This needed to happen.
The Trump administration has launched a powerful new offensive against one of the deadliest criminal organizations operating near the southern border. In a sweeping crackdown, the U.S. Treasury Department has imposed devastating sanctions on top leaders of the Cartel del Noreste (CDN) — a brutal Mexican cartel involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorist-level violence.
This move comes as part of President Trump’s renewed focus on border security, law enforcement, and national safety — top concerns for American families and taxpayers.
Cartel Leaders Targeted in High-Impact Financial Strike
The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against two high-ranking CDN operatives: Miguel Angel de Anda Ledezma and Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda — both Mexican nationals with long-standing ties to violent organized crime.
Effective immediately, any U.S.-based assets or financial interests linked to these individuals are frozen and blocked.
“These cartels are nothing short of terrorist organizations,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “President Trump is taking strong action to eliminate their influence and protect American communities.”
This declaration follows the Department of State’s designation of CDN as a foreign terrorist organization, a major policy shift that opens the door to even tougher enforcement actions.
The Trump Administration: Putting American Safety First
Secretary Bessent emphasized the urgency of the mission:
“We are committed to the total elimination of these violent networks. The Trump administration will not tolerate the kidnapping, murder, and drug smuggling that threatens our border and our families.”
This aggressive stance stands in stark contrast to the weak enforcement seen in prior administrations. Under Trump, the message is clear: America comes first.
Border Patrol Leader Warns: Cartel Threat Still Looms
Paul Perez, head of the National Border Patrol Council in the South Texas Rio Grande Valley, praised the Trump administration’s bold response.
“The cartels haven’t stopped,” said Perez. “They’re still using high-tech tools — drones, encrypted apps — to push drugs and people across the border. They are organized, violent, and relentless.”
Perez said CDN and other cartels often engage in beheadings, kidnappings, and shootouts, sometimes spilling into U.S. territory. He confirmed that Mexican law enforcement is outgunned, and cartel thugs operate with impunity south of the border.
The Fentanyl Crisis: Cartels Fueling a National Tragedy
CDN is among the major players responsible for flooding American cities with fentanyl — the synthetic opioid that has caused record-breaking overdose deaths across the nation.
“These cartels don’t care who dies,” Perez stated. “They’re trafficking poison into our towns and profiting off the destruction of American families.”
He also warned that cartel members often flee into the U.S. after violent clashes in Mexico, putting innocent citizens directly in harm’s way.
Creating Chaos Within the Cartels
By targeting CDN’s leadership, the Trump administration is strategically destabilizing the organization. Perez explained this action will spark infighting, mistrust, and collapse within the cartel’s ranks.
“This is a full-frontal assault. This kind of pressure works. President Trump is bringing the protection that American communities need.”
Restoring Law and Order Under President Trump
Perez closed with a strong endorsement of President Trump’s border strategy:
“This is what real leadership looks like. President Trump is doing exactly what he said he would — going after the cartels, keeping America safe, and not backing down. We support him 100%.”
Bottom Line: A Safer America Starts with Strong Borders
With fentanyl deaths rising, illegal crossings dropping, and cartels on the defensive, this latest move marks a critical step in President Trump’s mission to secure the border and protect American sovereignty.
As violent cartels face mounting pressure, one thing is clear: under President Trump, America is fighting back.
