The Explosion of Foreign Organized Crime Gangs in the U.S. and Canada

The Migration of International (Foreign) Organized Crime Gangs or Cartels into the U.S. and Canada Resulting from the Biden/Harris Open Border Policy

A SCARS Institute Commentary

The migration of international organized crime gangs and cartels, such as Nigeria’s Black Axe and Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), into North America represents a significant shift in the landscape of crime. These groups, which have long been involved in transnational crimes like drug trafficking, money laundering, and fraud, are now taking advantage of digital technologies and expanding their operations in the U.S. and Canada. This expansion exposes a new wave of victims to risks not just limited to financial fraud, but also to real-world violence and intimidation.

Dangers to Scam Victims: From Digital to Real-World Violence

For victims of online scams, the dangers have traditionally been limited to financial loss and emotional devastation. However, with the establishment of criminal organizations like Black Axe and CJNG within North American borders, the risks are now far more severe. Black Axe, known for their brutal enforcement tactics in Nigeria, and Mexican cartels such as CJNG have brought with them a history of using violence to settle debts, maintain control, and silence victims or witnesses.

This opens the door for increased intimidation and threats, and potentially real violence courtesy of the Biden/Harris administration’s open border policy

Victims of these criminal enterprises are not only at risk of financial loss but are now vulnerable to physical intimidation, threats, and potentially real-world violence. In their countries of origin, groups like Black Axe have been linked to extortion, murder, and human trafficking, and there is growing concern that they could employ these same tactics in the U.S. and Canada. Reports have already indicated a rise in violent incidents related to these organizations as they seek to enforce their fraudulent schemes or collect on illegal debts.

The Challenges for Law Enforcement

Law enforcement in the U.S. and Canada is facing new and significant challenges in addressing the presence of these criminal organizations. The decentralized nature of these groups, often operating across multiple countries and jurisdictions, makes it difficult for local authorities to track their activities and gather the evidence needed for prosecution. These organizations frequently use complex cybercrime techniques, making them even harder to detect and stop.

One of the main barriers to law enforcement is the current federal government policies, particularly around immigration and border control. Criticisms of the Biden-Harris administration’s border policies suggest that the unprecedented lax control has allowed an influx of undocumented individuals, including those with ties to criminal syndicates. Not since the open borders of the 1860s and the explosion of Irish criminal gangs (‘Gangs of New York’) have we seen anything similar. Law enforcement officials estimate that there are now over 100,000 West African criminals, including Black Axe members, operating in the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, Mexican cartels have expanded their influence in American cities, bringing with them the same violent tactics used to maintain control in Mexico. Of the estimated (per the Trump campaign) 15 million illegals entering the U.S. alone, it is believed that 4-6% have criminal backgrounds.

The Broader Threat to Public Safety

The expansion of these criminal networks into North America presents not only a threat to individuals but to the broader public as well. These organizations are engaging in large-scale fraud schemes, targeting businesses, government institutions, and individuals alike. For law enforcement agencies already struggling to combat international cybercrime, and thanks to the Left’s ‘Defund the Police’ campaigns, plus the refocusing of the Federal Government’s law enforcement efforts on gender and hate speech concerns,  the added layer of physical threats and violence complicates efforts to bring these criminals to justice.

Victims may be too afraid to report crimes due to fear of retaliation, while businesses and institutions may be hesitant to publicize their victimization for fear of reputational damage. Without stronger action at the federal level, including massively stricter immigration controls and remediation, increased cooperation with international law enforcement, and a focus on dismantling these criminal networks at their source, the presence of these organizations will continue to grow, leaving more victims in their wake.

Conclusion

The migration of criminal organizations like Black Axe and CJNG into North America poses a multifaceted threat, blending the dangers of online fraud with real-world violence. Victims of these scams are at risk not just financially but also physically, as these groups are known for using intimidation and violence to enforce their schemes. For law enforcement, the challenges are immense, particularly in light of federal policies that have allowed criminal actors to enter the U.S. and Canada. Stronger border controls, international cooperation, and dedicated efforts to combat cybercrime will be essential in addressing this growing threat to public safety.