Joint U.S.-Mexican Operation Dismantles Horrific Human Trafficking Network
U.S. intelligence played a pivotal role in the recent arrest of a high-level cartel figure, Martha Alicia Mendez Aguilar, known as “La Diabla,” who allegedly masterminded a horrific baby trafficking and organ harvesting network.
Officials announced Wednesday that the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) provided critical intelligence that supported a joint operation with Mexican law enforcement, leading to Mendez Aguilar’s capture in Juarez on September 2, 2025.
The operation, executed by Mexican authorities, targeted a network linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). According to officials, the group allegedly lured pregnant women to remote locations, where they performed illegal cesarean procedures. The network is accused of harvesting the organs from the mothers’ bodies and selling the newborns to couples in the U.S. for a price of up to 250,000 pesos.
NCTC Director Joe Kent praised the interagency collaboration, stating, “This is one example of what terrorist cartels will do to diversify their revenue streams and finance operations.” He emphasized that NCTC’s intelligence and analysis were crucial in enabling law enforcement partners to act, ultimately saving “the lives of innocent women and children.”
The successful mission was a collaborative effort involving several U.S. agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The operation was executed by Mexican law enforcement partners and the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Women (Fiscalia Especializada en la Mujer).
This arrest highlights the expanded focus of U.S. counterterrorism efforts following President Trump’s designation of cartels and transnational gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO). Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Gabbard has since directed NCTC to apply its counterterrorism expertise to assist in targeting these FTO-designated cartels, like CJNG, who use violence and terror to gain control and engage in illicit activities.
READ: Valrico Mom Arrested After Attempting To Drown Her 3 Children In Community Pool
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
