Overview

• The sanctions block any U.S.-based properties or transactions involving the four individuals and threaten secondary penalties against foreign institutions that facilitate their finances.
• The Treasury accused Ricardo Hernández, known as El Makabelico, of funneling half of his streaming royalties and concert proceeds to the Cartel del Noreste through money-laundering events.
• High-ranking Cartel del Noreste members Abdon Rodriguez, Antonio Romero and Francisco Esqueda faced asset freezes for roles in drug trafficking, extortion and violent enforcement along the U.S.–Mexico border.
• The Cartel del Noreste was designated a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025 after splintering from Los Zetas and became notorious for brutal violence in border cities such as Laredo, Texas.
• This action follows May sanctions on two Cartel del Noreste leaders and June asset freezes on CJNG operatives, part of a broader U.S. tactic to sever criminal funding streams through targeted financial penalties.