In a significant move to combat organized crime and corruption, the United States has imposed sanctions on the El Mayo faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s most notorious drug trafficking organizations, along with several of its alleged associates, including a sitting federal lawmaker. The announcement was made by the U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday, September 18, 2023, as part of an intensified effort to pressure Mexican crime groups and their political allies. The El Mayo faction is accused of producing and trafficking fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid, as well as other illicit drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine. Among the sanctioned individuals is Hilda Araceli Brown Figueredo, a federal lawmaker representing Baja California for the ruling Morena party and former mayor of Rosarito. The U.S. Treasury alleges that Brown maintained close ties with a cartel operative, enabling the El Mayo faction to exert control over parts of Rosarito’s municipal government and shield its criminal activities. Brown has publicly denied the allegations, stating her commitment to continue her work. The sanctions also target five individuals and 15 companies linked to the cartel. This action coincides with a visit by John K. Hurley, the U.S. Treasury’s under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, to Mexico City for discussions with Mexican officials. The Biden administration has continued the Trump-era policy of designating Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and pressing Mexico to investigate and prosecute corrupt politicians with cartel ties.
US imposes new sanctions on Sinaloa Cartel and associates, including Mexican lawmaker
