The U.S. government, at the beginning of the previous year, designated six Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, a directive initiated by President Donald Trump on his first day in office on January 20, 2022. The cartels identified include the Sinaloa Cartel (CDS), the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the Northwest Cartel (CDN), the Gulf Cartel (CDG), La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM), and Carteles Unidos (CU). This official designation adds a new layer to the existing complex landscape of drug trafficking and organized crime in Mexico, with these cartels being responsible for much of the violence that has plagued the nation.

Over the past several decades, these drug cartels have not only caused immense violence within Mexico but have also expanded their operations into the United States, Central America, South America, and Europe. Their reach is bolstered by a network of criminal cells engaged in various illegal activities, including human trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion. The implications of their actions extend beyond mere drug trafficking; they foster an environment of fear and instability that deeply affects local communities and governance.

In 2024, Mexico recorded 30,048 homicides, a 1% increase from the previous year, most attributed to cartel-related violence. The ongoing conflict has escalated remarkably since the government’s offensive against these criminal organizations began in late 2006. As violence continues to escalate, the situation remains critical, underscoring the urgent need for effective strategies to combat the influence of these powerful cartels and restore safety and order within Mexico.