Latest news with #Camarena
The Hill
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
How trust can boost the US-Mexico fight against narco finance
The U.S. Treasury Department's announcement that it is targeting three Mexican financial institutions for their alleged roles in laundering proceeds tied to synthetic opioid trafficking marks a turning point, not only in the U.S. financial offensive against fentanyl, but also in the future of U.S.-Mexico security cooperation. These sanctions, issued under the expanded authority of the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, are the first of their kind and they may herald a more focused approach to choking off the money that makes organized crime so profitable and powerful. But behind the headlines is a deeper truth: If we are serious about dismantling the financial networks of the cartels, we need more trust and more coordination between government agencies in both countries. Money laundering is not just a financial crime — it is the lifeblood of drug trafficking organizations. From fentanyl precursors purchased from China to illicit cash sent back through trade-based laundering schemes, the ability of criminal organizations to move, hide, and invest their profits is what allows them to survive. That is why the bilateral anti-money laundering relationship between the U.S. and Mexico has been, and must continue to be, a cornerstone of the fight against organized crime. Over the last 20 years, the two governments have built institutional linkages through the High-Level Security Dialogue and the North American Drug Dialogue, shared intelligence through joint task forces and cooperated on regulatory and supervisory alignment. Yet, revelations like this remind us that those channels have thus far been woefully insufficient to counter the power and ingenuity of the drug trafficking organizations. The trust deficit that often clouds U.S.-Mexico cooperation — rooted in concerns over corruption, impunity and sovereignty — must be addressed head-on. Since the tragic 1985 abduction and murder of Drug Enforcement Agency agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena, trust between U.S. and Mexican security agencies has been marred by suspicion and periodic breakdowns in cooperation. The aftermath of the Camarena affair exposed the deep entanglement of Mexican law enforcement with drug trafficking organizations, prompting a significant retrenchment in bilateral collaboration. In the decades since, while cooperation has resumed in fits and starts — such as during the Mérida Initiative period — longstanding fears over corruption, leaks and sovereignty have frequently undermined joint efforts. Put succinctly, U.S. agencies often question the integrity and competence of their counterparts in the Mexican government, while Mexican officials remain deeply wary of the motives behind U.S. security operations. Recent years have seen further deterioration, particularly following the 2020 arrest of former Mexican defense minister Salvador Cienfuegos in the U.S., which triggered a diplomatic backlash and led Mexico to pass legislation restricting foreign law enforcement operations on its soil. This cycle of mistrust has hindered intelligence-sharing, constrained operational coordination and ultimately allowed drug trafficking organizations to exploit jurisdictional and institutional divides. If both countries are to mount a successful and sustained fight against organized crime, rebuilding that trust must become a shared strategic priority. It is true that Mexico has made significant strides in recent years, particularly with the 2020 reforms to its financial intelligence framework and enhanced powers for the Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera, but those reforms have not been fully implemented and there are still significant problems with compliance. Meanwhile, the U.S. has deployed an increasingly sophisticated array of financial tools, including the Global Magnitsky Act and Section 311 of the Patriot Act, to disrupt criminal finance globally. What's missing is a seamless partnership; one where intelligence is shared in real time, regulatory frameworks are interoperable and suspicious activity is pursued across borders with joint accountability. Examples from around the world show what's possible when financial cooperation is prioritized. The U.S.-United Arab Emirates Joint Task Force on Illicit Finance has led to seizures of millions of dollars linked to terrorist networks. Europol's collaboration with the Financial Intelligence Units of European Union member states has generated successful operations against transnational crime, from cyberfraud to human trafficking. Even in Latin America, the Tri-Border Area cooperation initiative among Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay has shown that coordinated anti-money-laundering efforts, when paired with law enforcement cooperation, can disrupt illicit flows in even the most complex regions. Mexico and the U.S. are connected not only by their economic integration, but by shared security challenges and a common interest in dismantling the financial networks that sustain organized crime. But disrupting cartel finance requires more than just sanctions — it demands trust. To build that trust, we must go beyond high-level declarations and invest in the institutional relationships that matter. That means enhancing vetting procedures to ensure the integrity of counterparts on both sides, expanding secondments and joint training programs between agencies and creating regular, structured interactions among investigators, prosecutors and regulators. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can also support this effort, offering new tools to detect suspicious financial patterns, track illicit flows across borders and flag anomalies in real time. Crucially though, we must also engage civil society — especially bar associations, law schools and the offices of state and federal attorneys general in both countries — to build a broader base of professional trust and legal cooperation. Only by deepening these networks and normalizing collaboration at every level can we create the resilient, binational ecosystem needed to fight financial crime and drug trafficking and protect lives on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Duncan Wood is CEO of Hurst International Consulting and former director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute.
The Guardian
06-07-2025
- The Guardian
DoJ to give audio tapes of killing and torture of DEA agent Kiki Camarena to defense team
The US justice department has begun to hand over audio recordings of the 1985 torture and killing of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena to a Mexican kingpin's legal defense team, according to a court document filed on Friday. Rafael Caro Quintero, one of the founders of the Mexican Guadalajara cartel, is facing federal prosecution in the eastern district of New York for alleged drug trafficking. Caro Quintero is accused of having participated in Camarena's torture and murder in 1985 in Mexico. Camarena was a 37-year-old DEA agent based in Mexico in the 1980s, who, along with his pilot, was kidnapped, tortured, interrogated and killed by organized crime figures. His torture and murder marked a significant shift in the US government's war on drugs, leading to an aggressive push by the US to wipe out the Guadalajara cartel. After top leaders of the organization were caught and arrested, like Caro Quintero, remnants of the group created the Sinaloa cartel, which remains active to this day. The tapes have never been made public before but transcripts of some of the interrogation audio were revealed in a 1988 federal court case. There has long been controversy over the tapes and their content. News organizations and the former DEA agent who investigated Camarena's murder speculate some of the tapes may include audio of a former CIA officer allegedly participating in Camarena's interrogation. Camarena was kidnapped on 7 Feb 1985, as he left the US consulate in Guadalajara to meet for lunch with his wife. He was abducted and taken to a home, where he was tortured and interrogated by corrupt officials and drug traffickers. His body and that of his pilot, Alfredo Zavala-Avelar, were found weeks later. Officials speculated that Camarena was killed by the Guadalajara cartel in retaliation for the discovery and destruction of a massive marijuana ranch owned by Caro Quintero. In the years that followed his assassination, the DEA's sweeping operation to track down Camarena's killers, named 'Operation Leyenda', indicted at least 22 people. Caro Quintero and the other two leaders of the cartel, Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo and Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo, were caught by Mexican officials and imprisoned. Earlier this year, Fonseca Carrillo, was freed after completing his sentence. He and Felix Gallardo remain in Mexico. In 2013, Caro Quintero was freed from prison by the Mexican government, infuriating the Obama administration and leading to a renewed manhunt after the US requested his re-arrest. Caro Quintero was captured again in 2022 and taken to a maximum security prison in Mexico. In February, after the Trump administration took office, the Mexican government expelled a number of high-profile cartel leaders to the US, including Caro Quintero. During his first arraignment hearing in February, over 100 DEA agents were present at the courthouse in Brooklyn. At the end of the arraignment hearing, in a symbolic moment, Camarena's handcuffs were placed on Caro Quintero. 'This moment is extremely personal for the men and women of DEA who believe Caro Quintero is responsible for the brutal torture and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena,' DEA acting administrator Derek Maltz said at the time. 'It is also a victory for the Camarena family. Today sends a message to every cartel leader, every trafficker, every criminal poisoning our communities: You will be held accountable. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far you run, justice will find you.' The US-Mexico extradition treaty prohibits the US from seeking the death penalty. But since Caro Quintero was expelled and not extradited, the US may still pursue the federal death penalty against him. During a court hearing last week, prosecutors said the death penalty question had not yet been resolved and that negotiations and discussions with Caro Quintero's defense team were ongoing. During that hearing, prosecutors first announced their intention to hand over the Camarena tapes, adding that they were highly sensitive. It is unclear how many tapes are in the justice department's hands and what exactly they contain. Longtime drug war reporter Bill Conroy pointed out in a post on X after last week's hearing that Berrellez once told him: 'We got tapes [of Camarena's torture] from the CIA. How did they get those tapes? And my sources indicated there were five tapes, but we [DEA] only got three from the CIA.' During the course of 'Operation Leyenda,' the DEA's operation to track down Camarena's killers, the lead agent in the case, Hector Berrellez, flipped a number of former corrupt Mexican officials working for the cartel, who became informants and cooperating witnesses. Throughout the course of the investigation, Berrellez discovered that a CIA officer may have participated in Camarena's interrogation. In 2013, explosive reporting from the Mexican news magazine Proceso, based on testimony from three US agents, including Berrellez, and some of the former Mexican officers, alleged that a CIA officer was involved in Camarena's killing. The reports claimed that Camarena was beginning to discover that the CIA was collaborating with the Guadalajara cartel to train Nicaraguan Contras during the Iran-Contra scandal. Those allegations were repeated in an Amazon Prime documentary series titled The Last Narc, which featured Berrellez, other US officials and three former Mexican federal cops and cartel members. The CIA and the former officer in question, Felix Rodriguez, have vehemently denied their involvement in the Camarena case. Along with the Camarena interrogation tapes, the US Justice Department is also handing over discovery regarding the documents and photos related to a 1981 murder and photographs of seized firearms related to the case. Additionally, they handed over documents and photographs related to 'multiple 1985 murders'. It is unclear what murders the justice department is referring to, but in 1985, before Camarena's murder, two Americans were brutally killed by Caro Quintero and his men after being reportedly mistaken for undercover US agents at a restaurant in Guadalajara.
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Top Blanco Tequilas, According To The Beverage Testing Institute
Blanco Tequila Shots with Lime and Salt Eleven Blanco Tequilas were awarded Gold Medals at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Tequila Judging. G4 Blanco Tequila was the top-rated Blanco Tequila. Below is a brief background on each of the gold medalists and the official tasting notes on BevTest's Top Blanco Tequilas. Score: 94 - Gold Medal–Exceptional G4 Blanco Tequila is crafted by the Camarena family at El Pandillo distillery. It's fruity and complex, reflecting the terroir of the Jalisco Highlands. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring 'aromas of marinated dates, yams, and white pepper on coconut, followed by flavors of banana toffee, vanilla sugar, and pipe tobacco. This is a terroir-centered Blanco with mouthwatering minerally driven balance, notes of white pepper and exotic citrus.' Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Agavales balances mineral tones with citrus freshness. Ideal in margaritas or as a sipping tequila with a slice of lime. The Tequila is crafted at Destiladora del Valle de Tequila (Casa Maestri) using a mix of highland and lowland agave. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring 'aromas of lemongrass, limestone, and spring rain. The palate features black pepper, ruby red grapefruit, and caramelized honey. Impeccably balanced and wildly nuanced, this Blanco boasts generous agave character and refreshing, citrusy minerality - perfect for sipping while juicing limes for your Margarita.' Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional El Reformador blends notes of spice and cocoa. Produced in Los Altos, it's a bold, robust, and flavorful Tequila, ideal for intense citrus cocktails. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring 'aromas of caramelizing sugar, mole, and golden marshmallow along with flavors of cocoa powder, roasted poblano, and cracked pepper. Warm spicy mole notes and roasted cocoa flavors combine with lemongrass and cracked pepper in an off-the-beaten-path way that will elevate a citrus-driven cocktail.' Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Solo Agave is known for a clean, herbaceous profile. Crafted for mixology, its spicy edge makes it ideal in citrus-forward cocktails. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring 'aromas of sweet agave, pineapple, and lime, followed by flavors of pepper, soil, and cumin. This tequila is herbal forward and presents a lot of black pepper, making it an excellent choice for lively margaritas.' A field of Agave tequilana in Jalisco, Mexico. In the background is the famous Tequila Volcano. Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional This Tequila is produced in Guanajuato, in the southern highlands, and highlights the region's mineral-rich soil. Crisp, citrusy, and herbal, it's a classic blanco for sipping or mixing. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring 'aromas of agave, limestone, and lemon thyme along with flavors of sea salt, dried pineapple, and white pepper. Stony and bright classic Blanco with generous herb and citrus' Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Alto Paso offers a vegetal, herbaceous, and spiced bouquet, making it a perfect base for long cocktails or creative Palomas. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring 'aromas of acacia, white pepper, and shiso tea along with flavors of lemon verbena, poblano, and ginger. Warm notes of poblano, corn on the cob, and ginger with generous agave notes make it hard not to sip this on its own while preparing your ginger beer, mineral water, or grapefruit soda to let this shine in a long drink.' Score: 91 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Corralejo Silver is silky and tropical with herbal overtones. It's a smooth and approachable blanco that performs beautifully in Palomas and shots. It's produced in Guanajuato, east of Jalisco. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring 'aromas of herb, roasted pineapple, grilled peppers, and scallions, followed by flavors of powdered sugar on mangoes, dates, and coconut. A silky soft Blanco for sipping shots, and Palomas.' Score: 91 - Gold Medal–Exceptional This high-proof G4 expression offers bold agave and spice at cask strength. Ideal for Tequila enthusiasts who enjoy intensity and purity. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring 'aromas of agave, orange peel, and pickling spices with additional flavors of peppermint, coconut, and tobacco leaf. A bold, pepper-forward tequila balanced with red and tropical fruits that make this very enjoyable to sip on its own.' Score: 91 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Part of Cuervo's premium line, Tradicional Blanco strikes a balance between minerality and sweetness, with a core of roasted agave flavors. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring 'aromas of roasted nuts, peppers, and coconuts with flavors of coconut water, oil, and honeyed figs. Elegant minerally notes complemented by a touch of sweetness while still unmistakably retaining its earthy agave character.' Homemade Spicy Margarita with Limes and Jalapenos Score: 91 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Ocho Plata is a single-estate tequila renowned for showcasing the terroir expression of select regions in the Jalisco Highlands. It's elegant, floral, and spice-laced with stunning balance. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring 'aromas of Castelvetrano olive, white flowers, and fresh-picked herbs, followed by flavors of Ceylon cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and walnut. Floral and elegant blanco with notes of fresh bright spice and white flowers enhancing lemony-grassy agave flavors all with mouthwatering acidity.' Score: 90 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Resting in Napa Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, this pink-hued Blanco Tequila offers floral spice and red fruit notes over a traditional agave core. Unique in both color and flavor. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring 'aromas of agave, barbecue rub, and hard white cheese along with flavors of agave, cinnamon, and raspberry. This Reposado showcases a delicate balance of agave, spices, and a hint of red fruit that would stand out in a sipping application or stirred cocktails.' Score: 90 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Espero Blanco offers a savory, vegetal, and herbaceous character with a distinct mineral backbone. It's structured and dry, ideal for margaritas or neat pours. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring 'aromas of agave, cooked poblano, and olives followed by flavors of white pepper, agave, and chalky. A rock-solid Blanco with fruity agave and almond notes that finish with hints of vanilla and white pepper; try it in a margarita or as a shot.' These eleven Tequilas are outstanding. They showcase a classic Blanco herbaceous and vegetal character, accompanied by a range of additional flavors that highlight the contributions of different terroirs and production techniques. All of these Tequilas will work well as a cocktail base and also make excellent sipping Blancos. They are all worth trying, and adding the ones you like to your bar.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TexasWorks to launch 20 new campuses across Texas in 2025, expanding access to adult education and career training
May 14—LEWISVILLE — TexasWorks, the tuition-free public charter school program dedicated to empowering adult learners, announced the launch of 20 new campus locations in 2025. With this expansion, TexasWorks will grow its network from 23 to 43 campuses statewide, significantly increasing access to high school diplomas and career certification opportunities for adults ages 18 to 50. TexasWorks is designed for adult learners who are ready to take the next step in their education and career journey. Whether returning to finish high school or pursuing new career paths, TexasWorks offers flexible, supportive, and career-focused programs that help students succeed. "This expansion is about opening doors," Dr. Elizabeth Camarena, Brand Superintendent of TexasWorks, said in a news release. "Each new campus represents new opportunities for adults across Texas to complete their education, earn certifications, and step confidently into meaningful, high-demand careers." The 20 new campuses launching in 2025 will include: — TexasWorks — Amarillo — TexasWorks — Austin (South) — TexasWorks — Brownwood — TexasWorks — Canyon — TexasWorks — Dayton — TexasWorks — Del Rio — TexasWorks — El Paso (Eastpointe) — TexasWorks — Fort Worth — TexasWorks — Fort Worth (Jacksboro) — TexasWorks — Houston (Sharpstown) — TexasWorks — Huntsville — TexasWorks — Palmview — TexasWorks — Midland — TexasWorks — New Braunfels — TexasWorks — Odessa — TexasWorks — San Antonio (Windcrest) — TexasWorks — Texarkana — TexasWorks — Waco — TexasWorks — Wichita Falls These campuses will offer individualized learning plans, flexible scheduling, online and in-person classes, and region-specific Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that lead to industry certifications. Students also receive wraparound services, including childcare assistance, transportation, mental health support, and accommodations for disabilities — ensuring that every student has what they need to succeed. "Our model is simple: meet students where they are," said Dr. Camarena. "We work with each student to build a personal pathway to graduation and career readiness that supports their life circumstances and long-term goals." TexasWorks was developed by ResponsiveEd, the organization behind Premier High Schools, which has helped over 20,000 students earn their high school diplomas. The program builds on that legacy with a dedicated focus on adults looking for a second chance — or a fresh start. For more information about TexasWorks, eligibility, and enrollment, visit
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Little Rock CVB launches resident survey to further improve tourism
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau says the tourism industry is vital for Arkansas' capital city. Officials say visitor spending generates over a billion dollars for the city each year. Wendy Camarena is from California, she says coming to Arkansas was at the top of her list. 'Honestly something that you look for in California is the greener and the scenery. Coming to Arkansas was the number one choice for that.' Camarena said. 'Its resources are good for everyday adventure hiking, walking and exploring especially the water.' Show Calendar: Concerts happening in Arkansas in May Gina Gemberling is the President & CEO of the LRCVB. She says the tourism industry has become a significant cornerstone for Little Rock. 'Annually, the economic impact is at $2.6 billion into the local economy and over $80 million in local taxes,' she said. She says people come in for vacations, conventions, business travel and more which generates millions in local and state tax revenue, saving households in Little Rock money. 'The local sales tax that's coming in through our visitors saves each household in Little Rock over $1000 dollars annually,' Gemberling said. Now On Sale: Tickets for Bowling For Soup, Old Crow Medicine Show and more at The Hall This week Gemberling says they launched a survey from residents to learn what they think of tourism and how they can improve to elevate the city as a travel destination. 'We want to know what residents think of tourism, what sights and attractions are our residents' vision and what do our residents feel we are missing out on in Little Rock,' Gemberling said. Gemberling said they already did a survey for tourists. Camarena adds she doesn't have many suggestions but does have a few. 'I feel like concerts could be a little more in Little Rock, rather than driving to Rogers for the AMP,' Camarena said. Maryland rockers Clutch return to the capital city with 'Full Flank Ahead' 2025 Tour Despite that, she says the Natural State offers more than she imagined. Gemberling says the for the resident survey will be available for two to four months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
