First US Indictment Charges Mexican National with Supporting Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion

Strategic Insights -

Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization, paving the way for increased prosecution of those who support or collaborate with the organization. Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez, a 39-year-old Mexican national, has been charged with providing material support to CJNG, including providing grenades and engaging in alien smuggling, firearms trafficking, bulk cash smuggling, and narcotics trafficking.

Key Takeaways:

  • Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez, a 39-year-old Mexican national, has been indicted for providing material support to CJNG, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
  • The indictment alleges that Navarro-Sanchez conspired with others to provide and did attempt to provide grenades to CJNG.
  • Navarro-Sanchez is also charged with conspiracy to smuggle and transport aliens in the United States, straw purchasing and trafficking in firearms, bulk cash smuggling conspiracy, and conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
  • The charges against Navarro-Sanchez are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at repelling the invasion of illegal immigration, achieving the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.
  • The indictment highlights the coordination and collaboration between domestic and foreign law enforcement in the fight against CJNG and other transnational criminal organizations.
  • Navarro-Sanchez is charged with conspiracy to smuggle and transport aliens in the United States, which is a serious offense with significant consequences.
  • The indictment alleges that Navarro-Sanchez provided grenades to CJNG, which is a clear example of providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
  • The charges against Navarro-Sanchez demonstrate the commitment of the Department of Justice to dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations that affect national security.

Statistics:

  • Since the establishment of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), there have been over 365 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of these crimes.
  • JTFA has resulted in more than 334 U.S. convictions and over 281 defendants sentenced.
  • The FBI, ATF, DEA, Customs and Border Protection, and HSI in El Paso investigated the case, assisted by the U.S. Border Patrol.
  • The DEA, CBP's National Targeting Center, and ICE HSI's Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. also provided assistance with the investigation.

Sources:

  • Department of Justice Press Release: First US Indictment Charges Mexican National with Supporting Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion
  • FBI El Paso Field Office Press Release: Historic Indictment of High-Ranking Member of CJNG
  • ATF Dallas Field Division Press Release: Groundbreaking Demonstration of International Law Enforcement Authorities
  • DEA El Paso Division Press Release: DEA Expands and Incorporates More Terrorism-Related Investigative Authorities
  • HSI El Paso Press Release: Indictment Highlights Relentless Commitment of Homeland Security Investigations to Pursue Notorious Narco-Terrorists