drug cartels

Mexican drug cartels have added weaponized drones to their arsenal, turning cheap commercial drones into tools for assassination and battlefield-style attacks. This development is driving U.S. counter drone efforts on the border.

The detention and killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, sparked a wave of violence in over 20 states with 252 violent events. But one of the first sparks, happened in Reynosa, Tamaulipas.

The warning comes due to ongoing security operations, road blockages, and criminal activity. U.S. citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon are advised to shelter in place until further notice.

The unprecedented show of security cooperation comes as top Mexican officials are in Washington trying to head off the Trump administration's threat of imposing 25% tariffs on all Mexican imports.

As the US officially designates six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups, Mexico's president warns the United States against any violation of its territory.

Fabio Ochoa, one of Colombia's legendary drug lords and a key operator of the Medellin cartel, has been deported back to the South American country, where he has walked free.

The drug war in Mexico has claimed thousands of lives in the country over the span of three presidents. Alexander Aviña — an expert on immigration and state violence in Mexico — discusses the drug war, the 2024 Mexican presidency, and the ongoing militarization of both Mexico and the Texas-Mexico border.

Alexander Aviña, associate professor of history at Arizona State University, discusses the historical precedent of drug violence in Mexico, the United State's role, and possible solutions moving forward.

Professor Jenny Clark of South Texas College said smuggling operations have gotten much more sophisticated.

Mexican cities have seen widespread arson and shootings by drug cartels. The gangs appear to be targeting stores, vehicles and bystanders in response to disputes or attempts to capture gang members.