Sinaloa Cartel Leader Admits Trump Policies Hindered Operations, CNN Reports
MEXICO – A high-ranking, masked leader of the Sinaloa cartel has publicly acknowledged that former U.S.President Donald Trump’s border security and anti-drug measures considerably complicated the institution’s illicit activities, according too a CNN exclusive report.The interview,conducted in the back seat of an off-road vehicle with the cartel member concealing his identity behind a black mask,sunglasses,and gloves,offers a rare glimpse into the impact of U.S. policy on Mexico’s most notorious drug cartel.
The CNN report details how increased border enforcement under the Trump administration has driven up the cost for migrants attempting to cross into the United States. Previously around $6,500, the price charged by cartels to facilitate border crossings has reportedly risen to $10,000 since the implementation of stricter policies.This admission comes as the U.S. considers further aggressive action against cartels, potentially including military intervention in Latin America.
CNN correspondent David Culver stated the cartel member “did everything,” from murder to coordinating smuggling operations, detailing a violent past. when asked directly if Trump’s policies made their work more arduous, the cartel leader responded unequivocally: “Oh yeah. Yeah.” Pressed further, he confirmed, ”Yep,” that operations were becoming harder.
The cartel leader also confessed to personal involvement in killings, stating, “I did what I had to do,” but explained his willingness to speak out stemmed from a desire to dissuade young people from joining the cartels. ”It’s not a life. It’s not good,” he said in fragmented English, adding a stark warning in Spanish: “If you enter, you can’t come out of there.”
This is not the first instance of cartel figures acknowledging the effectiveness of the Trump administration’s approach. Margarito “Jay” Flores Jr., a former money launderer for El Chapo’s cartel, told Fox News that an “aggressive approach will convey a strong message to all latin American drug dealers.” NBC News reports the U.S. is preparing potential military actions against cartels, extending beyond the border into countries like Venezuela, signaling a continuation of this “aggressive approach” as part of its foreign policy strategy.
