A top Treasury official visited the U.S.-Mexico border on Wednesday to coordinate efforts against drug cartel financing.
John K. Hurley, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, met with law enforcement and federal prosecutors in San Diego to discuss strategies for dismantling cartel financial networks, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced.
The visit underscored the Trump administration’s focus on cutting off money flows that fuel drug trafficking operations. Mexican cartels rely on sophisticated financial networks to launder billions in drug proceeds annually.
Hurley conferred with officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California about enhancing collaboration between Treasury and law enforcement partners.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Bessent’s leadership, Treasury will continue to aggressively target Mexican drug cartels’ financial networks to keep Americans safe,” the department stated.
The Treasury Department uses sanctions and other financial tools to freeze cartel assets and block access to the U.S. financial system. These efforts complement traditional law enforcement operations along the border.
San Diego serves as a major crossing point for both legitimate trade and illegal drug smuggling. The region has seen increased federal attention as authorities work to disrupt cartel operations.