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The administration of President Donald Trump has significantly increased pressure on drug trafficking networks operating in Mexico and, according to statements made by the United States’ drug czar, investigations are no longer focused solely on cartel leaders but also on public officials allegedly involved in protecting criminal organizations for years.

Sara Carter, one of the leading voices behind the White House’s anti-drug strategy, revealed that U.S. authorities have taken action against individuals connected to what she described as the “Culiacán clan,” a network that allegedly provided political and operational protection to the Sinaloa Cartel and its factions known as Los Chapitos and Los Mayitos.

Her remarks represent one of the strongest statements yet from a senior U.S. official regarding the possible involvement of government figures in supporting criminal organizations operating within Mexican territory.

“We have gone after people in Sinaloa, all the officials who are part of the Culiacán clan, who have protected the Sinaloa Cartel, Los Chapitos and Los Mayitos, the entire operation of ‘El Chapo,’” Carter said while discussing actions undertaken by Washington against structures that allegedly enabled the expansion of one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere.

The official argued that these developments have been made possible through a foreign policy based on firmness and credibility. According to Carter, governments throughout the hemisphere understand that President Donald Trump follows through on his commitments and is prepared to act when cooperation in combating organized crime is lacking.

“We have been able to do this because the Mexican government and leaders throughout our hemisphere know that President Trump means what he says: ‘We are coming after you. If you do not cooperate with us, we will target you and you will regret it,’” she stated.

Carter’s comments reflect the increasingly aggressive approach adopted by Washington toward drug trafficking organizations, particularly at a time when fentanyl trafficking and other illicit drugs remain among the most serious concerns facing U.S. authorities.

The official explained that one of the central pillars of this strategy is targeting cartel finances. The objective is to prevent criminal organizations from continuing to fund operations, purchase protection, and expand their influence within public institutions.

“We have to be just as tough on them, and that means taking and confiscating their funds. And by the way, that is exactly what we are doing in Mexico, even targeting those within the government who have sold themselves to the cartels,” Carter added.

Asset seizures have become one of the most effective tools used by U.S. agencies to weaken criminal organizations. Beyond arrests, authorities believe that disrupting financial networks is essential to dismantling the structures that sustain large-scale drug trafficking operations.

At the same time, Carter acknowledged that cooperation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has shown meaningful progress in the area of security. Despite political differences that have historically existed between the two countries, she noted that collaboration between Mexican and American authorities has become stronger.

“We are strengthening our relationship with our counterparts, as we are doing with President Sheinbaum. We have seen significant progress in Mexico, especially regarding ‘El Mencho,’” she said.

The reference to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, confirms that Washington is maintaining pressure on Mexico’s two most powerful criminal organizations simultaneously.

Carter’s statements once again highlight an issue that has weakened public trust in institutions for decades: the infiltration of organized crime into government structures. When officials entrusted with enforcing the law become collaborators of criminal organizations, the damage extends far beyond public security and strikes at the credibility of the state itself.

Experience has repeatedly shown that cartels thrive where corruption, impunity, and weak authority prevail. For that reason, strengthening institutions, enforcing the law without exceptions, and holding public officials accountable remain essential pillars in the fight against organized crime. Policies that downplay the importance of law and order or fail to confront criminal networks directly have often contributed to institutional deterioration. Protecting families, defending legitimate authority, and upholding the rule of law remain fundamental to preserving free, secure, and stable societies.

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About The Author Rafa Gómez-Santos Martín

Rafael Santos is a Portuguese writer and political analyst dedicated to educating Hispanics on traditional values and the importance of protecting children and families. With years of experience in media and public discourse, he has been a strong advocate for cultural preservation and moral principles in an ever-changing world. Passionate about culture, sports, and current affairs, Rafael brings insightful analysis to political and social debates, striving to empower the Hispanic community with knowledge and a deeper understanding of the issues that shape their lives.