Borderland: Narcosis with Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas

On today's episode, Vince Vargas sits down with Sarah Kinosian, the investigative journalist behind the revealing Reuters article, How a Factory City in Wisconsin Fed Military-Grade Weapons to a Mexican Cartel. Sarah talks through her investigation into how a small factory in Wisconsin became a crucial link in supplying military-grade firearms to the CJNG cartel. They also discuss the implications of this illegal trade, the role of U.S. manufacturing in fueling violence south of the border, and the wider connection between American-made weapons and cartel activity.Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original.To submit tips, stories, and guest ideas email: borderland@thisisironclad.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with Pierre Rausini.Pierre Rausini is an author and former Los Angeles kingpin. He was charged with operating a criminal enterprise under the Federal Drug Kingpin Statute and prosecuted for participating in wide-ranging drug conspiracies. Rausini's extensive history of drug trafficking in Southern California throughout the 1990s involved direct collaboration with high-level Sinaloa operatives who managed the cartel's American-based distribution network and its money laundering operation. This experience provided him with an intimate understanding of the cartel's logistics and operational strategies.  Rausini was released last year after serving twenty-six years in federal prison. His incarceration allowed him to live alongside and develop deep relationships with high-ranking members of both the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, including several of their drug lords. This unique position enabled him to gain profound insights into the mindset, decision-making process, and cultural dynamics of these individuals. Rausini's first-hand knowledge of how cartel leaders think and operate offers a level of insight that is simply unattainable through traditional intelligence-gathering methods. Rausini has been invited to speak before law enforcement groups as a subject-matter expert and he appears on social media, commenting on matters relating to drug trafficking, money laundering, and cartel intrigue. To learn more about Pierre's story, check out: Devil Exposed: A Twisted Tale of Drug Trafficking, Corruption & Murder in the City of AngelsBorderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this bonus episode, Vince welcomes back Katarina Szulc to discuss the recent propaganda video from Cartel De Noreste, claiming to reject violence while continuing their criminal activities. They dive into Trump’s pressure on Claudia Sheinbaum to combat cartels and examine the cartel networks at the Northern border. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince welcomes back security expert and former Mexican law enforcement officer Ed Calderon to discuss Claudia Sheinbaum’s decision to send 10,000 Mexican troops to the U.S. border. They also explore the implications of this move, the response from Mayo Zambada and the Sinaloa Cartel, and how it may affect cartel operations. The conversation also covers perspectives from Mexican citizens and cartel members on Donald Trump and how his policies influence dynamics at the border.Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Vince sits down with investigative journalist Katarina Szulc to discuss the escalating cartel violence in Mexico and the impact of the U.S. officially designating cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).To read more of Katarina's work check out:https://katarinaszulc.substack.com/aboutIG: @KatarinaSzulcX: @KatarinaSzulcBorderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last season, we took you to the frontlines of the border crisis.We dug into the brutal realities behind immigration—the policies, the fears, and the human toll it takes on individuals and communities.That was just the beginning.Now, we’re going deeper. We’re pulling back the curtain on the ruthless forces that drive mass migration - organized crime. On the new season of Borderland, NARCOSISWe’ll take an even closer look at the institutions, criminal forces, drugs, and operations that are driving mass migration from regions torn apart by unprecedented violence and corruption.We’re not just talking about the cartels. We’re showing you the inner workings of these criminal empires and the power they hold over entire regions. Catch the new season of Borderland: Narcosis everywhere you get your podcasts and on Youtube @thisisironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Vince sits down with Luis Navia, a former Cuban-American drug trafficker who played a central role in the international cocaine trade for over 25 years, and Jesse Fink, the author who chronicled Luis’s story.Born in Cuba, Luis fled to Miami with his family after Castro’s takeover in 1959. Raised in privilege, he attended private schools and Georgetown University before becoming involved in drug trafficking in the 1970s. Known in South American cocaine circles as “El Senador,” Luis worked with powerful cartels, including Escobar’s Medellín cartel, the Cali cartel, and Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles, building extensive smuggling networks across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S.In 2000, Luis was arrested in a global operation that involved the DEA, FBI, and Colombian authorities. After being held accountable for over 10 tons of cocaine, he cooperated with U.S. authorities, providing critical information on cartel operations and serving five years in prison.Together, Luis and Jesse share insights into the dangerous world of drug trafficking, the decisions that led to Luis’s rise and fall, and the lessons learned along the way.To find out more about Luis's story, check out Jesse Fink's book: Pure Narco: One Man's True Story of 25 Years Inside the CartelsBorderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vince tackles pressing questions about the future of the drug war and mass deportations. He explores the historical roots of drug policies and their evolving implications. The podcast highlights ineffective strategies against drug cartels and the deep corruption tied to them. Vince advocates for a humane approach to immigration reform and discusses the potential benefits of drug legalization, encouraging a shift in societal perceptions. A segment on supporting veterans adds an uplifting dimension to the insightful dialogue.

On today’s episode, Vince sits down with NewsNation’s Jorge Ventura to explore his career reporting on the U.S.-Mexico border, including firsthand accounts of covering cartel operations. They dive into what changes could unfold as the Trump administration takes office on January 20th, discussing the potential for mass deportations and the future of border enforcementBorderland is an IRONCLAD OriginalSponsors:BetterhelpVisit BetterHelp.com/borderland today to get 10% off your first month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with Adriana Jones, a woman whose life was forever changed when her sister and young nephews were murdered in an attack by a Mexican cartel. She discusses how this tragedy led her to establish Rhonitavive, a nonprofit named in her sister’s memory, focused on raising awareness about the growing threat of cartel violence.To learn more about Adriana and Rhonitavive, visit:Website: rhonitavive.comInstagram: @rhonitavive https://www.instagram.com/rhonitavive?igsh=MTYxamVjY2M2cXZwdg==Facebook: Rhonita Vive https://www.facebook.com/share/QqXJr9oVuJ77Ps8w/?mibextid=wwXIfrX: @RhonitaVive https://x.com/rhonitavive?s=21&t=GTGQSd5CmZ0-kqprkE-ebwBorderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices