Migrants Saddled with Cartel Debts After US Border Crossings

Exploitative smuggling schemes leave migrants vulnerable to violence and exploitation even after reaching the US

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A recent case highlighted by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals a disturbing trend: migrants are being saddled with crippling debts to cartels for their illegal border crossings, debts that don't disappear upon arrival in the US. This financial entanglement creates a cycle of vulnerability, as migrants fearing for their safety are often forced to work in exploitative conditions to repay these debts. The CBP is using these cases to warn potential migrants about the dangers of relying on smugglers and the long-term financial repercussions.

Why it matters

The involvement of cartels in human smuggling has broader implications for national security, as criminal organizations are actively recruiting individuals, even minors, to assist in their operations. This includes transporting drugs and engaging in other illicit activities. Additionally, the debt owed to cartels isn't simply a financial burden; it's a threat to personal safety, as individuals who fall behind on payments can face intimidation, threats, and even violence.

The details

CBP recently reported the arrest of a man in Encinitas, California, who owed over $20,000 to a cartel for his illegal crossing, made approximately three years prior. This isn't an isolated incident, as the cost of crossing the border, facilitated by criminal organizations, has been steadily increasing. Migrants often finance this journey through family members, loans, or by pledging future earnings, with the terms dictated by the cartels and the consequences of default being severe.

  • The man was arrested in Encinitas, California, approximately 3 years after his illegal border crossing.
  • CBP has reported hundreds of thousands of migrant detentions in the last year, indicating a continued high level of border crossings.

The players

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for securing the United States' borders and facilitating lawful international trade and travel.

Cártel del Golfo

A criminal organization based in northeastern Mexico that is involved in human smuggling and other illicit activities.

Manuel Pérez Jr.

A CBP officer who was accused of accepting bribes to allow undocumented individuals and drugs to cross the border, highlighting the need for robust internal oversight and accountability within the agency.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The CBP is actively working to disrupt cartel operations and combat human smuggling, including through expanded multi-agency efforts to target transnational criminals funneling fentanyl into the US. However, addressing the root causes of migration and the economic desperation that drives people to seek assistance from cartels remains a significant challenge.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of cartel involvement in human smuggling, which leaves migrants vulnerable to exploitation, violence, and financial ruin even after they reach the US. Addressing this issue will require a multi-pronged approach, including increased enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and efforts to address the underlying drivers of migration.