NCTC Intel Aids Cross-Border Arrest Of CJNG 'La Diabla' In Juárez — Alleged Baby‑Trafficking, Organ‑Harvesting Ringleader Nabbed

U.S. intelligence from the National Counterterrorism Center aided Mexican authorities in capturing Martha Alicia Mendez Aguilar, known as “La Diabla,” accused of leading a CJNG-linked baby trafficking and organ harvesting ring. The network allegedly lured pregnant women to remote locations, forced cesarean procedures, harvested organs from the mothers and sold infants for up to 250,000 pesos (about $14,000). NCTC Director Joe Kent said the agency provided critical intelligence and analysis that enabled coordinated action by U.S. and Mexican law enforcement partners, including U.S. Marshals, the FBI, Diplomatic Security Service and CBP. The arrest in Juárez on Sept. 2 was carried out by Mexican authorities with U.S. support amid a broader U.S. effort to designate and target cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Officials said the case highlights intensified cross-border cooperation to disrupt cartel-linked human trafficking and related violent crimes.