Family of Slain DEA Agent Sues Sinaloa Cartel Under Anti-Terrorism Act

The lawsuit, enabled by Trump's terror designation, seeks damages for Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena's 1985 murder and aims to hold cartel leaders accountable.

The family of Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena has filed a federal lawsuit against the Sinaloa Cartel and three of its leaders for his 1985 kidnapping, torture, and murder.
The lawsuit was made possible by President Trump's January 2025 designation of Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Rafael Caro Quintero, recently extradited to the U.S., faces charges including murder conspiracy and drug trafficking; the other two defendants remain under house arrest in Mexico.
The family seeks damages under the federal Anti-Terrorism Act for international terrorism, wrongful death, and emotional distress, with potential seizure of cartel assets if successful.
The case has reignited discussions on expanding terror designations for other cartels to enable similar lawsuits by victims' families.