Background on the Northeast Cartel
The Northeast Cartel, formerly known as “Los Zetas,” has been designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump due to its involvement in “atrocious crimes.” The cartel has a significant influence, particularly in the U.S.-Mexico border region, especially through the Laredo crossing.
US Treasury Department’s Actions
In response to these heinous crimes, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on two high-ranking leaders of the Northeast Cartel:
- Miguel Ángel de Anda Ledezma – responsible for overseeing the cartel’s armament procurement.
- Ricardo González Sauceda – second-in-command until his arrest by Mexican authorities in February.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s Statement
“These sanctions demonstrate our commitment to countering the cartel’s and other criminal groups’ actions that threaten the lives of U.S. citizens,” according to the statement.
“I am working towards completely eliminating the cartels and making America great again. The Trump administration will bring these terrorists to justice for their criminal acts and violent, horrific activities,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Bessent further emphasized that the cartel and its leaders have been conducting a violent campaign of intimidation, terrorism, and threats against communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
“We will continue to cripple the cartels’ abilities to acquire drugs, money, and weapons for their violent acts,” he added.
Impact on the Region
The sanctions aim to disrupt the cartel’s operations, thereby reducing their capacity to carry out violent activities. This action is part of the broader strategy by the Trump administration to combat drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms smuggling by criminal organizations along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the sanctioned leaders? Miguel Ángel de Anda Ledezma and Ricardo González Sauceda.
- What are the sanctions for? Their involvement in “atrocious crimes” committed by the Northeast Cartel, now designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
- What is the goal of these sanctions? To disrupt the cartel’s operations and reduce their capacity to carry out violent activities along the U.S.-Mexico border.
- What is the Northeast Cartel’s new designation? It has been labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.
