federal officials need to put politics aside and pass real solutions that will give our state the resources it needs to manage the increase in migrants at the border'

Arizona allocated tens of millions in state funds for border security in 2023 and is now calling on federal intervention. Governor Katie Hobbs is urging federal officials to "put politics aside and pass real solutions that will give our state the resources it needs to manage the increase in migrants at the border." Citing rising concerns over increased border crossings and the potential for a federal government shutdown, Governor Hobbs joined forces with community leaders along the border to urgently call for federal intervention to enhance border security in the state.

Stein: 'All it takes is a quick glance at the numbers to understand why they were trying so hard to hide the harsh reality from the American public'

FAIR President Dan Stein has responded to the Department of Homeland Security's release of border encounter statistics for August, calling the situation a "disaster." Stein, who is the President of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), expressed concern over what he described as "record-breaking" figures and criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the border crisis.

NY Gov. Hochul deploys National Guard to manage migrant crisis

Governor Kathy Hochul deploys additional 150 National Guard members to assist asylum seekers

Gosar: 'Every city in America has become a border city. Drugs and criminals, including hundreds of terrorists, are pouring into our backyards'

Congressional delegation inspects NYC migrant facility, criticizes use of national parks

Miller: 'CBP remains vigilant in the face of ruthless smugglers and transnational criminal organizations who exploit vulnerable migrants, the same criminal organizations trafficking in lethal drugs that...

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a significant increase in drug seizures for the month of August 2023. Despite a decrease in migration rates compared to the previous year, the agency has seen a surge in the seizure of dangerous narcotics.

U.S. and Mexico officials convene to address border security and migrant crisis