13 Charged in Alleged 29-Car Cartel Smuggling Scheme

Federal authorities say 13 people have been charged in Operation Southbound Takedown, an investigation into an alleged scheme to move stolen cars from across the southwestern United States through El Paso and into Mexico for criminal organizations, including cartels. Prosecutors allege the vehicles were stolen from private owners and rental companies and supported cartel operations; investigators recovered 29 vehicles valued at about $1.14 million. Investigators say the groups recruited people able to cross the border legally, and officials describe El Paso as a major crossing point. The defendants face federal charges related to transporting stolen property, which can carry sentences of up to 10 years; authorities say 11 are U.S. citizens and two are Mexican citizens. The investigation began in spring 2026 and involved federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.