Borderland with Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas

On today's episode, Vince welcomes back Steven Dudley, co-founder of Insight Crime and one of the leading voices on Latin American organized crime. They unpack the arrest of a top Sinaloa Cartel leader in Oregon—the largest fentanyl bust in DEA history—and what it means for cartel power dynamics. The conversation dives into how cartels exploit U.S. banks to launder billions, with a focus on the $3B TD Bank case, and how weak oversight and U.S. policy are sustaining the drug war from the inside Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original SPONSORS:  1stPhorm visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 Free 30 days in the app for new customers (offer comes via email after the purchase) 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. We believe fully in our products. If you don't love the product or you aren't getting the results you hoped for, let us know and we'll give you your money back … plus 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince welcomes back investigative journalist Katarina Szulc for a conversation on the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Mexico relations and cartel activity across North America. They discuss Mexico's refusal to accept U.S. assistance in the fight against organized crime, the growing presence of cartels in Canada, and the challenges posed by Canada's legal system in addressing transnational threats. Katarina also shares details about her new work in investigative journalism, focused on exposing organized crime and cartel operations. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Watch Borderland: DISPATCHES everywhere you get your podcasts and on Youtube @thisisironclad starting May 20th. SPONSORS: 1stPhorm visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 Free 30 days in the app for new customers (offer comes via email after the purchase) 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. We believe fully in our products. If you don't love the product or you aren't getting the results you hoped for, let us know and we'll give you your money back … plus 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince welcomes back crime analyst and journalist Chris Dalby to examine how economic policies like tariffs can unintentionally empower cartels. They unpack the evolving tactics of criminal networks, explore how legitimate industries become entangled in illicit operations, and assess how U.S.-Mexico relations influence crime on both sides of the border. Chris also introduces listeners to the rise of Tren de Aragua—a Venezuelan gang expanding rapidly across the Americas—and offers a preview of his upcoming book, which exposes the group's global footprint and strategic approach to recruitment and expansion. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original SPONSORS:  1stPhorm visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 Free 30 days in the app for new customers (offer comes via email after the purchase) 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. We believe fully in our products. If you don't love the product or you aren't getting the results you hoped for, let us know and we'll give you your money back … plus 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince welcomes back former ATF Deputy Assistant Director and Operation Fast and Furious whistleblower, Pete Forcelli, to discuss Project Thor. Project Thor was a multi-agency initiative led by the ATF from 2018 to 2020, designed to disrupt the illegal flow of firearms from the U.S. to Mexican cartels. It targeted trafficking networks tied to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), using straw buyers, couriers, and financial investigations to cut off cartel access to weapons. The operation supported 76 cases and identified key trafficking routes—but despite its success, it was quietly defunded in 2022. Forcelli also shares insights on the internal politics of the ATF, the legal hurdles in prosecuting trafficking cases, and what the future holds for federal efforts to combat cartel-related violence. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original SPONSORS: 1stPhorm visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 Free 30 days in the app for new customers (offer comes via email after the purchase) 110% money-back guarantee on all of our products. We believe fully in our products. If you don't love the product or you aren't getting the results you hoped for, let us know and we'll give you your money back … plus 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To read a copy of the death investigation, CLICK: HERE In this episode of Borderland: NARCOSIS, Vince sits down with Jon Griggs to discuss an ongoing federal investigation into a cattle farm Ponzi scheme that has already been classified as fraud by the FBI. With a background in law enforcement, Griggs shares how the case began with inflated cattle counts and investor losses—but quickly revealed something much larger. As Griggs explains, the scheme appears to be just one piece of a broader and more complex puzzle, potentially tied to a money laundering network connected to the CJNG (Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación) operating within the U.S. The conversation explores how banks may have unknowingly—or knowingly—facilitated these operations, the systemic failures that allowed the fraud to continue, and the emotional toll on victims. Griggs also talks about the fear of retaliation, missed warning signs, and the ongoing effort to trace the full scope of the operation. BORDERLAND is an IRONCLAD Original Borderland Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/borderland-narcosis-with-vincent-rocco-vargas/id1730589324 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6w9YAIljxWKXsetl10w9Qp?si=8a5eb53e12b74e3a SPONSORS: 1stPhorm visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 Free 30 days in the app for new customers (offer comes via email after the purchase) 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. We believe fully in our products. If you don't love the product or you aren't getting the results you hoped for, let us know and we'll give you your money back … plus 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince welcomes back Ray Donovan, former DEA Chief of Operations with more than 26 years of experience targeting global criminal organizations. Together, they unpack what the FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organization) designation could mean for China and Chinese organized crime, examine the rise of black market marijuana in the U.S., and discuss whether legalization could help dismantle the illicit trade. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original SPONSORS:  1stPhorm visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 Free 30 days in the app for new customers (offer comes via email after the purchase) 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. We believe fully in our products. If you don't love the product or you aren't getting the results you hoped for, let us know and we'll give you your money back … plus 10%! Watch Change Agents: Black Project, a 4 part mini series, weekly on Tuesdays or Binge all 4 episodes of now by becoming a member on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmK3k1U3D3fqPZWcnAaa-Vg/join. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with Brent Tucker, a former Green Beret and Delta Force operator with over 20 years of experience in U.S. Special Operations. They discuss what a U.S. military response to the cartels could look like, including the use of drone warfare, urban combat tactics, and cross-border operations. Brent also shares insights on corruption in Mexico, risk aversion in military leadership, and how special operations units assess threats in complex environments. SPONSORS:  1stPhorm visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 Free 30 days in the app for new customers (offer comes via email after the purchase) 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. We believe fully in our products. If you don't love the product or you aren't getting the results you hoped for, let us know and we'll give you your money back … plus 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer and whistleblower, to uncover the shocking truths behind the U.S. government's involvement in the war on drugs. Kiriakou, who spent over a decade in the CIA, is best known for blowing the whistle on the CIA's use of torture following the 9/11 attacks, which ultimately led to his conviction and imprisonment. His career within the CIA gives him a unique perspective on the agency's covert operations and its complicated relationship with drug cartels. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Become a member on Youtube @thisisrionclad to watch Change Agents: Black Project Starting April 8th! Sponsors: 1stPhorm visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 Free 30 days in the app for new customers (offer comes via email after the purchase) 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. We believe fully in our products. If you don't love the product or you aren't getting the results you hoped for, let us know and we'll give you your money back … plus 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disclaimer: In this episode, our guest Ceci speaks only Spanish. To ensure her story reaches a wider audience, Adriana Jones provides real-time translation. While we have made every effort to maintain the accuracy and integrity of her words, some nuances may be lost in translation. We appreciate your understanding and encourage listeners who speak Spanish to engage with Ceci's words directly. On today's episode, Vince talks to Ceci Flores and returning guest Adriana Jones to discuss the recently discovered extermination camps in Mexico.  Ceci Flores is Mexican activist searching for victims of forced disappearances, including her two kidnapped sons. Since 2015, her collective “Madre Buscadoras de Sonora” has uncovered over 2,700 bodies in clandestine graves and reunited more than 2,300 missing persons with their families. Despite threats and being forced to relocate, she continues her fight against cartel violence and government inaction. She was recognized as one of the BBC's 100 most influential women in 2022, she also authored *Madre Buscadora, Chronicle of Desperation*, which won Mexico's “Book of the Year” award. Adriana Jones is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of RhonitaVIVE, a bi-national human rights organization dedicated to raising awareness about cartel violence in Mexico. She established the nonprofit in memory of her sister, Maria "Rhonita" LeBaron, who, along with her four children, was tragically murdered in a cartel attack in November 2019. Adriana has since become an outspoken advocate, calling for the designation of Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations and striving to bring attention to the pervasive violence affecting countless families To Donate to Ceci's foundation, visit: https://www.buscalibre.com.mx/libro-madre-buscadora-cronica-de-la-desesperacion/9786075939056/p/63726734https://www.buscalibre.com.mx/libro-madre-buscadora-cronica-de-la-desesperacion/9786075939056/p/63726734 To Donate to Adriana's foundation visit: https://rhonitavive.com/ Borderland is an IRONCLAD ORIGINAL  SPONSORS:  1stPhorm Visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 Free 30 days in the app for new customers (offer comes via email after the purchase) 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. We believe fully in our products. If you don't love the product or you aren't getting the results you hoped for, let us know and we'll give you your money back … plus 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jay Flores returns to set the record straight on drug cartels and trafficking. As former drug trafficker with firsthand experience in the world of organized crime, Jay discusses the realities of cartel operations, the role of cryptocurrency, and the differences between cartels and independent traffickers. He also touches on the impact of law enforcement and the evolving nature of drug trafficking, providing insight into the complexities of the issue. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: 1st Phorm visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 Free 30 days in the app for new customers (offer comes via email after the purchase) 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. We believe fully in our products. If you don't love the product or you aren't getting the results you hoped for, let us know and we'll give you your money back … plus 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with former CIA and FBI agent Tracy Walder to explore the intersection of intelligence, national security, and the drug trade. Tracy shares her journey from the CIA to the FBI, discussing counterterrorism, drone warfare, and the role of intelligence in tracking cartels. She unpacks the CIA's complex ties to drug trafficking, the fentanyl crisis, and China's role in supplying raw materials. The conversation also examines U.S. border policies, the potential for special operations in Mexico, and whether government efforts against drug trafficking are genuine or just political theater. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: 1st Phorm visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/bigpapi Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 Free 30 days in the app for new customers (offer comes via email after the purchase) 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. We believe fully in our products. If you don't love the product or you aren't getting the results you hoped for, let us know and we'll give you your money back … plus 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince welcomes back former L.A. kingpin Pierre Rausini to address feedback from his last appearance and dive deeper into the ties between the Sinaloa Cartel and the American military. Pierre discusses the cartel's use of military tactics, the role of veterans in operations, the impact of U.S. strategies on drug trafficking, and the recent handover of 29 cartel members to U.S. custody and its implications for the drug trade, as well as the recent 29 cartel members that were handed over to US custody, and how that act from Mexico impacts the drug trade. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original SPONSORS: 1ST PHORM https://1stphorm.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's bonus episode, Vince talks to Scott Higham, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter with The Washington Post, renowned for exposing corporate corruption, criminal networks, and critical public safety issues. With a career rooted in investigative journalism, he has spent years uncovering the truth behind the opioid crisis—particularly the role pharmaceutical companies played in fueling the epidemic. As the co-author of American Cartel: Inside the Battle to Bring Down the Opioid Industry, he and his colleague Sari Horwitz revealed how pharmaceutical giants knowingly marketed highly addictive painkillers, contributing to widespread addiction and devastating overdose deaths, as well as setting the stage for the Mexican drug cartels. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with former Sinaloa cartel kingpin turned educator, Margarito "Jay" Flores. Margarito Flores Jr. as known as “Jay”, grew up in Chicago, where he and his twin brother, Pedro, were born into a family of drug traffickers. Starting at the street level, they rose to run one of the largest drug distribution organizations in U.S. history, working directly with El Chapo Guzmán, El Mayo Zambada, and other high-ranking members of the Sinaloa Cartel as their main U.S. distributors. Seeking a safer and better future for their families, Jay and Pedro voluntarily reached out to U.S. authorities, playing a key role in the indictment, arrest, and prosecution of El Chapo Guzmán, El Mayo Zambada, and other top cartel leaders across multiple federal districts. Their cooperation marked a turning point, leading Jay to a path of redemption and education. Today, Jay is dedicated to educating law enforcement on the inner workings of drug cartels and trafficking operations. Through his seminars, including “From Kingpin to Educator,” he provides firsthand insights to equip officers with the tools needed to combat drug cartels effectively. His work extends beyond law enforcement training—he collaborates with universities, criminal justice organizations, and policymakers to promote education, deterrence, and innovative anti-drug trafficking strategies. Jay also worked with Congress, providing expert insight into drug trafficking operations, cartel strategies, and smuggling tactics to help shape better policies, laws, and resources for tackling organized crime. As part of his mission, Jay founded the Kingpin to Educator Foundation, an initiative focused on raising money to provide free training for law enforcement officers and agencies on a wide range of topics, from cartel operations to drug prevention strategies. The foundation also supports drug prevention education for students, youth organizations, and juvenile detention centers, helping young people understand the dangers of drugs and organized crime. To learn more about Jay's work, visit: https://kingpintoeducator.com/ Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince Vargas sits down with Sarah Kinosian, the investigative journalist behind the revealing Reuters article, How a Factory City in Wisconsin Fed Military-Grade Weapons to a Mexican Cartel. Sarah talks through her investigation into how a small factory in Wisconsin became a crucial link in supplying military-grade firearms to the CJNG cartel. They also discuss the implications of this illegal trade, the role of U.S. manufacturing in fueling violence south of the border, and the wider connection between American-made weapons and cartel activity. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. To submit tips, stories, and guest ideas email: borderland@thisisironclad.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with Pierre Rausini. Pierre Rausini is an author and former Los Angeles kingpin. He was charged with operating a criminal enterprise under the Federal Drug Kingpin Statute and prosecuted for participating in wide-ranging drug conspiracies. Rausini's extensive history of drug trafficking in Southern California throughout the 1990s involved direct collaboration with high-level Sinaloa operatives who managed the cartel's American-based distribution network and its money laundering operation. This experience provided him with an intimate understanding of the cartel's logistics and operational strategies.   Rausini was released last year after serving twenty-six years in federal prison. His incarceration allowed him to live alongside and develop deep relationships with high-ranking members of both the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, including several of their drug lords. This unique position enabled him to gain profound insights into the mindset, decision-making process, and cultural dynamics of these individuals. Rausini's first-hand knowledge of how cartel leaders think and operate offers a level of insight that is simply unattainable through traditional intelligence-gathering methods. Rausini has been invited to speak before law enforcement groups as a subject-matter expert and he appears on social media, commenting on matters relating to drug trafficking, money laundering, and cartel intrigue.  To learn more about Pierre's story, check out: Devil Exposed: A Twisted Tale of Drug Trafficking, Corruption & Murder in the City of Angels Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this bonus episode, Vince welcomes back Katarina Szulc to discuss the recent propaganda video from Cartel De Noreste, claiming to reject violence while continuing their criminal activities. They dive into Trump's pressure on Claudia Sheinbaum to combat cartels and examine the cartel networks at the Northern border. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince welcomes back security expert and former Mexican law enforcement officer Ed Calderon to discuss Claudia Sheinbaum's decision to send 10,000 Mexican troops to the U.S. border. They also explore the implications of this move, the response from Mayo Zambada and the Sinaloa Cartel, and how it may affect cartel operations. The conversation also covers perspectives from Mexican citizens and cartel members on Donald Trump and how his policies influence dynamics at the border. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with investigative journalist Katarina Szulc to discuss the escalating cartel violence in Mexico and the impact of the U.S. officially designating cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). To read more of Katarina's work check out: https://katarinaszulc.substack.com/about IG: @KatarinaSzulc X: @KatarinaSzulc Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last season, we took you to the frontlines of the border crisis. We dug into the brutal realities behind immigration—the policies, the fears, and the human toll it takes on individuals and communities. That was just the beginning. Now, we're going deeper.  We're pulling back the curtain on the ruthless forces that drive mass migration - organized crime.  On the new season of Borderland, NARCOSIS We'll take an even closer look at the institutions, criminal forces, drugs, and operations that are driving mass migration from regions torn apart by unprecedented violence and corruption. We're not just talking about the cartels. We're showing you the inner workings of these criminal empires and the power they hold over entire regions.  Catch the new season of Borderland: Narcosis everywhere you get your podcasts and on Youtube @thisisironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with Luis Navia, a former Cuban-American drug trafficker who played a central role in the international cocaine trade for over 25 years, and Jesse Fink, the author who chronicled Luis's story. Born in Cuba, Luis fled to Miami with his family after Castro's takeover in 1959. Raised in privilege, he attended private schools and Georgetown University before becoming involved in drug trafficking in the 1970s. Known in South American cocaine circles as “El Senador,” Luis worked with powerful cartels, including Escobar's Medellín cartel, the Cali cartel, and Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles, building extensive smuggling networks across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S. In 2000, Luis was arrested in a global operation that involved the DEA, FBI, and Colombian authorities. After being held accountable for over 10 tons of cocaine, he cooperated with U.S. authorities, providing critical information on cartel operations and serving five years in prison. Together, Luis and Jesse share insights into the dangerous world of drug trafficking, the decisions that led to Luis's rise and fall, and the lessons learned along the way. To find out more about Luis's story, check out Jesse Fink's book: Pure Narco: One Man's True Story of 25 Years Inside the Cartels Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince responds to audience questions and comments, discussing the future of the war on drugs, the role of mass deportations, and the impact of drug legalization. He also shares insights on what the incoming administration's policies could mean for the fight against cartels and border security. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with NewsNation's Jorge Ventura to explore his career reporting on the U.S.-Mexico border, including firsthand accounts of covering cartel operations. They dive into what changes could unfold as the Trump administration takes office on January 20th, discussing the potential for mass deportations and the future of border enforcement Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: Betterhelp Visit BetterHelp.com/borderland today to get 10% off your first month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with Adriana Jones, a woman whose life was forever changed when her sister and young nephews were murdered in an attack by a Mexican cartel. She discusses how this tragedy led her to establish Rhonitavive, a nonprofit named in her sister's memory, focused on raising awareness about the growing threat of cartel violence. To learn more about Adriana and Rhonitavive, visit: Website: rhonitavive.com Instagram: @rhonitavive https://www.instagram.com/rhonitavive?igsh=MTYxamVjY2M2cXZwdg== Facebook: Rhonita Vive https://www.facebook.com/share/QqXJr9oVuJ77Ps8w/?mibextid=wwXIfr X: @RhonitaVive https://x.com/rhonitavive?s=21&t=GTGQSd5CmZ0-kqprkE-ebw Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with TJ English, author of The Last Kilo: Willy Falcon and the Cocaine Empire That Seduced America. They discuss Miami's explosive cocaine boom and its lasting impact on the drug trade, unpacking the city's dark narco history. The conversation also explores how drug legalization could be the key to ending the drug war and addressing the violence that continues to plague many nations. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Borderland, Vince Vargas speaks with Daniel Brunner, a 29-year veteran of the FBI and U.S. Navy, to discuss the continued rise of the Tren de Aragua trasnational crime organization in the United States. Brunner, an expert in Latin American geopolitics and organized crime, breaks down the group's rapid expansion, its deepening entrenchment in the U.S., and the long-term security risks it poses. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with Mexican researcher and sociologist Alethia Fernández de la Reguera to discuss the militarization of Mexico's northern and southern borders and the corruption entrenched in border enforcement. They delve into the systemic violations of migrants' rights, with a focus on the widespread sexual violence and exploitation women endure along their journeys, often at the hands of cartels and corrupt officials. The conversation also examines how the U.S. immigration system measures up in terms of safety and integrity. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Producer's Note: This interview was recorded prior to official election results On today's episode, Vince sits down with Benjamin T. Smith, author of The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade to discuss the history and evolution of the Mexican drug trade. Benjamin explains how historical trade routes like the Silk Road laid the groundwork for the global drug trade, the impact of political shifts and corruption in Mexico and the U.S., and how synthetic drugs like meth and fentanyl are transforming cartel operations. They also discuss the unintended consequences of U.S. anti-drug policies, the militarization of cartels and governments, and what it would take to break the economic dependence on the drug trade. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince welcomes back John Nores, a retired special operations game warden and expert in combating environmental and public safety crimes. They discuss cartel activity in the United States and its effects on tribal lands, including Chinese smuggling operations, the rise of tainted cannabis laced with dangerous substances, and the broader impacts these criminal activities have on tribal communities and the environment. John's book Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens Are Reclaiming America's Wildlands From The Drug Cartels 2nd. Edition is available Now. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with Emmy award winning Mexican investigative journalist, author, and editor, Peniley Ramirez. Peniley is known for her in-depth reporting on organized crime, corruption, and government accountability in Mexico and the United States. Her latest book, Los Millonarios de la Guerra (The Millionaires of War), brings to light the corruption of Genero Garcia Luna - a former high-ranking Mexican official who worked with President Obama and President Trump on anti-cartel efforts while accepting bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel. He eventually was arrested in 2019 and sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2024. Because of Peniley's reporting, several official investigations of politicians and business people in the U.S. and Latin America have taken place in the last 5 years. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors:  MTNTOUGH FITNESS Go to: https://mtntough.com/ and download the MTNTOUGH app today, and use code “BORDERLAND” To get a 14-day free trial and one month free! That's six weeks of MTNTOUGH at no cost Born Primitive Tactical ad -Shop Born Primitive Tactical at https://bornprimitivetactical.com Savage 1 ads - Shop the New Savage 1 at https://bornprimitive.com/collections/savage-1-collection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Producer's note: This episode was recorded prior to Presidential elections. On today's episode, Vince is joined by Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and expert on national security, organized crime, and illicit economies. She is the author of several books, including Narco Noir: Mexico's Cartels, Cops, and Corruption and Shooting Up: Counterinsurgency and the War on Drugs. In their conversation, Vince and Vanda discuss China's role in the production and export of fentanyl precursor chemicals, the complexities of its regulatory policies, and whether fentanyl could be used as a form of asymmetrical warfare against the United States. Interested in more of Vanda's Work: The Sinaloa cartel arrests: Stunning tactical success, strategic blunder? https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-sinaloa-cartel-arrests-stunning-tactical-success-strategic-blunder/ Mexico, López Obrador, and Sheinbaum's presidential victory https://www.brookings.edu/articles/mexico-lopez-obrador-and-sheinbaums-presidential-victory/ The limits of renewed US-China counternarcotics cooperation (testimony) https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-limits-of-renewed-us-china-counternarcotics-cooperation/   How Mexico's Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación rules https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-mexicos-cartel-jalisco-nueva-generacion-rules/ How the Sinaloa Cartel rules https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-the-sinaloa-cartel-rules/ Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Sentinel Foundation: To find out more about their efforts to help hurricane victims, and their anti-child exploitation efforts, and see how you can help, check out at foundationsentinel.org Sponsors: MTNTOUGH FITNESS Go to: https://mtntough.com/ and download the MTNTOUGH app today, and use code “BORDERLAND” To get a 14-day free trial and one month free! That's six weeks of MTNTOUGH at no cost Born Primitive: Shop Born Primitive Tactical at BornPrimitive.com: LINK: https://bornprimitivetactical.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Producer's note: This interview was conducted one week prior to the 2024 Presidential elections. On today's episode, former Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott joins Vince to discuss the realities of border security. They unravel the origins of the border wall, tracing it back to the Clinton era before it became a political flashpoint under the Trump administration. Together, they challenge the widespread misconceptions surrounding "kids in cages" and lay bare the complexities of securing the U.S.-Mexico border. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original  Sentinel Foundation: To find out more about their efforts to help hurricane victims, and their anti-child exploitation efforts, and see how you can help, check out at foundationsentinel.org SPONSORS: MTNTOUGH FITNESS Go to: https://mtntough.com/ and download the MTNTOUGH app today, and use code “BORDERLAND” To get a 14-day free trial and one month free! That's six weeks of MTNTOUGH at no cost. BORN PRIMITIVE Born Primitive has pledged $2.5 million to wipe out medical debt for veterans across the country, with a goal of reaching $5 million by Veterans Day. From November 8th to November 11th, all sales from their website will go directly toward this mission. To learn more about Born Primitive and the Veteran's day campaign, you can shop the cause at www.bornprimitive.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Borderland, Vince welcomes back intelligence expert Jaeson Jones for an in-depth look at the latest developments in the border crisis. Together, they explore the expanding influence of Middle Eastern terror groups, such as Hamas, within Mexico's cartel networks, and the complex, growing ties between these organizations and U.S. border vulnerabilities. They also delve into the violent reach of the Tren de Aragua gang as it infiltrates deeper into North America, discuss the impacts of Mexico's new president on border security, and examine the cartel wars that are currently reshaping Sinaloa, Mexico. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original  SPONSORS: MTNTOUGH FITNESS Go to: https://mtntough.com/ and download the MTNTOUGH app today, and use code “BORDERLAND” To get a 14-day free trial and one month free! That's six weeks of MTNTOUGH at no cost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would Vince change if he were running the Border Patrol? Could legalizing drugs dismantle cartel power? And should the U.S. bring the fight against cartels to American soil? In this special Q&A episode, Vince takes on questions and comments from Borderland listeners, and offers his own insights on topics including U.S. border policy, cartel influence, and the impact of drug legalization. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original SPONSORS: MTNTOUGH FITNESS Go to: https://mtntough.com/ and download the MTNTOUGH app today, and use code “BORDERLAND” To get a 14-day free trial and one month free! That's six weeks of MTNTOUGH at no cost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Borderland, Vince sits down with former CIA covert operations officer and host of The President's Daily Brief podcast, Mike Baker. Mike has over 15 years of experience in counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, and intelligence operations worldwide. After his career in the CIA, he transitioned into the private sector, co-founding a global intelligence and security firm called Diligence LLC, which provides services in risk management and investigative support. BORDERLAND is an IRONCLAD Original. SPONSORS: MTNTOUGH FITNESS Go to: https://mtntough.com/ and download the MTNTOUGH app today, and use code “BORDERLAND” To get a 14-day free trial and one month free! That's six weeks of MTNTOUGH at no cost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Borderland, Vince sits down with renowned geopolitical strategist Peter Zeihan to dive into the complex realities of immigration, U.S. policy, and Mexico's uncertain future. Peter breaks down what both the left and right get wrong about America's immigration debate, and offer his perspective on the models that could reshape U.S. policy. He also takes a hard look at Mexico's new president and the growing threat of fentanyl production driven by cartels. He is also the New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental Superpower, The Absent Superpower, Disunited Nations, and The End of the World Is Just the Beginning. BORDERLAND is an IRONCLAD Original. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6w9YAIl... SPONSORS: MTNTOUGH FITNESS Go to https://mtntough.com/ and download the MTNTOUGH app today, and use code “BORDERLAND” To get a 14-day free trial and one month free! That's six weeks of MTNTOUGH at no cost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Borderland, Vince chats with Keith Newton, a PSYOP specialist, about how Information Operations (IO) campaigns work and the media's role in shaping narratives. They explore how news outlets align stories with political agendas and discuss the media's portrayal of the border crisis. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Check out the REASONABLE FEAR S.E.C. KIT available for pre-order at https://thisisironclad.com/products/sec?=BL930YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with journalist, writer, producer, and podcast host Ioan Grillo. Ioan has been covering the drug cartels in Latin America since 2001, and has recently been on the grounds in Sinaloa, Mexico covering the brutal civil war that has broken out since El Mayo's arrest between two factions of the cartel -- the Mayos and the Chapitos. He is also the author of three books: Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs and Cartels, Gangster Warlords: Drug Dollars, Killing Fields, and the New Politics in Latin America, and El Narco: Inside Mexico's Criminal Insurgency  He continually publishes about cartels and Narco politics on his Substack, CrashOutMedia, and is the host of the CrimeWar podcast.  Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 4-PART BORDERLAND SPECIAL SERIES: EPISODE 4: THE ULTRA-VIOLENT RISE AND DRAMATIC FALL OF MS-13 On the southern border, there is a legal concept known as “reasonable fear.” If an asylum officer determines that a migrant has a “reasonable fear of persecution or torture” if returned to their home country, then removal procedures can be delayed. And, in the current border crisis, there's been no greater source of “reasonable fear” cases than the Mexican drug cartels and organized crime.  In each episode we take a deep dive into the border crisis to find the primary players behind the violence, the scope of these transnational criminal enterprises, and the state of the narco wars. In this episode, host Vince ‘Rocoo' Vargas, looks the ultra-violent rise -- and dramatic fall -- of MS1-3. Check out the REASONABLE FEAR S.E.C. KIT available for pre-order at https://thisisironclad.com/products/sec?=RFTRAILER Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 4-PART BORDERLAND SPECIAL SERIES: EPISODE 3: CJNG: THE CARTEL IN AMERICA'S LIVING ROOMS On the southern border, there is a legal concept known as “reasonable fear.” If an asylum officer determines that a migrant has a “reasonable fear of persecution or torture” if returned to their home country, then removal procedures can be delayed. And, in the current border crisis, there's been no greater source of “reasonable fear” cases than the Mexican drug cartels and organized crime.  In each episode we take a deep dive into the border crisis to find the primary players behind the violence, the scope of these transnational criminal enterprises, and the state of the narco wars. In this episode, host Vince ‘Rocoo' Vargas, looks the CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel) and the elaborate schemes they are perpetrating on elderly Americans. Check out the REASONABLE FEAR S.E.C. KIT available for pre-order at https://thisisironclad.com/products/sec?=RFTRAILER Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 4-PART BORDERLAND SPECIAL SERIES: EPISODE 2: THE CULT OF SANTA MUERTE On the southern border, there is a legal concept known as “reasonable fear.” If an asylum officer determines that a migrant has a “reasonable fear of persecution or torture” if returned to their home country, then removal procedures can be delayed. And, in the current border crisis, there's been no greater source of “reasonable fear” cases than the Mexican drug cartels and organized crime.  In each episode we take a deep dive into the border crisis to find the primary players behind the violence, the scope of these transnational criminal enterprises, and the state of the narco wars. In this episode, host Vince ‘Rocoo' Vargas, takes a deep dive into the Santa Muerte religious movement. Check out the REASONABLE FEAR S.E.C. KIT available for pre-order at https://thisisironclad.com/products/sec?=RFTRAILER Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 4-PART BORDERLAND SPECIAL SERIES: On the southern border, there is a legal concept known as “reasonable fear.” If an asylum officer determines that a migrant has a “reasonable fear of persecution or torture” if returned to their home country, then removal procedures can be delayed. And, in the current border crisis, there's been no greater source of “reasonable fear” cases than the Mexican drug cartels and organized crime.  In each episode we take a deep dive into the border crisis to find the primary players behind the violence, the scope of these transnational criminal enterprises, and the state of the narco wars. In this episode, host Vince ‘Rocoo' Vargas, takes a deep dive into the missing and murdered women of Juárez. Check out the REASONABLE FEAR S.E.C. KIT available for pre-order at https://thisisironclad.com/products/sec?=RFTRAILER Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices