A Mexican national accused of smuggling illegal aliens, weapons and drugs for a gang that’s designated a foreign terrorist organization has been indicted.
Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez, 39, faces multiple charges, including material support of terrorism, for her role smuggling for the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación.
#ICYMI: Mexican National and Alleged Alien Smuggler, Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez, 39, of Mexico, Indicted in El Paso on First Material Support of Terrorism Charges for Supporting CJNG. Read more on this historic indictment: https://t.co/snqnlYYAhj pic.twitter.com/zxew5cfOf3
— FBI El Paso (@FBIElPaso) May 18, 2025
The cartel, referred to as CJNG, is one of several trans-national gangs that the Trump administration officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization. Others include Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and the Sinaloa Cartel.
“Cartels like CJNG are terrorist groups that wreak havoc in American communities and are responsible for countless lives lost in the United States, Mexico, and elsewhere,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. “This announcement demonstrates the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to securing our borders and protecting Americans through effective prosecution.”
Navarro-Sanchez allegedly tried to provide the gang with grenades. She’s also charged with conspiracy to smuggle illegals into the U.S., trafficking firearms, and smuggling cash. A co-defendant in the case, Luis Carlos Davalos-Lopez, 27, also was charged with smuggling illegals and firearms trafficking.
According to the State Department, CJNG is known to traffic fentanyl, and smuggle illegals and weapons, as well as steal oil and minerals.
“CJNG has conducted intimidating acts of violence, including attacks on Mexican military and police with military grade weaponry, the use of drones to drop explosives on Mexican law enforcement, and assassinations or attempted assassinations of Mexican officials,” the State Department said when the group was declared a foreign terrorist organization.
The indictment of Navarro-Sanchez and Davalos-Lopez stemmed from the Trump administration’s Operation Take Back America, which aims to crack down on illegal immigration and cartel violence.
ICE worked with the FBI, ATF, DEA and Border Patrol in the case against Navarro-Sanchez and Davalos-Lopez.
“The arrest of Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez should send a clear message to people who wish to align themselves with terrorist groups that they will be sought out and held to the highest extent of the law,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “I’m extremely proud of the dedicated men and women of the FBI and its law enforcement partners who work tirelessly every day to protect Americans and keep our communities safe.”
