The United States government has announced visa restrictions on 75 individuals identified as family members, personal associates, or close collaborators of people connected to the Sinaloa Cartel, as part of its broader strategy to combat drug trafficking.

 

 

The measure was confirmed by the U.S. State Department, which said the sanctions are being implemented under Executive Order 14059. The order allows authorities to target foreign individuals involved in the global trafficking of illicit drugs, including fentanyl.

 

The Trump Administration continues to make our nation and region safer and stronger. Today, I’m taking steps to impose visa restrictions on 75 individuals who are family members or close associates of persons linked to the Sinaloa Cartel sanctioned under E.O. 14059. @StateDept…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 20, 2026

 

According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the decision is intended to restrict the mobility and operations of individuals who, while not directly part of criminal structures, enable their activities. “The administration continues to make our nation and region safer and stronger,” he said.

 

 

The restrictions will bar these individuals from entering U.S. territory and are also intended to deter ongoing illicit activity within criminal networks. Authorities did not disclose the names or further details of those sanctioned.

 

 

 

 

The announcement comes amid a broader crackdown on organized crime by the administration of Donald Trump, which has designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, elevating drug trafficking charges to narcoterrorism.

U.S. officials have identified the group as one of the primary sources of fentanyl trafficking into the country, noting its transnational structure that enables operations across multiple regions.

 

 

The measure is part of a wider strategy targeting not only cartel leaders but also their logistical and financial support networks, which are considered essential to their operations.

 

 

The announcement follows recent actions by Washington to impose visa restrictions on 26 additional individuals in the Western Hemisphere accused of acting in ways that threaten U.S. national security.

 

 

Security experts say such sanctions increase international pressure on criminal organizations and their networks, while also strengthening cooperation among agencies to identify and dismantle these groups.