Trump sanctions are ‘full-frontal assault' on organized crime at the border, expert says
The Trump Treasury Department's new sanctions are a "full-frontal assault" on one of the deadliest southern border cartels, a local border official told Fox News Digital.
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two high-ranking Cartel del Noreste (CDN) members, Mexican nationals Miguel Angel de Anda Ledezma and Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda, Wednesday.
CDN was one of eight cartels and transnational criminal groups labeled "foreign terrorist organizations" by the Department of State Feb. 20.
Under new sanctions announced this week, all property and interest in properties belonging to De Anda and Gonzalez that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked.
While announcing the sanctions, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the department is "working toward the total elimination of cartels to make America safe again" and that the Trump administration "will hold these terrorists accountable for their criminal activities and abhorrent acts of violence."
"CDN and its leaders have carried out a violent campaign of intimidation, kidnapping and terrorism, threatening communities on both sides of our southern border," said Bessent. "We will continue to cut off the cartels' ability to obtain the drugs, money and guns that enable their violent activities."
Paul Perez, who leads the National Border Patrol Council chapter in the South Texas Rio Grande Valley, told Fox News Digital even though the Trump administration's border crackdown has dramatically reduced illegal crossings, the cartels, including CDN, continue to present a threat to the lives and safety of American citizens living on the border.
"The threat of cartels is still there," Perez said in an interview with Fox News Digital. He noted that "the thing about the cartels is that they're very sophisticated," explaining they have begun using advanced technology like drones to carry out their operations.
"They're not the street gang-level managers," he said. "They've got a lot of people on their side that have been in this industry for a long time. They know how to get their products moving. They know how to get their product across."
In Mexico, Perez said, the cartels control the border and "act with impunity all along the border," while the Mexican police and military are unable to stop them.
He said cartel gunfights along the border often lead to cartel members fleeing north into the U.S., where "they're going to do everything they can to get away and get back. And if that means harming American citizens, then they're going to do that."
When it comes to CDN, Perez said "they engage in grotesque conduct," such as beheadings and kidnappings and "will harm anybody that gets in their way" regardless of whether they are American or otherwise.
"What I can tell you about the Noreste cartel, they're no different than any other cartels out there, the Sinaloa cartel. They're all deadly cartels. They all traffic in fentanyl. They all traffic in drugs. They are trafficking people," he explained.
By targeting CDN's leadership, Perez said the Trump administration is effectively weakening the cartel by creating a power vacuum that will cause infighting that will further sap the organization's strength.
"The cartels are definitely going to feel it," he said. "So, it's a full-frontal assault from the United States.
"That's the protection that we're bringing to the border that we weren't able to bring under President Biden," he added.
"President Trump, on the campaign trail, and since he's been in office, has repeatedly said he's going to do everything he can to protect the United States, to protect its citizens and make sure that there's nobody around that can do harm to our country. And he's doing that. He's taking on the cartels. He's not afraid of them.
"We want to decimate the cartel activity that's going on in the United States. So, he's done what he said he was going to. We support that 100%."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Health Line
16 minutes ago
- Health Line
Does Medicare Cover Trulicity?
Medicare Part D plans and some Part C plans may cover Trulicity (dulaglutide) for diabetes, but the exact coverage depends on the plan. Such plans will only cover this drug for weight loss in certain cases if you're living with obesity. Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a drug belonging to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) class of medications. Diabetes affects 38.4 million people in the United States, or 11.6% of the population. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this drug to help manage type 2 diabetes and reduce the chance of developing heart disease. For this reason, although GLP-1s may be prescribed off-label for weight loss, Medicare Part D plans may cover this drug for diabetes management but not for weight loss, except under specific circumstances. Is Trulicity covered by Medicare Part B? Medicare is generally divided into the following parts: Original Medicare (parts A and B) Medicare Part D Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) Medigap Part B Part B mainly covers medications that you cannot administer yourself, such as IV infusions, for example. While Trulicity is an injection drug, it is one that you can inject yourself. For this reason, Medicare Part D would be responsible for covering a drug like Trulicity. Part D Since private insurers manage Part D plans, the exact drugs that each plan covers vary. What drugs a specific plan covers depends on its formulary, which is a list of the covered drugs. Part D plans are generally required to cover at least two drugs from the most commonly prescribed categories. If the plan does not cover Trulicity (dulaglutide), it is likely to cover some brand-name or generic alternative. Medicare's plan finder tool allows you to enter medications you take to see which Part D plans in your area include these medications in their formulary. The tool also lets you compare prices at different pharmacies in your area. Part C Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is another option for healthcare coverage under Medicare. These optional, private plans offer the same benefits as Original Medicare. Some Part C plans may also offer other benefits, such as prescription drug coverage. Coverage for specific medications under a Medicare Advantage plan depends on the options and plans that the company you choose offers. When selecting a Medicare Advantage plan, you can specify medications you take to compare coverage and pricing. Why doesn't Medicare cover Trulicity for weight loss? Medicare drug plans typically cover medications when they are considered medically necessary. Therefore, Part D plans or Part C plans with drug coverage won't cover GLP-1 agonists like Trulicity for weight loss. Typically, coverage focuses on FDA-approved uses such as helping manage type 2 diabetes or lowering cardiovascular risks for overweight adults or those living with obesity. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. This means you could have a BMI between 25 and 30, but would not qualify for a drug like Trulicity through Medicare unless you need it for diabetes. Under the Biden administration, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) looked into expanding coverage of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss by 2026. However, the Trump administration has since decided against this expansion. How much does Trulicity cost on Medicare? Trulicity's list price is $987.19 per month, but insurance or Medicare coverage may lower this cost. When a Medicare drug plan covers a drug, how much you'll pay out of pocket depends on the tier your plan classifies the drug within its formulary. Generally, higher-tier drugs cost more. Copays for this medication will vary based on the plan you choose, but the manufacturer suggests a range of $0 to $100 per month after you've met your Medicare Part D deductible. Generic drugs are generally classified in a lower tier, but no generic Trulicity is currently available. How can I lower the cost of Trulicity? Trulicity's manufacturer offers a savings card through which you can get a one-month supply of Trulicity for as little as $25. However, you won't be able to use your Medicare plan if you want this discount. Alternatively, you can check whether you qualify for Extra Help, which can lower your prescription costs to $4 to $9. Other resources for lowering drug costs include: Other tips that may help lower your prescription drug costs include: Ask your doctor about less expensive generic options. Consider switching from a 30-day supply to a 90-day supply for your medications, as buying a larger supply upfront can provide cost savings. Consider a mail-order supplier to save on costs. What is a cheaper alternative to Trulicity? The following chart shows GLP-1 agonists currently available in the United States and their brand-name retail prices before insurance. Available generic versions usually cost less. Brand name (generic name) List price as of 2025 Wegovy (semaglutide) $1,349.02 Ozempic (semaglutide) $997.58 Rybelsus (semaglutide $997.58 Mounjaro (tirzepatide) $1,079.77 Zepbound (tirzepatide) $1,086.37 Saxenda (liraglutide) $1,349.02 Victoza (liraglutide) $543.51 or $815.27 (depending on dose) Trulicity (dulaglutide) $987.19 In addition, other diabetes medications can be covered by Medicare. CMS included several of these drugs in the list of 10 drugs it used to renegotiate prices as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Takeaway Trulicity is a long-lasting brand-name medication that can be quite effective at lowering high blood sugar levels due to type 2 diabetes. It is not a substitute for insulin or diet and lifestyle strategies for managing diabetes. There is no generic version of this medication. It is typically a tier 3 medication in most drug plan formulary lists. Many Medicare Part D plans include Trulicity on formularies, but you'll likely still pay a share of the costs. The cost you'll pay will depend on your specific plan. A variety of private and public programs offer extra help in covering your medication costs. You can also talk with your doctor about an affordable way to manage diabetes. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
CBS News
17 minutes ago
- CBS News
After Boulder attack, Los Angeles mayor calls emergency meeting to discuss police patrols at houses of worship
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Sunday night called for an emergency meeting to discuss law enforcement strategies during the fallout of what the FBI called a "targeted act of violence" in Colorado over the weekend. In a statement posted to X, Bass called for extra police patrols at places of worship and community centers across L.A. "Anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in this city," she said. On Sunday, a man is accused of using a "makeshift flamethrower" and Molotov cocktails to attack a peaceful march in support of Israeli hostages at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, a popular outdoor pedestrian area lined with shops and restaurants. The aftermath of an alleged act of terror that left eight people injured during a march in support of Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday, June 1, 2025. CBS The Boulder Police Department said eight people were injured in the attack. The FBI identified the suspect as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who allegedly yelled "Free Palestine" as he conducted the attack. CBS Colorado reported Sunday that Soliman is an Egyptian national and could be living in the U.S. on an expired visa. At least one person was in serious condition as of Sunday night, per authorities. The age range of the victims was 52 to 88, police said. The 88-year-old victim is a Holocaust refugee who fled Europe, CBS Colorado reports. The attack came on the first evening of the Jewish holiday Shavuot, which runs until Tuesday. Bass on Sunday night said the emergency meeting at L.A. City Hall will take place immediately after the holiday. The mayor also stated that the LAPD would conduct extra patrols in areas such as "houses of worship and community centers" in light of the attack. "What happened in Boulder, Colorado today — an especially brutal targeting of elders — is an atrocious affront to the very fabric of our society and our beliefs here in Los Angeles," she said.
CNN
21 minutes ago
- CNN
How To Watch CNN's Special Presentation of George Clooney's 'Good Night, and Good Luck' on Saturday, June 7 at 7pm ET
June 2nd, 2025 NEW YORK – (JUNE 2, 2025) – CNN will broadcast live the penultimate performance of Good Night, and Good Luck from Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre on Saturday, June 7 at 7pm ET across CNN and CNN International and will stream the event live on and via CNN's apps on connected TVs and mobile devices, without requiring a cable login. This CNN special event will stream live on Max across all subscription plans. This special CNN presentation of the five-time Tony® Award nominated new play by George Clooney and Grant Heslov marks a historic Broadway first: never before has a live play ever been broadcast and televised. CNN anchors Anderson Cooper and Pamela Brown will lead special live coverage. CNN will bring this timely production to audiences around the world, beginning with special live coverage at 6:30pm ET hosted by Brown outside of the Winter Garden Theatre. At 7pm ET, Good Night, and Good Luck will air live on CNN and CNN International and stream live without requiring a cable login via and on connected TVs and mobile apps. It will also stream live on Max across all subscription plans. Immediately following the broadcast, CNN will host an exclusive special to discuss the critically acclaimed production and state of global journalism hosted by Cooper. In this landmark theatrical and live television event, two-time Academy Award® winner and Tony Award® nominated George Clooney makes his Broadway debut as Edward R. Murrow, showcasing his legendary, history-altering, on-air showdown with Senator Joseph McCarthy. As McCarthyism casts a shadow over America, Murrow and his news team choose to confront the growing tide of paranoia and propaganda, even if it means turning the federal government and a worried nation against them. Good Night, and Good Luck recently made history by becoming the highest-grossing play in Broadway history, and the first play to surpass a gross of $4 million in a single week. Nominated for five Tony Awards, Good Night, and Good Luck, co-written by Clooney and Heslov, is directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer. Producers are Seaview, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Jean Doumanian and Robert Fox. Based on the 2929 Entertainment and Participant film of the same name distributed by Warner Bros. and written by the same authors, the following actors portray real life figures alongside Mr. Clooney as Murrow: Mac Brandt as Colonel Anderson, Will Dagger as Don Hewitt, Christopher Denham as John Aaron, Glenn Fleshler as Fred Friendly, Ilana Glazer as Shirley Wershba, Clark Gregg as Don Hollenbeck, Paul Gross as William S. Paley, Georgia Heers as Ella, Carter Hudson as Joe Wershba, Fran Kranz as Palmer Williams, Jennifer Morris as Millie Green, Michael Nathanson as Eddie Scott, Andrew Polk as Charlie Mack, Aaron Roman Weiner as Don Surine with R. Ward Duffy, Joe Forbrich, Imani Rousselle, Greg Stuhr, JD Taylor, and Sophia Tzougros rounding out the ensemble. The creative team for Good Night, and Good Luck includes Tony Award winner Scott Pask (scenic design), Heather Gilbert (lighting design), David Bengali (video/projections design), Daniel Kluger (sound design), Brenda Abbandandolo (costume design), Leah J. Loukas (hair & wig design), Gigi Buffington (voice & dialect), Daniel Kluger and Bryan Carter (music supervision), and David Caparelliotis (Casting Director). Good Night, and Good Luck is produced by Seaview, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Jean Doumanian and Robert Fox. PRESS CONTACT ASSETS To download production photos, click here. An additional portrait featuring the entire cast on stage can be downloaded here. ###
