Mexican cartels, along with other violent groups such as the Mara Salvatrucha 13 gang and Tren de Aragua, have established ‘infrastructure’ and ‘influence’ in drug trafficking in the United States, which ‘threatens the security’ of that country, warned the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
In its report on global threats for 2025, the United States Department of Defense highlights that the Sinaloa, Jalisco New Generation, Gulf, and Northeast cartels are the primary suppliers of drugs the U.S. market. Additionally, it underscores that the Juárez Cart controls key strategic corridors near U.S. entry points in the state of Chihuahua. «These Mexico-based groups, along with other violent organizations such MS-13 and the Tren de Aragua, drive throughout the region and have established infrastructure and influence in drug within the States, posing a threat to U.S security.»
The Defense Intelligence Agency reports that flow of fentanyl across the southern border of the United States is expected to vary this year as Mexican suppliers modify their production strategies to enhance profitability, responding to a decline in fentanyl prices within the oversaturated U. market.
During the half of 2025, fentanyl seizures at the Mexico-United States border decreased by 30%, partly attributed to a rise in the arrests of criminal leaders engaged in the production and distribution of synthetic drugs. This reduction follows a 19% decline from the previous year, likely influenced by increased arrests in Mexico, traffickers’ attempts to regulate supply in the United States, the traffickers’ attempts to balance supply in the United States, and the cartels’ efforts to avoid heightened border security between the United States and Mexico.»
Despite this, it is reported that over 86,000 Americans lost their lives due to fentanyl in 2024. The report warns that «Cocaine methamphetamine trafficking to the United States is likely to remain high this year, as ongoing profitability continues to drive an increase in production.»
The report highlights that the southern border of the United States continues to be a critical vulnerability, exploited by transnational criminal organizations and potential terrorist operatives.