Borderland: Dispatches with Katarina Szulc
Cartel violence. Kidnappings. Disappearances. The headlines don’t tell the full story. Borderland: Dispatches, an IRONCLAD Original, delivers raw, on-the-ground updates from Mexico’s cartel war. Hosted by investigative journalist Katarina Szulc, the series offers real-time snapshots of a conflict reshaping the future of both Mexico and the U.S. With rare access to traffickers, law enforcement, and civilians caught in the crossfire, these fast-moving episodes expose the brutal truth behind the drug war. New dispatches drop every Thursday.
Episodes
The Cartel War That Turned Zacatecas, Mexico into a WAR ZONE: Katarina Szulc & Vince 'Rocco' Vargas
Vince “Rocco” Vargas sits down with Katarina Szulc to discuss her recent investigation in Tlaxcala, Mexico (which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rXThHW2xeg ), an uptick in violence in Zacatecas, cartels operating Canada and more.
Borderland: Narcosis is an IRONCLAD Original.
Chapters
(00:00:37) Being chased on camera while reporting in Mexico
(00:04:09) The cartel's PR ang
Inside the Mexican Cartel Underworld: Katarina Szulc Exposes Trafficking Networks
In this SUPERCUT compilation of Borderland: Dispatches films, we look back at some of Katarina Szulc's most dangerous assignments inside of Mexico. From exposing trafficking operations to investigating the Tijuana drug underworld, we look at some the year's most-discussed Dispatch's films.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original.
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Cartels IN America?! Katarina Szulc Investigates Montana, Indiana, San Diego & More Hotspots
In this SUPERCUT compilation of Borderland: Dispatches films, we look back at Katarina Szulc's investigations in to cartel activity in North America.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original.
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The Uprising:
From the director of JASON BOURNE, Paul Greengrass brings you THE UPRISING. Andrew Garfield stars
The Underground Ring That Traffics Women Around Mexico & the U.S. Originates From THIS Town
Recently, Katarina Szulc investigated reports that women from Tlaxcala, Mexico were being trafficked to Tijuana, where they were enslaved by “managers” and forced into the city’s underground.
On the latest episode of Borderland: Dispatches, she reveals her shocking findings.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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Are Cartel Drone Operators Training on the Ukraine Frontlines? Katarina Szulc Investigates
On the latest Borderland: Dispatches film, Katarina Szulc travels to the frontlines of the war in Ukraine to investigate reports that Mexican cartel sicarios and operatives are traveling to Ukraine to learn FPV drone combat.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:42) Mexico's cartels infiltrate Ukraine's foreign fighter program
(00:04:53) Meeting a v
The New Era of Cartel Warfare — How Modern Wars Are Reshaping Cartels
Producer's Note: Enjoy this interview from Katarina's appearance on the IRONCLAD Original, Borderland: Narcosis with Vincent "Rocco" Vargas.
On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back Katarina Szulc, investigative journalist and host of the Ironclad Original, Borderland: Dispatches. Kat shares insights from her recent reporting in Ukraine, where authorities are investigating claims that foreign f
The Front Line of Modern Warfare — Inside Ukraine's Most Dangerous Underground Operation (Preview)
Producer's note: This is a preview of next week's full episode of Borderland: Dispatches. For the full visual experience, watch on Spotify Video or on the IRONCLAD YouTube channel: youtube.com/@thisisironclad
On Katarina's latest investigation, she gains rare access to an undisclosed location in Ukraine where civilian volunteers are illegally 3D-printing bombs for the front lines, and infiltrat
America vs CJNG: Guatemala Approves Massive Joint U.S. Strike Operations On Cartels
In this episode of Borderland Dispatches, Katarina breaks down a major shift in the drug war as Guatemala secretly agrees to joint U.S. airstrikes and military operations against regional cartels. Dive into the escalating pressure on Mexico’s sovereignty, the violent battle for the Guatemala-Chiapas trafficking corridor, and the growing influence of CJNG.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Ori
Los Chapitos FINISHED? The Endgame of the Sinaloa Cartel Civil War Coming?
Katarina Szulc speaks with Stefano Ritondale of All Source News about the what’s next for Los Chapitos and the Sinaloa Cartel Civil War.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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Sheinbaum Is Panicking — Why the US Is Dismantling Her Cartel-Connected Politicians
On today's episode, Katarina breaks down the US crackdown on Mexico's narco-politicians, including the indictment of Sinaloa's governor and the mayor of Culiacán, and what it means for President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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Inside Russia's Foreign Mercenary Pipeline — The Ukrainian POW Camp Holding Putin's Recruits
Producer's note: This is a preview of next week's full episode of Borderland: Dispatches. For the full visual experience, watch on Spotify Video or on the IRONCLAD YouTube channel: youtube.com/@thisisironclad
In this episode of Borderland Dispatches, Katarina Szulc gains rare access to a Ukrainian POW camp at an undisclosed location near Lviv. With permission from Ukraine's Ministry of Defense,
Foreign POWs Held in Ukraine: Katarina Goes Inside the Prison Camp (PREVIEW)
Producer's note: This is a preview of next week's full episode of Borderland: Dispatches. For the full visual experience, watch on Spotify Video or on the IRONCLAD YouTube channel: youtube.com/@thisisironclad
In an exclusive Borderland: Dispatches investigation, Katarina Szulc gains rare access to a Ukrainian POW camp near Lviv, a facility so sensitive its location is hidden from the public. In
Inside The CIA's Secret Cartel War — And The Raid That Killed 2 Officers
On today's episode, Katarina breaks down a reported CIA-linked operation in Chihuahua, Mexico, that ended in a deadly crash during a major meth lab bust, and the conflicting accounts coming out of Mexican state and federal authorities.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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Mexico’s Narco Governors — The Power Behind the Cartels
On today's episode, Katarina breaks down the political figures accused of helping Mexico’s most powerful cartels thrive.
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CJNG’s Next Chapter: The American Citizen Now Leading the Cartel
Following the fall of El Mencho, CJNG’s transition of power has been far more seamless than many expected. In this episode, Katarina breaks down the rise of El 03, a U.S.-born successor with deep ties to the Valencia narco dynasty, and what his emergence reveals about cartel succession, family power networks, and the long-term effectiveness of the kingpin strategy.
Borderland: Dispatches is an
The New Cartel War Is Happening in U.S. Federal Court
From Rafael Caro Quintero to El Mayo-linked leadership, several cartel figures are now facing proceedings in U.S. federal court. Katarina examines the recent wave of transfers from Mexico to the U.S., what it means for ongoing prosecutions, and how these cases may shape the next phase of the fight against cartel leadership and trafficking networks.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
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On the Ground in Jalisco, Mexico: Inside the Ongoing Threat of CJNG Violence
Producer’s note: This episode is best experienced visually. To see the full context of Katarina’s reporting, including locations, narco messages, and on-the-ground scenes, head over to our YouTube channel for the full video.
On today’s episode, Katarina Szulc is on the ground in Jalisco, Mexico, revealing the aftermath of CJNG cartel activity. From narco messages to retaliation and the impact
Inside El Mencho’s Compound After the Raid: What the Scene Reveals
Katarina is on the ground in Mexico, inside the compound of El Mencho just days after the reported raid that killed him.
But something doesn’t add up.
As she walks the scene, the physical evidence doesn’t match the official story, raising serious questions about what actually happened during the operation.
This is a raw, firsthand look at the aftermath and the inconsistencies that could c
Iran and Chinese Migrants Using VIP Cartel Smuggling Routes — Security Risks in the U.S.
On this episode, Katarina sits down with independent journalist Jorge Ventura to discuss his exclusive reporting on cartel smuggling networks along the California border.
He explains how migrants from the Middle East and China are being smuggled through Mexico via high-cost “VIP” routes, often coordinated through hotels, mosques, and encrypted communications. He also details emerging national s
El Mencho Is Dead — But the Crime Scene Raises Questions
On today’s episode, Katarina just returned from Jalisco, where she visited the cabin compound where CJNG leader El Mencho was reportedly killed. She shares what she saw on the ground and previews her upcoming full report.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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The Cartel Crisis at America’s Northern Border — Narcos Target Tribal Lands
On today's episode, Katarina reports from Montana’s northern border near the Blackfeet Nation, where vast stretches of open land are being exploited for drug and human trafficking.
She’s joined by former game warden John Nores, who spent decades confronting cartel operations on public and tribal lands.
Katarina also shares the story of Marla Ollinger, a grandmother who tragically lost both
Announcement from Katarina: Preview of Her Latest Investigation in Montana
On next week's episode, Katarina reports from the northern border in Montana near the Blackfeet Nation, where vast stretches of open land along the U.S.–Canada border are being used for drug and human trafficking.
To watch the trailer, visit: https://youtu.be/lHDu8HXXD8k
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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Cartel Slaughter: Innocent Miners Kidnapped & Murdered in Extortion Shake Down
On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the killing of several kidnapped workers connected to Canadian mining company Vizsla Silver Corp. in Sinaloa.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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Death Threats, CJNG, Rolling Stones, and What's Next for Dispatches | Q&A Part 2
While on route to her next assignment, Katarina takes a break from the frontlines to answer the questions you’ve been asking. From the latest on Ryan Wedding’s arrest to the realities of reporting on Mexican cartels, international crime, and organized crime networks, Katarina gives unfiltered insights from her years of on-the-ground journalism. She also opens up about the risks, challenges, and su
Ryan Wedding, Cartels, Kidnapping Risks, and Behind the Scenes of Reporting | Q&A Part 1
While on route to her next assignment, Katarina takes a break from the frontlines to answer the questions you’ve been asking. From the latest on Ryan Wedding’s arrest to the realities of reporting on Mexican cartels, international crime, and organized crime networks, Katarina gives unfiltered insights from her years of on-the-ground journalism. She also opens up about the risks, challenges, and su
BREAKING: Inside the Operation That Brought Ryan Wedding Back to the US
On today’s episode of Borderland Dispatches, Katarina breaks down the surrender of Ryan Wedding, his transfer to U.S. custody, and the key players involved, including Kash Patel, Omar Harfuch, and Mexican authorities. Guests Stefano Ritondale from @All_Source_News
and Jeff Nadu (@JeffNadu) provide context on Wedding’s role in the drug trade, the political and media dynamics surrounding his captu
Inside the Colombia–Venezuela Border — Exposing Organized Crime Behind Drugs, Fuel, and Smuggling
Producer’s note: This episode features on-the-ground reporting and is best experienced on video via Spotify or YouTube (@thisisironclad)
On today’s episode, Katarina reports from the Colombia–Venezuela border, investigating organized crime, drug routes, and fuel smuggling along one of the world’s most dangerous borders.Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD OriginalSponsors:GHOSTBED:Go to https:
Investigating the Colombia–Venezuela Border After Maduro’s Capture (featuring Ioan Grillo)
On today’s episode, Katarina reports from the Colombia–Venezuela border in the days following Nicolás Maduro’s capture. Joined by journalist Ioan Grillo, she documents conditions on the ground, the presence of international press, and the restrictions facing journalists attempting to cross.
Watch the full report on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FavpHWbbn8
Borderland: Dispatches is
The Tech Behind Venezuela’s Government — In the Wake of Maduro’s Arrest
On today's episode, Katarina speaks with Ringmast4r, an American-Venezuelan ethical hacker, about the country’s digital infrastructure and citizen tracking systems, including technology developed with Chinese assistance. They discuss life in Venezuela following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro, how the government continues to monitor and control citizens, and the heightened paranoia and challeng
BONUS: Venezuela in the Wake of Maduro's Capture (with Ioan Grillo)
This weekend, Borderland: Dispatches host Katarina Szulc was able to connect with acclaimed cartel investigative reporter Ioan Grillo, from the border of Columbia and Venezuela, who gave an inside look at the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In this special episode of Borderland: Dispatches, Ioan Grillo and Katarina talk about what the situation is like on the ground, what comes
The War on 'Narco-Terrorists’, CJNG Cartel Trafficking Rings, & 2025’s Biggest Stories Updates
Katarina looks back at some of the biggest cartel stories of the year and gives updates about the current war on drugs.
Borderland: Dispatches with Katarina Szulc is an IRONCLAD Original
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Is Claudia Sheinbaum's Militarized Cartel Crackdown Working? Katarina Szulc Breaks Down the Data
What does a spike in drug seizures on the southern border tell us about the state of the crackdown on cartels.
Katarina Szulc breaks down the data.
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A Special Message from Katarina
Watch Katarina's Discoveries at the San Diego border at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVQTfAdIs00
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The DISGUSTING Loophole Cartels Are Exploiting to Move Drugs Worldwide
On today’s episode, Katarina discusses how criminal networks are exploiting the global live-animal export industry as a new cover for drug trafficking.
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The Case of Ryan Wedding: Former Olympian Turned Cartel Kingpin Faces Murder and Drug Trafficking Charges — $15M Reward
On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the case of Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder now wanted by U.S. authorities. She outlines the federal indictment alleging his role in the killing of a cooperating witness in Medellín, his reported ties to the Sinaloa cartel, the drug trafficking network described by investigators, and why the FBI has placed him on its 10 Most Wanted list with a $1
Inside the Underground Drug Facilities of Tijuana - Katarina's Full Investigation
Producer's Note: While this episode is available on all podcast feeds, it is best experienced as a video either on Spotify or at https://www.youtube.com/@thisisironclad
On today's episode, Katarina goes inside a clandestine rehab center in Tijuana, where residents — including addicts, deportees, and mental health patients — are held against their will. A rare look at a facility few outsiders ev
EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: Katarina Szulc Goes Inside the Tijuana Underground Drug World
Coming soon on Borderland: Dispatches, Katarina goes inside a clandestine rehab center in Tijuana, where residents — including addicts, deportees, and mental health patients — are held against their will. A rare look at a facility few outsiders ever see.
Full episode drops November 20th.
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The Narco War at Sea: DEA Veteran Who Hunted Escobar and Katarina Examine Offshore Strikes
On today’s episode, DEA legend Steve Murphy — the man who hunted Pablo Escobar — sits down with Katarina to break down the U.S. Navy’s deadly strikes on cartel drug boats.
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U.S. Strike Campaign Escalates—Mexico Forced to Rescue Survivor in Pacific Warzone
On today’s episode, Katarina discusses the deadly U.S. boat strike in the Pacific Ocean that killed 14 suspected cartel smugglers. The operation marks a sharp escalation in America’s maritime campaign against drug trafficking — one that started with strikes near Venezuela and is now moving closer to Mexico’s coast.
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CJNG’s “Dark Fleet”: Inside the Billion-Dollar Fuel Operation
On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down a Reuters report on how Mexican cartels used a “dark fleet” of tankers to traffic billions in stolen fuel — uncovering corruption from Mexico’s ports all the way to U.S. companies.
To access the full report, visit: https://www.reuters.com/investigations/how-dark-fleet-tankers-helped-mexican-cartel-build-fuel-smuggling-empire-2025-10-22/
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Venezuela, U.S. Naval Strikes, and Rising Cartel Threats to Federal Agents
On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down recent U.S. operations in Venezuela, including CIA-authorized strikes on narcotraffickers and paramilitary networks aligned with Nicolás Maduro, which have resulted in 27 reported deaths. She examines the lack of public confirmation about those targeted and how these actions differ from past counter-narcotics operations. Katarina also reviews a DHS warning
Narco-Banners Exposed: A Warning to Americans—or a Psy-Op?
This episode is presented by Ground News. Subscribe now and get 40% off the VANTAGE plan by going to https://www.groundnews.com/ironclad or by using the QR code.
On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the recent “narco-banners” in Mexico that allegedly threaten Americans visiting or living south of the border. Are these real cartel warnings—or something else entirely? Katarina explains why th
Exposing La Diabla & CJNG: The Shocking Baby Trafficking Network in Juárez
This episode is presented by Ground News. Subscribe now and get 40% off the VANTAGE plan by going to https://www.groundnews.com/ironclad or by using the QR code.
On today’s episode, Katarina travels to Ciudad Juárez to investigate the case of Leslie Godínez, a young mother who disappeared while seven months pregnant and was later found dead. Reports have linked her death to a clandestine cesar
Massive 25-Foot Tunnel Found by DEA Under Texas Vape Shop—Suspected Cartel Operation
This episode is presented by Ground News. Subscribe now and get 40% off the VANTAGE plan by going to https://www.groundnews.com/ironclad
On today’s episode, Katarina discusses the discovery of a 25-foot tunnel beneath a vape shop in Laredo, Texas, that investigators believe may be connected to cartel activity. During a joint operation, the DEA and local law enforcement raided the Kush Smoke Em
TikTok Star Executed in Cartel-Style Massacre—Four Bodies, No Claims, Total Silence
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On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the brutal cartel-style execution of Mexican TikTok influencer Esmeralda Ferrer Garibay, her husband, and their two children. Found wrapped in plastic and abandoned in a pickup truck in Guadalajara, their murders raise questions about the
CJNG Cartels Target Pregnant Women: Who’s Buying the Babies?
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On today’s episode, Katarina follows up on her report about the CJNG cartel targeting pregnant women. Stefano Ritondale from @AllSourceNews joins to provide additional details on the buyers involved in this illicit trade.
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Inside America’s Narco Superhighway — Patrolling the Illinois/Indiana Cartel Pipeline
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In this episode, Katarina joins a Gary, Indiana police officer on patrol along the major highways that connect Illinois and Indiana—routes that have become critical corridors for drug trafficking across the Midwest. Together, they explore how cartels move narcotics through Ame
Pregnant Women Taken, Babies Trafficked in Alleged Cartel Attacks in Juárez
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On today’s episode, Katarina investigates new allegations in Ciudad Juárez, where women have long faced violence at the hands of cartels. Recent reports suggest that pregnant women are being specifically targeted, with claims that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is i
Mexico Transfers 26 Cartel Members to the U.S. in Trump Deal
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On today’s episode, Katarina discusses Mexico’s transfer of 26 cartel members to the United States in a high-stakes deal with the Trump administration. The move, which included figures from the Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG, and Knights Templar, was celebrated as a win against or
Mexico Rejects U.S. Military Presence Amid Trump’s Secret Directive
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On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s clear rejection of U.S. military operations on Mexican soil. This follows reports that President Trump signed a secret directive authorizing military action
No Death Penalty: Why the DOJ Is Sparing El Mayo and What’s Next for the Cartel Trials
On today’s episode, Katarina discusses: the arrest of Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and the 17 charges he faces in U.S. federal court.
Also in focus: the DOJ’s decision not to pursue the death penalty for Zambada, Rafael Caro Quintero, and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes—opening the door to plea deals and potential cooperation.
Plus, updates on Ovidio Guzmán López’s guilty plea and wha
Narco Drones: How Cartels Are Exploiting Ukraine’s Warzone for Training
On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down how Latin American criminal groups have exploited Ukraine’s warzone to gain advanced FPV drone training. In 2025, Mexico’s National Intelligence Center warned Ukraine’s security services that individuals from Mexico and Colombia were joining the International Legion under false identities—not to fight, but to train.
A joint investigation revealed that some
Why U.S. Institutions Fail to Stop the CCP’s Deep Infiltration Strategy
On today’s episode, Katarina is joined by a former intelligence analyst to break down how the Chinese Communist Party uses community associations, tech companies, student groups, and overseas police stations to extend its influence in Western countries. Together, they explore the role of fentanyl supply chains, financial entanglements with U.S. elites, and how historical lessons from the Opium War
Unmasking the Extortion Networks Fueling Violence Against Women in Mexico
On today’s episode, Katarina discusses the death of Irma Hernández and the growing crisis of femicide in Mexico. She explores how extortion and violence are driving an increase in women’s deaths, shedding light on the dangerous realities many face. This episode dives into the broader implications for safety and justice in the region.
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Inside the Opinder Singh Sian Case: How an Indo-Canadian Trafficker Coordinated with Mexican Cartels, Irish Mafia, Turkish Traffickers, and the CCP
On today’s episode of Borderland Dispatches, Katarina breaks down the case of Opinder Singh Sian, a Canadian man charged in the U.S. with coordinating international methamphetamine shipments. She explores how this ongoing investigation reveals Canada’s growing role as a base for transnational organized crime, linking drug networks across North America, Europe, Australia, and Africa. Katarina exam
Exclusive: Katarina Exposes A Border Smuggling Pipeline—Direct From the Mouth of a Trafficker
On today’s episode, Katarina speaks directly with a man who smuggles people across borders. He explains how the system works — and just how little resistance he faces. From rural roads in Quebec and Vermont to backwoods crossings used year-round, even in dangerous winter conditions, Katarina explores how the U.S.–Canada border is being exploited by smugglers moving people from countries around the
El Chapo’s Son Pleads Guilty and Disappears — What’s the U.S. Really Doing With Him?
On today’s episode, Katarina Szulc breaks down the latest developments in the case of Ovidio Guzmán, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and a former high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel. After pleading guilty in U.S. federal court, Ovidio has now been moved to an undisclosed location. Katarina explains what this likely means—especially regarding cooperation with U.S. authorities—and how it coul
Inside Six Nations: How Criminal Networks Exploit Indigenous Territories in Ontar
On today’s episode, Katarina travels to Ontario’s Six Nations Reserve—one of the largest Indigenous territories in Canada—to expose how organized crime groups are exploiting Native communities along the northern U.S. border. From illegal marijuana grow operations to gun and drug trafficking routes, Katarina uncovers how criminal syndicates are embedding within reservation lands, using jurisdiction
Boxer Julio Chávez Jr. Arrested by ICE—Tied to Sinaloa Cartel and Firearms Trafficking
On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the recent ICE detention of Julio César Chávez Jr., the former boxing champion and son of a Mexican sports icon, amid allegations of cartel connections. As the U.S. pressures Mexico to crack down on organized crime, Katarina examines why Chávez Jr. was living freely in Los Angeles despite mounting scrutiny—and whether his treatment reflects a double standar
Chaos Continues in Sinaloa: El Mayo, Los Chapitos, CJNG Connections, and Who's the Next Kingpin
On this episode, Katarina speaks with Stefano Ritondale from @AllSourceNews to examine the current situation unfolding in Sinaloa, Mexico. They discuss the internal divisions within the Sinaloa Cartel, the evolving relationship between Sinaloa and CJNG, and the shifting power dynamics in the region. The conversation also explores possible successors to the cartel’s leadership amid increasing insta
Sinaloa Massacre: 20 Bodies Left as Warning: Hung From Bridge in Cartel War
On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the recent wave of violence in Sinaloa, Mexico, where 20 bodies were found across multiple crime scenes—including four decapitated victims hung from a bridge and five severed heads left in a bag. The killings are believed to be linked to an internal conflict within the Sinaloa cartel, between factions associated with Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons—known a
How a Cartel Hacker Tracked U.S. Officials Using Cameras and Phone Records
On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down a recently released Justice Department report detailing how the Sinaloa cartel hired a hacker in 2018 to track FBI personnel and informants in Mexico City. The hacker accessed phone data and surveillance cameras to monitor the movements of an FBI attaché and identify individuals meeting with U.S. officials. Some of those individuals were later targeted by t
How a U.S./Iran War Could Reshape Global Organized Crime
On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down how a potential war between the U.S. and Iran could ignite a parallel conflict in the shadows—one driven not by missiles, but by smugglers, cartels, and covert networks. She unpacks how chaos in the Gulf could ripple across Latin America, empowering groups like the Sinaloa Cartel to expand their reach. From fuel theft and arms diversion to drug trafficking
Public Sanctions, Private Crossings: Inside America’s Double Game with the Cartels
On today’s episode, Katarina examines the complex and often contradictory U.S. strategy toward cartel networks. While recent sanctions target businesses tied to criminal organizations—ranging from luxury spas to shell companies—internal records suggest that some cartel-affiliated individuals are quietly crossing the U.S. border with legal authorization.
This dispatch explores the murky space b
LA vs. ICE: The Protest That Shook the System
On today’s episode, Katarina reports from the streets of downtown Los Angeles, where protests erupted in response to a wave of ICE raids targeting undocumented workers. But this isn’t just about one city or one agency. It’s about the evolution of ICE from a post-9/11 security force to a multibillion-dollar enforcement machine.
Katarina traces how LA became ground zero for resistance—again—while u
How Killing Cartel Kingpins Backfires: Fragmentation, Violence, and Chaos
In this episode of Borderland: Dispatches, Katarina examines the long-running “kingpin strategy” used by the U.S. and Mexican governments to dismantle drug cartels by targeting their top leaders. Drawing on case studies from major criminal organizations, she outlines how this approach often leads to the fragmentation of cartels, the rise of rival factions, and increased violence. The episode explo
CJNG’s U.S. Oil Pipeline: How Stolen Mexican Fuel Enters American Markets
On today’s episode, Katarina explores how fuel theft—known as huachicol—has evolved from a local criminal tactic into a multinational enterprise with direct links to U.S. ports, businesses, and national security. As Mexico’s CJNG cartel diversifies beyond drugs, stolen crude oil and diesel have become major revenue sources, flowing from Pemex pipelines into the American energy market through a net
The Rise of a Super Cartel: CJNG’s Reign Across Mexico & Transformation Into a Global Criminal Empire
In this episode of Borderland: Dispatches, Katarina unpacks how the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) has emerged as the dominant force in Mexico’s criminal underworld. From brutal turf wars to high-level corruption and global drug trafficking routes, the CJNG is no longer just another cartel—it’s a paramilitary powerhouse reshaping the entire landscape. Katarina explores how they’ve outpace
The Cartel PR Machine: Inside Mexico’s Narco Propaganda War
On today’s episode, Katarina examines how Mexican cartels have developed sophisticated propaganda strategies to expand their influence and control. From traditional narcocorridos to viral TikTok videos, cartels use music, social media, public banners, and graphic videos to recruit members, intimidate rivals, and shape public perception.
She traces the historical roots of narco culture, explores i
Exposing the Cartel Enterprise: Theft, Extortion, and Cybercrime
On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down how cartels are cashing in on more than just drugs. It starts with crude oil theft—massive, organized operations draining fuel straight from pipelines. Then it’s into the fields, where farmers are being extorted and crops trafficked across borders. And finally, into cyberspace, where cartel-linked hackers are running scams, stealing data, and moving money i
Fentanyl’s Deadly Route: Exposing Canada’s Open Border Crisis
On today’s episode, Katarina begins her journey at the bustling Port of Vancouver, a key gateway where global trade intersects with local challenges. She then heads to East Hastings Street, one of North America’s toughest neighborhoods battling widespread drug addiction. Katarina explores how the open Canadian border fuels the flow of fentanyl and drug precursors, uncovering the use of small aircr
Inside America’s Multi-Front Crackdown on CJNG
In this episode, Katarina unpacks the DOJ’s unprecedented April 2025 indictment of Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez—the first time terrorism charges have been brought against a cartel operative for providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization (CJNG).
This marks a seismic shift in U.S. legal strategy, unlocking surveillance powers under FISA and introducing military-grade prose
From Anapra to El Paso: How Trump's Crackdown Is Playing Out on the Ground
On the debut episode of Borderland: Dispatches, Katarina takes viewers to the U.S.-Mexico border near Anapra, New Mexico, to examine the impact of new executive orders issued since Trump’s return to office. She documents changes on the ground, including increased Border Patrol presence, expanded deportation efforts, and shifting smuggling routes. Through firsthand reporting and interviews with peo
Borderland: DISPATCHES Trailer
Cartel violence. Kidnappings. Disappearances. The headlines don’t tell the full story.
Borderland: DISPATCHES delivers raw, on-the-ground updates from Mexico’s cartel war. Hosted by investigative journalist Katarina Szulc, the series offers real-time snapshots of a conflict reshaping the future of both Mexico and the U.S.
With rare access to traffickers, law enforcement, and civilians caught in
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