On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back investigative journalist Katarina Szulc for a conversation on the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Mexico relations and cartel activity across North America.

They discuss Mexico’s refusal to accept U.S. assistance in the fight against organized crime, the growing presence of cartels in Canada, and the challenges posed by Canada’s legal system in addressing transnational threats.

Katarina also shares details about her new work in investigative journalism, focused on exposing organized crime and cartel operations.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

Watch Borderland: DISPATCHES everywhere you get your podcasts and on Youtube @thisisironclad starting May 20th.

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On today's episode, Vince welcomes back crime analyst and journalist Chris Dalby to examine how economic policies like tariffs can unintentionally empower cartels.

They unpack the evolving tactics of criminal networks, explore how legitimate industries become entangled in illicit operations, and assess how U.S.-Mexico relations influence crime on both sides of the border.

Chris also introduces listeners to the rise of Tren de Aragua—a Venezuelan gang expanding rapidly across the Americas—and offers a preview of his upcoming book, which exposes the group's global footprint and strategic approach to recruitment and expansion.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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On today's episode, Vince welcomes back former ATF Deputy Assistant Director and Operation Fast and Furious whistleblower, Pete Forcelli, to discuss Project Thor.

Project Thor was a multi-agency initiative led by the ATF from 2018 to 2020, designed to disrupt the illegal flow of firearms from the U.S. to Mexican cartels. It targeted trafficking networks tied to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), using straw buyers, couriers, and financial investigations to cut off cartel access to weapons. The operation supported 76 cases and identified key trafficking routes—but despite its success, it was quietly defunded in 2022.

Forcelli also shares insights on the internal politics of the ATF, the legal hurdles in prosecuting trafficking cases, and what the future holds for federal efforts to combat cartel-related violence.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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To read a copy of the death investigation, CLICK: HERE

In this episode of Borderland: NARCOSIS, Vince sits down with Jon Griggs to discuss an ongoing federal investigation into a cattle farm Ponzi scheme that has already been classified as fraud by the FBI. With a background in law enforcement, Griggs shares how the case began with inflated cattle counts and investor losses—but quickly revealed something much larger.

As Griggs alleges, the scheme appears to be just one piece of a broader and more complex puzzle, potentially tied to a money laundering network connected to the CJNG (Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación) operating within the U.S. The conversation explores how banks may have unknowingly—or knowingly—facilitated these operations, the systemic failures that allowed the fraud to continue, and the emotional toll on victims. Griggs also talks about the fear of retaliation, missed warning signs, and the ongoing effort to trace the full scope of the operation.

BORDERLAND is an IRONCLAD Original

Borderland

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On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back Ray Donovan, former DEA Chief of Operations with more than 26 years of experience targeting global criminal organizations. Together, they unpack what the FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organization) designation could mean for China and Chinese organized crime, examine the rise of black market marijuana in the U.S., and discuss whether legalization could help dismantle the illicit trade.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Watch Change Agents: Black Project, a 4 part mini series, weekly on Tuesdays or Binge all 4 episodes of now by becoming a member on Youtube:

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On today’s episode, Vince sits down with Brent Tucker, a former Green Beret and Delta Force operator with over 20 years of experience in U.S. Special Operations.

They discuss what a U.S. military response to the cartels could look like, including the use of drone warfare, urban combat tactics, and cross-border operations. Brent also shares insights on corruption in Mexico, risk aversion in military leadership, and how special operations units assess threats in complex environments.

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On today's episode, Vince sits down with John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer and whistleblower, to uncover the shocking truths behind the U.S. government's involvement in the war on drugs. Kiriakou, who spent over a decade in the CIA, is best known for blowing the whistle on the CIA’s use of torture following the 9/11 attacks, which ultimately led to his conviction and imprisonment. His career within the CIA gives him a unique perspective on the agency's covert operations and its complicated relationship with drug cartels.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Disclaimer: In this episode, our guest Ceci speaks only Spanish. To ensure her story reaches a wider audience, Adriana Jones provides real-time translation. While we have made every effort to maintain the accuracy and integrity of her words, some nuances may be lost in translation. We appreciate your understanding and encourage listeners who speak Spanish to engage with Ceci’s words directly.

On today’s episode, Vince talks to Ceci Flores and returning guest Adriana Jones to discuss the recently discovered extermination camps in Mexico. 

Ceci Flores is Mexican activist searching for victims of forced disappearances, including her two kidnapped sons.

Since 2015, her collective “Madre Buscadoras de Sonora” has uncovered over 2,700 bodies in clandestine graves and reunited more than 2,300 missing persons with their families. Despite threats and being forced to relocate, she continues her fight against cartel violence and government inaction. She was recognized as one of the BBC’s 100 most influential women in 2022, she also authored *Madre Buscadora, Chronicle of Desperation*, which won Mexico’s “Book of the Year” award.

Adriana Jones is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of RhonitaVIVE, a bi-national human rights organization dedicated to raising awareness about cartel violence in Mexico. She established the nonprofit in memory of her sister, Maria "Rhonita" LeBaron, who, along with her four children, was tragically murdered in a cartel attack in November 2019. Adriana has since become an outspoken advocate, calling for the designation of Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations and striving to bring attention to the pervasive violence affecting countless families

To Donate to Ceci’s foundation, visit: https://www.buscalibre.com.mx/libro-madre-buscadora-cronica-de-la-desesperacion/9786075939056/p/63726734https://www.buscalibre.com.mx/libro-madre-buscadora-cronica-de-la-desesperacion/9786075939056/p/63726734

To Donate to Adriana’s foundation visit: https://rhonitavive.com/

Borderland is an IRONCLAD ORIGINAL 

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In this episode, Jay Flores returns to set the record straight on drug cartels and trafficking. As former drug trafficker with firsthand experience in the world of organized crime, Jay discusses the realities of cartel operations, the role of cryptocurrency, and the differences between cartels and independent traffickers. He also touches on the impact of law enforcement and the evolving nature of drug trafficking, providing insight into the complexities of the issue.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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On today’s episode, Vince sits down with former CIA and FBI agent Tracy Walder to explore the intersection of intelligence, national security, and the drug trade. Tracy shares her journey from the CIA to the FBI, discussing counterterrorism, drone warfare, and the role of intelligence in tracking cartels. She unpacks the CIA’s complex ties to drug trafficking, the fentanyl crisis, and China’s role in supplying raw materials. The conversation also examines U.S. border policies, the potential for special operations in Mexico, and whether government efforts against drug trafficking are genuine or just political theater.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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