Matthew R. Galeotti, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division, Delivers Remarks at Press Event Announcing Charges against Senior Leaders of the United Cartels

# Federal Prosecutors Charge Five Leaders of United Cartels

The Justice Department announced criminal charges against five senior leaders of the United Cartels, a Mexico-based criminal organization designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in February 2025. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti made the announcement Friday in Washington, D.C., stating the charges target the group's role in trafficking massive quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine into the United States. Three of the defendants face additional firearms charges involving semi-automatic weapons, machine guns, and destructive devices.

The United Cartels, which primarily operate in Mexico's Michoacán region, have allied to control drug trafficking routes and territories through violence and corruption. The defendants face charges carrying sentences up to life imprisonment.

Beyond criminal prosecution, the Justice Department is implementing a three-pronged strategy to combat the organization. The State Department is expanding a rewards program for witnesses providing information about the United Cartels and its leaders. Simultaneously, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control is imposing economic sanctions against the cartel's leadership. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the administration's commitment to dismantling the organization and prosecuting its members.