US Indicts Mexican National on First Terrorism Charges for Supplying Cartel

Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez, a Mexican national, has been indicted in the United States on the first-ever terrorism-related charges for allegedly providing grenades and other material support to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a group designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. Department of State. In addition to terrorism charges, Navarro-Sanchez faces multiple federal counts including alien smuggling, firearms trafficking, bulk cash smuggling, and narcotics distribution conspiracy. The indictment reflects the U.S. government's intensified efforts under the Trump administration to combat transnational criminal organizations by applying terrorism designations to violent drug cartels, which are responsible for trafficking fentanyl and other narcotics into the U.S. and for widespread violence in Mexico and American communities. Navarro-Sanchez allegedly helped oversee human smuggling operations and the use of tunnels for migrant trafficking, and was arrested in Mexico with a gold-plated rifle. Two co-defendants also face related charges for their roles in firearms trafficking, alien smuggling, and drug distribution. U.S. officials, including Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have emphasized the administration's commitment to securing borders and protecting Americans from cartel-related violence.