Introduction
In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Friday that a 39-year-old Mexican woman, María del Rosario Navarro-Sánchez, is the first Mexican national to be charged in the United States for providing essential support to a foreign terrorist organization.
The Accused: María del Rosario Navarro-Sánchez
María del Rosario Navarro-Sánchez, a 39-year-old woman, stands accused of conspiring with others to traffick people and money, as well as supplying grenades to the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), a powerful Mexican drug-trafficking organization that the U.S. designated as a terrorist entity alongside other criminal groups in Latin America in February.
Charges Against Navarro-Sánchez
In addition to supporting the CJNG, Navarro-Sánchez faces charges of “conspiracy to smuggle and transport aliens in the United States,” “purchase and trafficking of firearms through straw buyers,” “conspiracy to smuggle large amounts of cash in excess of $10,000,” and “conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute.”
Co-defendants and Related Charges
Two Mexican men, along with Navarro-Sánchez, face firearms trafficking charges in a Texas court.
Confirmation of Arrest
Earlier this month, Mexico’s Secretary of Security, Omar García Harfuch, confirmed Navarro-Sánchez’s detention as part of a federal operation in Jalisco, western Mexico. He described her as an operative of the CJNG.
U.S. Department of Justice’s Collaboration with Mexican Law Enforcement
“The arrest of María del Rosario Navarro Sánchez should send a clear message to those who wish to align with terrorist groups: they will be pursued and face the harshest penalties under the law,” stated FBI Director Kash Patel in a press release.
The Department of Justice acknowledged the collaboration with Mexican law enforcement agencies in this case.
Context: U.S. Terrorist Designations and Immigration Policies
These terrorist designations in the U.S. coincide with the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration, which has seen numerous foreign nationals deported to third countries in Latin America.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is María del Rosario Navarro-Sánchez? A 39-year-old Mexican woman accused of supporting a designated terrorist organization in the U.S.
- What is the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG)? A powerful Mexican drug-trafficking organization that was designated as a terrorist entity by the U.S. in February 2021.
- What charges does Navarro-Sánchez face? She is charged with conspiracy to traffick people and money, supplying grenades to the CJNG, smuggling aliens, trafficking firearms, smuggling large amounts of cash, and possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute.
- Who are Navarro-Sánchez’s co-defendants? Two Mexican men facing firearms trafficking charges in a Texas court.
- What is the significance of this case? It marks the first time a Mexican national has been charged in the U.S. for supporting a designated terrorist organization, reflecting the U.S.’s efforts to combat transnational criminal activities and terrorism.
