Father of Marine Veteran Slain in Mexico Applauds New Sanctions Targeting Sinaloa Cartel

The father of a 31-year-old Marine veteran from Arizona, who was killed at an illegal checkpoint while on his way to the beach in Mexico in 2024, expressed his surprise when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned his son’s name during the announcement of new sanctions against the Sinaloa cartel.

Doug Quets, a U.S. military veteran himself, was deeply moved that Bessent acknowledged both his son, Nicholas Quets, and another American, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was abducted and murdered in 1985. Quets shared his sentiments of being “humbled and pleasantly surprised” that his son was remembered in such a significant context.

On what would have been Nicholas Quets’ 32nd birthday, Bessent released a video statement detailing the Treasury Department’s sanctions against six individuals and seven entities associated with a money-laundering network that supports the Sinaloa cartel.

Doug Quets conveyed his appreciation for the attention given to his son’s legacy, stating, “I had full faith in President Trump… I knew we weren’t forgotten, but when the secretary mentioned my son’s name, I was not expecting that.” He noted the palpable momentum against these dangerous groups, emphasizing that when confronted, bullies can indeed be defeated.

The Contrast in Approaches

Quets highlighted a stark contrast between the proactive approach of the Trump administration and the responses he received from officials after his son’s murder in the Mexican state of Sonora. Following Nicholas’s tragic death, government officials continually informed the grieving family that there was “nothing that can be done.” Quets found this sentiment infuriating, explaining that passivity in the face of crime enables bullies.

He stated, “We can win any fight. And we can win this fight. Knowing that President Trump is taking it seriously gives my family hope for a positive outcome for many others. While it may never bring my son back, we can protect other families from a similar fate.”

Actions Against the Cartels

The father praised President Trump for utilizing all elements of U.S. national power against the cartels, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from the National Security Council, the Justice Department, and the FBI. Although Quets admitted that justice often moves slower than desired, he is appreciative of the serious attention his family’s case has received.

Approximately three weeks prior, Attorney General Pam Bondi mentioned a “powerful and emotional phone call” with Judge Enrique Camarena, son of the slain DEA agent, following the extradition of his father’s alleged murderer, Rafael Caro Quintero. Quintero was among 29 defendants apprehended in February for cartel-related crimes extending back to the 1980s.

Hope Amid Tragedy

While Doug Quets refrained from discussing specific updates on his son’s case due to the ongoing investigation, he welcomed the extraditions as an indication of increasing U.S. agency momentum in confronting cartel violence.

Reflecting on recent developments, he remarked, “I am pleased. I knew it could be done, especially under President Trump. I’m glad these extraditions have begun.”

A Day of Tragedy

Nicholas Quets, who worked for Pima County, Arizona, in water reclamation and ran a side welding business, was driving to the popular Mexican beach destination of Rocky Point when he lost his life on October 18, 2024. This occurred during a turbulent election season, following a dangerous illegal checkpoint evasion in Caborca. Doug Quets later learned that the route had grown more perilous due to rival cartel conflicts. Just weeks before his son’s murder, two elderly American women had fallen victim to violence at a similar checkpoint, a troubling story that received minimal media coverage.

During an approximate seven-mile chase, cartel members pursued Nicholas before crashing his 1996 Ford F-250 into a cement median. Doug Quets recounted the cowardice of the attackers, who shot his son in the back.

Reaching Out for Support

In the wake of his son’s death, Doug Quets met with then-Senator JD Vance, who was running for vice president, while he campaigned in Arizona. Donald Trump also took the time to meet with the grieving father, showing compassion and support during a difficult moment. Quets felt encouraged by the humanity displayed by Republicans as they engaged with him during his unimaginable grief.

Quets described feeling ignored by the campaign team of Democratic vice-presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz during his campaign stops. In contrast, Trump later invited Doug and his family to a rally in Arizona, where the president unexpectedly introduced Quets to the audience, allowing him to share his story.

Reflecting on that moment, Quets said, “There was no script, nothing. President Trump just placed his faith in me to tell the truth. Nick was an innocent U.S. citizen driving to the beach and was executed by cowards. When you come face to face with evil, it must be confronted, and that evil will be held accountable.”

Facing Reality and Driving Change

Doug Quets understands that acknowledging the existence of good and evil in the world is crucial. His son’s tragic fate serves as a reminder that confronting evil bears importance for society at large. While he cannot turn back time, Quets is determined to fight for justice, hoping to inspire change that will protect others from the violence that took his son’s life.