U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Celebrates El 85’s Guilty Plea: A Step Toward Cartel Accountability
In a significant development in the fight against drug trafficking, Ronald Johnson, the United States ambassador to Mexico, expressed support for the recent guilty plea of Erick Valencia Salazar, also known as El 85, co-founder of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This plea, made public on Tuesday, serves as an essential milestone towards dismantling cartel leadership and reinforcing bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico.
The Impact of El 85’s Guilty Plea
Ambassador Johnson emphasized on his X account (formerly Twitter) that Valencia’s actions contributed to extensive violence across the U.S.-Mexico border. He stated, “Valencia Salazar helped build a network that promoted violence on both sides of the border.” This plea indicates a robust legal strategy aimed at holding drug traffickers accountable, showcasing a shared commitment between the U.S. and Mexican governments to ensure safety and justice.
According to the DEA, Valencia Salazar, now 49 and residing in Santa Clara, California, has been pivotal in the CJNG’s operations, which are responsible for trafficking drugs—including thousands of kilograms of cocaine—into the United States. His involvement in recruiting cartel members and assassinating rivals further emphasizes the threats posed by criminal organizations.
Binational Efforts Against Cartel Leadership
Valencia’s case is part of an overarching strategy involving both U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies working together to target cartel operations. With the State Department designating the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025, significant legal actions intensify around prominent cartel figures. Valencia Salazar faces a potential sentence ranging from a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, demonstrating the serious ramifications of cartel affiliations.
The coordinated efforts between the DEA and Mexican authorities have led to a deeper investigation into the CJNG, with measures in place to combat money laundering and drug operations across borders. Johnson highlighted this cooperative framework as critical in navigating the complexities of cross-border crime.
Future Implications and Justice
The upcoming sentencing of Valencia Salazar is scheduled for July 31. There is much at stake, not only in terms of justice for victims of cartel violence but also in setting a precedent for dealing with organized crime. Deputy Attorney General A. Tysen Duva underscored that “the guilty plea represents our federal commitment to dismantle transnational drug trafficking structures,” reinforcing a narrative that leaders like El 85 will be pursued relentlessly.
The Operation Take Back America initiative plays a crucial role in this scenario, aiming to prevent illegal immigration and criminal enterprises that destabilize communities both in Mexico and the U.S. Valencia’s case represents a notable chapter in addressing the broader issues of violence and drug trafficking exacerbating the ongoing crisis.
Conclusion: A Path Toward Accountability
As the legal proceedings unfold, the ramifications of El 85’s guilty plea resonate beyond courtrooms. It symbolizes a transformative approach to addressing drug-related violence and cartel activity, emphasizing the importance of binational collaboration in combating these formidable networks. With continuous actions like this, there is hope for a safer future across borders, reaffirming the commitment to justice and peace for all affected communities.
Key Points:
- El 85, co-founder of CJNG, pleads guilty to drug trafficking.
- The State Department designates CJNG as a terrorist organization.
- The upcoming sentencing is a crucial step towards accountability in cartel leadership.