DEA Warns Mexican Cartels Infiltrate Major U.S. Cities, Spy on Agents

The DEA has revealed alarming evidence that Mexican drug cartels, notably the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), have infiltrated major U.S. cities, openly signaling their presence through symbols like a large mural of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho," found in a Los Angeles warehouse. DEA Special Agent Matthew Allen testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that cartel members are actively conducting surveillance on DEA agents and witnesses within the United States, including during high-profile trials such as that of El Mencho's son, Rubén Oseguera González. The cartels have demonstrated boldness by living lavishly and blending into U.S. communities, exemplified by Cristian Gutierrez Ochoa, El Mencho's son-in-law, who lived near a police chief in a gated community after faking his death to evade Mexican authorities. Allen emphasized that cartel members shadow DEA personnel regularly, posing significant risks even on U.S. soil, with agents facing daily threats of violence. These developments underscore the cartels' strategy to embed themselves deeply within American society while continuing their drug trafficking and violent operations. The DEA's testimony highlights the urgent need for enhanced law enforcement efforts to counter this domestic infiltration.