Trump’s Sanctions Hit Cartel del Noreste Hard in Border Crime Crackdown

The Trump administration has launched a bold offensive against one of the deadliest cartels plaguing the U.S.-Mexico border, targeting the Cartel del Noreste (CDN) with fresh sanctions. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has frozen the U.S.-based assets of two high-ranking CDN members, Miguel Angel de Anda Ledezma and Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda, signaling a no-holds-barred approach to dismantling organized crime.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent didn’t mince words, declaring the administration’s goal is the 'total elimination' of cartels to restore safety across America. He described CDN’s reign of terror—marked by kidnappings, beheadings, and rampant drug trafficking—as a direct threat to communities on both sides of the border. These sanctions aim to choke off the cartel’s access to drugs, cash, and weapons, crippling their operations.

Despite recent success in curbing illegal border crossings, the cartels remain a persistent menace. Paul Perez, a South Texas Border Patrol leader, told WTFNewsRoom that CDN’s sophisticated tactics, including the use of drones, make them a formidable enemy. 'They’re not your average street gang,' Perez said. 'They’ve got seasoned operatives who know how to move their product—fentanyl, people, you name it.'

In Mexico, cartels like CDN operate with near impunity, overwhelming local law enforcement. Perez noted that cartel gunfights often spill over into the U.S., with members fleeing north and endangering American lives. By targeting CDN’s leadership, the Trump administration hopes to spark internal chaos within the cartel, weakening its grip on the border.

This aggressive stance marks a sharp departure from the previous administration’s approach, with President Donald Trump doubling down on his campaign promise to protect American citizens. 'He’s not afraid of the cartels,' Perez said, praising the administration’s resolve. 'This is the protection we’ve been waiting for.'