Four Decades of Grief and a New Hope for Justice Against Cartels

For nearly 40 years, my family has endured profound grief following the brutal murder of my husband, DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. Kiki was not only a dedicated father and loving husband but also a devoted DEA agent who sacrificed his life to protect American citizens from violent drug cartels. He had a deep belief in justice, constantly fighting for what was right and striving to make the world a safer place for our children. Tragically, in 1985, America lost a hero when Kiki was murdered in an act of unspeakable brutality.

The Tragedy of Kiki Camarena

In February 1985, Kiki was kidnapped by the Guadalajara Cartel. He endured horrific torture for hours, subjected to beatings and burned with cigarettes. His captors, led by Rafael Caro Quintero, went to horrific lengths to ensure Kiki remained conscious, injecting him with drugs to prolong his suffering. This gruesome act was a horrific reminder of the violence inflicted by drug cartels.

We clung to hope, believing that Kiki would return home. However, that hope shattered when his body was found, discarded as if his life had held no significance. Kiki’s life—and the sacrifices he made—will always hold tremendous value. Therefore, for the past four decades, my family and I have passionately fought to ensure that his death was not in vain.

The Impact of Cartel Violence

Justice has long eluded us, as Rafael Caro Quintero and other cartel members responsible for Kiki’s murder operated with complete impunity. They established vast criminal enterprises that flooded U.S. streets with dangerous drugs like fentanyl, leaving devastation in their wake. Cartels represent violent organizations that exhibit complete disregard for human lives. They thrive on evil practices, including drug smuggling and human trafficking, while terrorizing innocent communities across the globe. Despite the severity of their actions, these groups have largely escaped the full enforcement of U.S. law for far too many years.

A Turning Point in 2022

After years of being elusive, Rafael Caro Quintero was captured in Mexico in July 2022. Though his capture marked a critical moment, the U.S. government’s response at the time was insufficient in ensuring he faced justice for his crimes. However, a renewed sense of hope emerged once President Trump was re-elected. We remembered his commitment to holding cartels accountable for their heinous actions, which inspired our faith in a new direction.

Trump’s Brave Executive Action

On his first day back in office, President Trump took a bold step by issuing an executive order that designated Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This decision held significant implications. More than just a legal classification, it acknowledged the horrors these groups inflict on countless Americans and allowed for the severing of financial ties to these organizations. Families like mine can now pursue justice against cartels in court.

Following Quintero’s extradition to the United States this month, my family and I took the monumental step of filing a lawsuit against the individual responsible for Kiki’s murder. For the first time in almost 40 years, we find ourselves filled with hope that justice will finally be served as Quintero awaits prosecution in the U.S.

Call for Broader Accountability

While I am determined to see the cartels accountable for my husband’s murder, I can’t help but think of the numerous families who have suffered from cartel violence and remain in search of justice. My voice is raised not only for my family but also to inspire others who have endured similar losses to take action.

President Trump’s groundbreaking designation of several Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations paves the way for many families seeking justice. However, a broader inclusion of groups on this list is vital for other families like mine who have suffered losses due to cartel violence. It is crucial to add the Juárez and La Línea cartels, infamous for the brutal massacre of nine American citizens, including six children, in La Mora, Mexico, to the list. These groups rank among Mexico’s most dangerous cartels and deserve immediate attention from the U.S. government.

The Fight Continues

My struggles—Kiki’s struggles—do not conclude with Quintero’s arrest or our current lawsuit. President Trump stands with us in this ongoing battle. His administration has the power to add cartels like Juárez and La Línea to the terrorist designation list, potentially protecting and delivering justice to many more Americans who have suffered at their hands. We owe it to Kiki and the thousands of other victims to honor their memories through actions that enhance the safety of our nation.

For 40 long years, I have awaited justice. Now, I am more determined than ever to ensure that every American victim of cartel brutality can achieve the justice they rightly deserve.