Majority of Fentanyl Smugglers at Southern Border Are U.S. Citizens, New Data Reveals
According to KOAT Recent data obtained by the Cato Institute through a Freedom of Information Act request reveals a startling trend at the southern border: the majority of individuals apprehended with fentanyl are U.S. citizens. This new information underscores a troubling aspect of the ongoing drug crisis and has significant implications for border security and drug enforcement strategies.
In New Mexico, fentanyl has been identified as a major factor contributing to the state’s escalating crime problems. The state has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in expanding treatment programs to combat the crisis. Despite these efforts, the problem persists, with drug-related incidents becoming increasingly common.
Raul Bujanda, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, highlights the extent of the issue. “I see it every day,” Bujanda says. “Whenever we conduct a search warrant, whether it’s related to a crime against a child, national security, violent gangs, or drug-related activities, it’s rare not to find fentanyl.”
According to Bujanda, cartels are employing U.S. citizens as drug mules. “They could look like you, me, or anyone,” he explains. “Cartels target specific groups of individuals whom they believe can effectively smuggle drugs into the country, offering them financial incentives.”
The data reveals that from 2019 to 2024, more than 80 percent of people caught at the border with fentanyl were U.S. citizens. This statistic highlights a shift in drug smuggling dynamics, with cartels exploiting domestic individuals to facilitate their operations.
The Cato Institute’s report also shows a dramatic increase in fentanyl seizures at the border. In 2023 alone, over 25,000 pounds of fentanyl were confiscated, and the total seized in 2024 has already reached half of that amount. Notably, 88 percent of these seizures occurred at ports of entry rather than illegal crossing points.
“Fentanyl is relatively easy to conceal, whether it’s on a person or in a vehicle,” Bujanda notes. “The challenge lies in detecting it effectively.”
In response to the crisis, Democratic Congressman Gabe Vasquez, along with Senator Martin Heinrich, is advocating for over five million dollars in federal funding to acquire advanced technology aimed at enhancing drug interdiction efforts. “Cartels are not only using Americans as mules but also targeting young people under 18,” Vasquez asserts. “This revelation should shift the narrative away from blaming immigrants and highlight the role of American citizens in fentanyl smuggling.”
On the other hand, Republican Senate candidate Nella Domenici emphasizes the need for stronger border security measures. “This situation highlights the deep entrenchment of fentanyl in American society,” Domenici argues. “It shows how pervasive the issue is, with individuals actively involved in the drug trade and collaborating with cartels.”
The ongoing fentanyl crisis presents complex challenges for law enforcement and policymakers. The data underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to address both domestic and international aspects of drug trafficking and to ensure that resources are effectively allocated to combat this urgent public health threat.
