Federal authorities say a cross-border vehicle theft network supplied Mexican cartels with cars and trucks for their criminal operations. Thirteen people have been charged in connection with the alleged scheme.
Investigators allege the vehicles were stolen from private owners and large rental-car companies, then driven through El Paso, Texas, and across the border into Mexico. The vehicles were reportedly intended to support the cartels’ routine operations, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.
The investigation, known as Operation Southbound Takedown, has led authorities to recover 29 vehicles valued at approximately $1.14 million, prosecutors said.
Federal and local law enforcement officials announce charges in a stolen vehicle investigation during a press conference in El Paso, Texas, on Oct. 26, 2026. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas)
Ryan G. McRae, the Homeland Security Investigations special agent in charge in El Paso, said the case points to a broader criminal operation rather than a series of unrelated auto thefts.
“These are not isolated property crimes,” McRae said. “The stolen vehicles related to Operation Southbound Takedown demonstrate an alarming pattern and are used to support the day-to-day operations of dangerous criminal organizations.”
Images released by prosecutors included a damaged white SUV found in Mexico, along with an armored black SUV and an armored pickup truck.
The investigation began in the spring, when federal agents and prosecutors detected a pattern involving stolen vehicles allegedly being delivered to people linked to criminal organizations in Mexico, the U.S. attorney’s office said.
Authorities released a photo of an armored SUV recovered during an investigation into stolen vehicles allegedly transported from the U.S. to criminal organizations in Mexico. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas)
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons cautioned anyone considering moving stolen vehicles into Mexico, saying cartels prey on people seeking to make a “quick buck” while using them to advance criminal operations.
Those activities include “human smuggling, extortion, drug trafficking, and even murder,” Simmons said.
“You are now on notice,” Simmons said. “If you provide support to these cartels, many of which have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations, by transporting stolen vehicles out of this country and into Mexico, we will find you, and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”
Prosecutors said 11 of the 13 defendants are U.S. citizens, while two are Mexican citizens. One of the Mexican defendants holds a lawful permanent resident card, and the other has a border crossing card.
Two Americans, Kimberly Aguilar and Marty Gerardo Jr., are being held in state custody. The remaining 11 defendants were federally indicted and arrested between July 22 and Oct. 19, prosecutors said.
All 13 defendants face charges of interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison upon conviction. The allegations have not been proven, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless found guilty.
An armored black pickup truck recovered as part of Operation Southbound Takedown. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas)
The case brought together Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI and other federal, state and local agencies operating through the Homeland Security Task Force.
McRae said authorities also worked with private-sector partners to disrupt the alleged theft and transport network, which stretched across the United States and Mexico.
“This work is ongoing; we’re not stopping here,” he said.
Coult W. Markovsky, the FBI’s acting special agent in charge in El Paso, likewise warned anyone assisting the cartels that law enforcement would continue pursuing those involved.
“To individuals assisting the cartels, Justice will find you!” he said.
