Sinaloa Cartel Member Discusses Impact of Trump’s Border Policies

An anonymous leader associated with the Sinaloa cartel has publicly acknowledged that the strict border enforcement measures implemented during President Trump’s tenure have hampered their illegal operations. In a rare interview, the cartel member explained that increased border security and immigration crackdowns have made smuggling and trafficking activities more difficult.

The cartel leader, dressed in a mask and sunglasses to conceal his identity, stated that the costs for migrants seeking to cross into the U.S. legally or illegally have risen significantly, now averaging around $10,000 per person—up from approximately $6,500 before Trump’s policies. He described the process as highly perilous, remarking, “It’s not a life. It’s not good,” and warned, “Once you get in, you can’t get out.”

He also admitted that the heightened enforcement has made violent activities, including killings and coordination of smuggling, more challenging for the cartel. Despite his past involvement in deadly crimes, he claims to see himself as a morally driven individual, saying, “I did what I had to do.”

Broader Impact and Public Remarks

The cartel member’s comments reflect a broader consensus among drug trafficking leaders. Another former cartel figure, Margarito “Jay” Flores Jr., praised the Trump administration’s aggressive approach, believing it signals a strong message to Latin American traffickers and could disrupt drug trade routes through countries like Venezuela. Flores noted that the U.S. continues to prepare for military actions against drug organizations within Venezuela, indicating ongoing efforts to dismantle trafficking networks.