Washington DC - Amid ongoing attempts to crack down on narcoterrorism, President Donald Trump's administration sanctioned 46 suspected leaders and entities tied to Mexico's violent and powerful Sinaloa Cartel.
The Treasury Department on Tuesday sanctioned 21 individuals and 25 entities believed to have served as either cartel leaders or as facilitators of criminal operations.
Among those sanctioned was Ismael Zambada Sicairos, known as "Mayito Flaco," who is believed to be the Sinaloa Cartel's highest-ranking leader.
Additionally, the Treasury sanctioned numerous members of Mayito Flaco's innermost circle, a number of Tijuana-based cell leaders, money launderers, and several Mexican politicians that stand accused of corruption.
"Today’s action underscores that no cartel kingpin, corrupt Mexican government official, or financial facilitator is beyond the reach of Treasury’s authorities," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.
"Our message is clear: the Trump Administration will identify and disrupt any cartel actor who threatens our security or the integrity of our financial system."
The department's statement said that the sanctions reflect a "unified, whole-of-government effort to ensure operational coordination and maximize impact against transnational criminal networks."
Washington's latest round of sanctions came as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum kicked off her third year in office with a devastating message for Washington, slamming attempts by Trump and his officials to interfere in Mexico's domestic politics.
"Mexicans do not want interference, interventionism, or violation of our territoriality," she declared to a massive crowd assembled in Mexico City's emblematic Zócalo Square.
Sheinbaum has found herself performing a delicate balancing act over recent months, carefully trying to manage trade negotiations while standing up against blatant attempts by the GOP to make Mexico a midterm election issue.
"It's very difficult to live next to a country with such a high level of illicit drug use," Sheinbaum said last week. "It's very difficult to live next to a country that produces so many weapons."