U.S. Treasury Sanctions Mexican Cartel Over Fentanyl as Border Patrol Chief Banks Seeks Full Control Amid 279 Daily Encounters

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on a major Mexican cartel to combat fentanyl trafficking and reduce related deaths. Andrea Thomas, founder of Fentanyl Facing, and Paul Perez have praised this measure. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks stated that while the U.S.

border is currently more secure than ever, the agency aims to achieve 100% operational control to eliminate illegal crossings entirely. In April, Border Patrol encountered an average of 279 illegal immigrants daily. Former Trump administration border czar Tom Homan acknowledged progress but emphasized the need to "finish the job." Banks also warned that Mexican cartels are expanding their fentanyl and hard narcotics operations beyond the United States to other countries. Lawmakers, including Representatives Riley Moore and Fedorchak, have commended the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on fentanyl traffickers responsible for numerous deaths, particularly in West Virginia. Banks affirmed the agency's readiness to respond to potential cartel activity increases.