by Mexican Woman Becomes First to Face U.S. Terrorism Charges for Aiding Drug Cartel
A 39-year-old Mexican woman, Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez, has made history as the first person charged under a new U.S. terrorism law aimed at cracking down on drug cartels, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Navarro-Sanchez is accused of providing material support to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a group officially labeled a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Authorities say she helped the cartel by supplying grenades and assisting in smuggling people, firearms, drugs, and cash across borders.
“Cartels like CJNG are terrorist organizations that bring destruction to communities in the U.S., Mexico, and beyond,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This indictment shows our firm commitment to securing our borders and protecting the American people through strong legal action.”
Along with the terrorism-related charge, Navarro-Sanchez also faces multiple additional counts, including conspiracy to smuggle and transport undocumented migrants, firearms trafficking, money smuggling, and drug distribution.
She’s not the only one facing charges. Two other Mexican nationals have also been indicted:
- Luis Carlos Davalos-Lopez, 27, is charged with smuggling undocumented individuals, illegal firearms purchases, and gun trafficking.
- Gustavo Castro-Medina, 28, faces charges for illegal gun purchases, drug trafficking, and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.
The CJNG was officially designated a terrorist group by the U.S. State Department in February, along with seven other cartels. The DOJ described the cartel as a powerful transnational criminal organization that dominates much of Mexico’s drug trade and operates in dozens of countries, including the U.S. In addition to trafficking fentanyl, the group is involved in money laundering, bribery, extortion, and violent intimidation.
The DOJ noted that on former President Donald Trump’s first day in office, he ordered federal agencies to prioritize the complete dismantling of drug cartels due to the serious threat they pose to national security.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the importance of this case, saying, “The arrest of Navarro-Sanchez sends a strong message—if you support terrorist organizations, we will find you and bring you to justice under the full weight of the law.”
