Overview

• Mexican authorities captured Martha Alicia Mendez Aguilar on Sept. 2 in Juárez after the National Counterterrorism Center provided location intelligence to a joint team.
• The operation was executed by Mexican law enforcement and the Special Prosecutor's Office for Women with support from U.S. Marshals El Paso, FBI El Paso, Diplomatic Security Service, and Customs and Border Protection.
• Chihuahua state prosecutors are investigating a July homicide involving an alleged illegal C-section, and they confirmed the related baby was found alive, hospitalized, and led to an added charge of injuries.
• U.S. officials allege Aguilar ran a network that lured pregnant women to remote sites, conducted illicit cesareans that killed victims, harvested organs, and sold newborns to U.S. couples for up to 250,000 pesos.
• Authorities say the case exemplifies expanded use of counterterrorism authorities against CJNG-linked activity, while Aguilar remains in Mexican custody and the investigation continues.