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Trump's Crackdown Boosts Cartel Fees, Fuels Violence

10/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Sinaloa Cartel leader told CNN that Trump's crackdown has worsened cartel operations.
The cartel member, speaking anonymously, said Trump's efforts hurt their business.
Cartel fees for migrant smuggling have risen from $6,500 to nearly $10,000 due to heightened enforcement.
The member said he feels part of the violence, framed as self-defense.
Trump's administration aims to eliminate cartels, including military actions in Latin America.

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Story summary

A Sinaloa Cartel leader told CNN that Trump's crackdown has worsened cartel operations.
The cartel member, speaking anonymously, said Trump's efforts hurt their business.
Cartel fees for migrant smuggling have risen from $6,500 to nearly $10,000 due to heightened enforcement.
The member said he feels part of the violence, framed as self-defense.
Trump's administration aims to eliminate cartels, including military actions in Latin America.