The spiking threat: Mexican cartels in Europe, Canada, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, and Latin America | Brookings

June 24, 2026

Vanda Felbab-Brown testifies before the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control on the global reach of Mexican drug cartels. (Daniel Morales)

63 min read

Dear Chairman Cornyn, Co-Chair Whitehouse, and distinguished members of the caucus,

Thank you for holding this hearing entitled “Beyond Our Shores: The Global Reach of Mexican Drug Cartels and Risks to U.S. National Security.” The activities of Mexican cartels outside of Mexico and the United States have significant implications for our homeland and our partners and merit the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control’s close attention. I am honored to have this opportunity to submit this testimony as a statement for the record.