Terrorism Charges Filed Against Woman Linked to CJNG

Federal prosecutors have brought terrorism charges against a woman accused of obtaining a firearm and playing a significant role in the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG). This marks the first instance of terrorist accusations related to the CJNG.

This week, the U.S. Department of Justice revealed charges against 39-year-old Maria del Rosario “Chayo” Navaro Sanchez for providing material support to terrorist organizations. This follows the designation of CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department on February 20.

Attorney General Pamela Bondy commented that cartels like CJNG are, in fact, terrorist organizations contributing to the loss of countless lives in the U.S., Mexico, and beyond, creating chaos along the way.

Navarro was apprehended in Jalisco earlier this month by Mexican authorities. During her arrest, it was disclosed that U.S. officials sought her for multiple charges, including human trafficking, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking. At the time, she possessed a gold-plated rifle. It remains uncertain whether she will face charges in Mexico or be extradited to the U.S. soon.

Federal prosecutors allege that Chayo led CJNG’s human smuggling operations in West Texas and assisted in drug and cash trafficking. She is thought to have overseen the construction of a tunnel used for smuggling immigrants.

The announcement of these terrorism charges comes shortly after the U.S. Department of Justice filed narcoterrorism accusations against key leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel Bertrand Leiva faction. In that situation, the cartel leaders are linked to a massive human trafficking operation involving fentanyl, a major contributor to overdose deaths in the U.S. The Sinaloa Cartel is also classified as a foreign terrorist organization in the United States.