Today, the United States is sanctioning Miguel Ángel de Anda Ledezma and Ricardo González Sauceda, two high-ranking members of the Mexico-based Cártel del Noreste (CDN), formerly known as Los Zetas. This violent transnational cartel and U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist is involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, migrant smuggling, and other illicit activities. The two individuals sanctioned today have contributed to Cártel del Noreste's drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and acts of violence.
Cártel del Noreste uses violence to exert its criminal control and intimidate border communities and U.S. citizens, particularly in northeastern Mexico. In March 2022, Cártel del Noreste attacked the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo with gunfire and grenades after the arrest of a CDN member who was wanted in Mexico for homicide and extortion.
The United States remains committed to protecting our nation by keeping illicit drugs off our streets and degrading the ability of cartels to arm themselves, a critical step toward the total elimination of these organizations. Today's action further demonstrates the Trump Administration's unwavering commitment to protecting our local communities and the safety of the American people.
