US sanctions Mexican banks, alleging connections to cartel money laundering
Al Jazeera2 days
US Sanctions Three Mexican Banks Over Alleged Cartel Money Laundering
Above: A CIBanco branch is pictured in Mexico City on June 25, 2025. Image copyright: Alfredo Estrella/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
These sanctions represent a crucial step in dismantling the financial networks that enable cartels to poison American communities with fentanyl. The Treasury Department finally has the tools needed to cut off the money flow that fuels this deadly trade, targeting institutions that have knowingly facilitated millions in cartel transactions. This aggressive approach sends a clear message that financial facilitators will face consequences for their role in America's overdose crisis.
Establishment-critical narrative
The U.S. is overreaching by sanctioning legitimate Mexican financial institutions without providing concrete evidence of wrongdoing. These banks conducted ordinary business transactions with legally established companies, and Mexico's own investigation found only minor administrative issues. Mexico has been making its own strides in fighting fentanyl that have been effective, contrary to what the U.S. might have you believe