Borderland: Dispatches with Katarina Szulc

Inside Russia's Foreign Mercenary Pipeline — The Ukrainian POW Camp Holding Putin's Recruits

Fri, 08 May 2026 20:06:00 -0000

Producer's note: This is a preview of next week's full episode of Borderland: Dispatches. For the full visual experience, watch on Spotify Video or on the IRONCLAD YouTube channel: youtube.com/@thisisironclad

In this episode of Borderland Dispatches, Katarina Szulc gains rare access to a Ukrainian POW camp at an undisclosed location near Lviv. With permission from Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, she walks the carpentry workshop, the canteen, and the library, and speaks directly with the men captured fighting alongside Russia, including foreign mercenaries from across the globe and a forcibly mobilized Ukrainian who has been held for over two years.

Borderland Dispatches is an iRONCLAD Original

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Foreign POWs Held in Ukraine: Katarina Goes Inside the Prison Camp (PREVIEW)

Fri, 01 May 2026 20:07:00 -0000

In an exclusive Borderland: Dispatches investigation, Katarina Szulc gains rare access to a Ukrainian POW camp near Lviv, a facility so sensitive its location is hidden from the public. Inside, she meets the men captured fighting alongside Russia: foreign mercenaries lured by false promises of citizenship, forcibly mobilized Ukrainians, and Russian soldiers who surrendered on the front lines. It's an unprecedented look inside one of the most guarded corners of the war. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

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Inside The CIA's Secret Cartel War — And The Raid That Killed 2 Officers

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:00 -0000

On today's episode, Katarina breaks down a reported CIA-linked operation in Chihuahua, Mexico, that ended in a deadly crash during a major meth lab bust, and the conflicting accounts coming out of Mexican state and federal authorities.

Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

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Mexico’s Narco Governors — The Power Behind the Cartels

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:07:00 -0000

On today's episode, Katarina breaks down the political figures accused of helping Mexico’s most powerful cartels thrive.

Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

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CJNG’s Next Chapter: The American Citizen Now Leading the Cartel

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:34:00 -0000

Following the fall of El Mencho, CJNG’s transition of power has been far more seamless than many expected. In this episode, Katarina breaks down the rise of El 03, a U.S.-born successor with deep ties to the Valencia narco dynasty, and what his emergence reveals about cartel succession, family power networks, and the long-term effectiveness of the kingpin strategy.

Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

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The New Cartel War Is Happening in U.S. Federal Court

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:43:00 -0000

From Rafael Caro Quintero to El Mayo-linked leadership, several cartel figures are now facing proceedings in U.S. federal court. Katarina examines the recent wave of transfers from Mexico to the U.S., what it means for ongoing prosecutions, and how these cases may shape the next phase of the fight against cartel leadership and trafficking networks.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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On the Ground in Jalisco, Mexico: Inside the Ongoing Threat of CJNG Violence

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 22:37:00 -0000

Producer’s note: This episode is best experienced visually. To see the full context of Katarina’s reporting, including locations, narco messages, and on-the-ground scenes, head over to our YouTube channel for the full video.

On today’s episode, Katarina Szulc is on the ground in Jalisco, Mexico, revealing the aftermath of CJNG cartel activity. From narco messages to retaliation and the impact on local communities, she shows what life looks like when violence leaves its mark.

Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

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Inside El Mencho’s Compound After the Raid: What the Scene Reveals

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 22:40:00 -0000

Katarina is on the ground in Mexico, inside the compound of El Mencho just days after the reported raid that killed him.

But something doesn’t add up.

As she walks the scene, the physical evidence doesn’t match the official story, raising serious questions about what actually happened during the operation.

This is a raw, firsthand look at the aftermath and the inconsistencies that could change the narrative.

Borderland Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

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Iran and Chinese Migrants Using VIP Cartel Smuggling Routes — Security Risks in the U.S.

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:44:00 -0000

On this episode, Katarina sits down with independent journalist Jorge Ventura to discuss his exclusive reporting on cartel smuggling networks along the California border.

He explains how migrants from the Middle East and China are being smuggled through Mexico via high-cost “VIP” routes, often coordinated through hotels, mosques, and encrypted communications. He also details emerging national security concerns, including individuals classified as special interest aliens and potential sleeper cells in the United States.

Borderland Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

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El Mencho Is Dead — But the Crime Scene Raises Questions

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:04:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina just returned from Jalisco, where she visited the cabin compound where CJNG leader El Mencho was reportedly killed. She shares what she saw on the ground and previews her upcoming full report.

Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

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The Cartel Crisis at America’s Northern Border — Narcos Target Tribal Lands

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:39:00 -0000

On today's episode, Katarina reports from Montana’s northern border near the Blackfeet Nation, where vast stretches of open land are being exploited for drug and human trafficking.

She’s joined by former game warden John Nores, who spent decades confronting cartel operations on public and tribal lands.

Katarina also shares the story of Marla Ollinger, a grandmother who tragically lost both of her children to fentanyl and now raises her grandchildren while navigating the dangers and fallout of the ongoing crisis in rural and tribal communities.

Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction: The Fentanyl Crisis in Montana

(01:25) A Mother's Heartbreak: Marla's Story of Loss

(07:07) Breaking the Cycle: Raising the Grandkids

(09:17) The Vulnerable Northern Border

(14:02) Smuggling Routes and Environmental Destruction

(16:11) The Law Enforcement Challenge: Complex Jurisdictions

(18:56) Anonymous Interview with a Tribal Police Officer

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Announcement from Katarina: Preview of Her Latest Investigation in Montana

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:06:00 -0000

On next week's episode, Katarina reports from the northern border in Montana near the Blackfeet Nation, where vast stretches of open land along the U.S.–Canada border are being used for drug and human trafficking.

To watch the trailer, visit: https://youtu.be/lHDu8HXXD8k

Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

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Cartel Slaughter: Innocent Miners Kidnapped & Murdered in Extortion Shake Down

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:07:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the killing of several kidnapped workers connected to Canadian mining company Vizsla Silver Corp. in Sinaloa.

Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

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Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/borderland-dispatches-with-katarina-szulc/id1814920364

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Death Threats, CJNG, Rolling Stones, and What's Next for Dispatches | Q&A Part 2

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:30:00 -0000

While on route to her next assignment, Katarina takes a break from the frontlines to answer the questions you’ve been asking. From the latest on Ryan Wedding’s arrest to the realities of reporting on Mexican cartels, international crime, and organized crime networks, Katarina gives unfiltered insights from her years of on-the-ground journalism. She also opens up about the risks, challenges, and surprising moments behind the stories she covers, and what drives her to keep going back into the heart of the narco world.

Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

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Ryan Wedding, Cartels, Kidnapping Risks, and Behind the Scenes of Reporting | Q&A Part 1

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 20:26:00 -0000

Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

Chapters:

(00:00)- Unpacking Ryan Wedding's Surrender and Apprehension Details

(05:35)- Navigating Journalism's Dangers and Expanding Global Coverage

(11:29) - Finding Satisfaction, Speaking Spanish, and Exposing Political Corruption

(18:14)- The Scariest Moment: Protecting Sources from Law Enforcement

(21:18)- Pursuing Dream Interviews While Prioritizing Personal Safety

(23:43)- Exposing Ryan Wedding's Fake AI-Generated Instagram Account

(26:58)- Admiration of Anthony Bourdain

(29:02)- Fentanyl Crisis, Middle East Reporting

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BREAKING: Inside the Operation That Brought Ryan Wedding Back to the US

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 01:58:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Borderland Dispatches, Katarina breaks down the surrender of Ryan Wedding, his transfer to U.S. custody, and the key players involved, including Kash Patel, Omar Harfuch, and Mexican authorities. Guests Stefano Ritondale from @All_Source_News and Jeff Nadu (@JeffNadu) provide context on Wedding’s role in the drug trade, the political and media dynamics surrounding his capture, and what his surrender means for organized crime enforcement. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/DISPATCHES and use code DISPATCHES for an extra 15% off sitewide.

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Inside the Colombia–Venezuela Border — Exposing Organized Crime Behind Drugs, Fuel, and Smuggling

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 23:12:00 -0000

Producer’s note: This episode features on-the-ground reporting and is best experienced on video via Spotify or YouTube (@thisisironclad)

On today’s episode, Katarina reports from the Colombia–Venezuela border, investigating organized crime, drug routes, and fuel smuggling along one of the world’s most dangerous borders.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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Investigating the Colombia–Venezuela Border After Maduro’s Capture (featuring Ioan Grillo)

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:02:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina reports from the Colombia–Venezuela border in the days following Nicolás Maduro’s capture. Joined by journalist Ioan Grillo, she documents conditions on the ground, the presence of international press, and the restrictions facing journalists attempting to cross.

Watch the full report on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FavpHWbbn8

Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

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The Tech Behind Venezuela’s Government — In the Wake of Maduro’s Arrest

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:05:00 -0000

On today's episode, Katarina speaks with Ringmast4r, an American-Venezuelan ethical hacker, about the country’s digital infrastructure and citizen tracking systems, including technology developed with Chinese assistance. They discuss life in Venezuela following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro, how the government continues to monitor and control citizens, and the heightened paranoia and challenges faced by the population.

Borderland Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original

BONUS: Venezuela in the Wake of Maduro's Capture (with Ioan Grillo)

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 21:02:00 -0000

This weekend, Borderland: Dispatches host Katarina Szulc was able to connect with acclaimed cartel investigative reporter Ioan Grillo, from the border of Columbia and Venezuela, who gave an inside look at the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

In this special episode of Borderland: Dispatches, Ioan Grillo and Katarina talk about what the situation is like on the ground, what comes next, and what the implications are for cartels, organized crime, and the drug war.

Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original.

The War on 'Narco-Terrorists’, CJNG Cartel Trafficking Rings, & 2025’s Biggest Stories Updates

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 19:54:00 -0000

Katarina looks back at some of the biggest cartel stories of the year and gives updates about the current war on drugs. Borderland: Dispatches with Katarina Szulc is an IRONCLAD Original SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/borderland-dispatches-with-katarina-szulc/id1814920364 SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7EvQ4S8NnDqqSdCRhZvPaI?si=ea91d3147b6b46bc

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Is Claudia Sheinbaum's Militarized Cartel Crackdown Working? Katarina Szulc Breaks Down the Data

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

What does a spike in drug seizures on the southern border tell us about the state of the crackdown on cartels. Katarina Szulc breaks down the data. SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/borderland-dispatches-with-katarina-szulc/id1814920364 SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7EvQ4S8NnDqqSdCRhZvPaI?si=ea91d3147b6b46bc

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A Special Message from Katarina

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 23:39:00 -0000

Watch Katarina's Discoveries at the San Diego border at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVQTfAdIs00

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The DISGUSTING Loophole Cartels Are Exploiting to Move Drugs Worldwide

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:50:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina discusses how criminal networks are exploiting the global live-animal export industry as a new cover for drug trafficking. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: 1stPhorm Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products.

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The Case of Ryan Wedding: Former Olympian Turned Cartel Kingpin Faces Murder and Drug Trafficking Charges — $15M Reward

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 04:02:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the case of Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder now wanted by U.S. authorities. She outlines the federal indictment alleging his role in the killing of a cooperating witness in Medellín, his reported ties to the Sinaloa cartel, the drug trafficking network described by investigators, and why the FBI has placed him on its 10 Most Wanted list with a $15 million reward. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Inside the Underground Drug Facilities of Tijuana - Katarina's Full Investigation

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:12:00 -0000

Producer's Note: While this episode is available on all podcast feeds, it is best experienced as a video either on Spotify or at https://www.youtube.com/@thisisironclad

On today's episode, Katarina goes inside a clandestine rehab center in Tijuana, where residents — including addicts, deportees, and mental health patients — are held against their will. A rare look at a facility few outsiders ever see. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Buy Target Intelligence: PSYOP with Shawn Ryan: http://psyopshow.com/ To purchase Borderland Merch: https://thisisironclad.com/collections/borderland-dispatches Sponsors: 1stPhorm Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products.

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EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: Katarina Szulc Goes Inside the Tijuana Underground Drug World

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 22:45:00 -0000

Coming soon on Borderland: Dispatches, Katarina goes inside a clandestine rehab center in Tijuana, where residents — including addicts, deportees, and mental health patients — are held against their will. A rare look at a facility few outsiders ever see.

Full episode drops November 20th.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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The Narco War at Sea: DEA Veteran Who Hunted Escobar and Katarina Examine Offshore Strikes

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 22:41:00 -0000

On today’s episode, DEA legend Steve Murphy — the man who hunted Pablo Escobar — sits down with Katarina to break down the U.S. Navy’s deadly strikes on cartel drug boats.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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U.S. Strike Campaign Escalates—Mexico Forced to Rescue Survivor in Pacific Warzone

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 21:24:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina discusses the deadly U.S. boat strike in the Pacific Ocean that killed 14 suspected cartel smugglers. The operation marks a sharp escalation in America’s maritime campaign against drug trafficking — one that started with strikes near Venezuela and is now moving closer to Mexico’s coast.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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CJNG’s “Dark Fleet”: Inside the Billion-Dollar Fuel Operation

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 20:34:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down a Reuters report on how Mexican cartels used a “dark fleet” of tankers to traffic billions in stolen fuel — uncovering corruption from Mexico’s ports all the way to U.S. companies.

To access the full report, visit: https://www.reuters.com/investigations/how-dark-fleet-tankers-helped-mexican-cartel-build-fuel-smuggling-empire-2025-10-22/

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Venezuela, U.S. Naval Strikes, and Rising Cartel Threats to Federal Agents

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 20:25:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down recent U.S. operations in Venezuela, including CIA-authorized strikes on narcotraffickers and paramilitary networks aligned with Nicolás Maduro, which have resulted in 27 reported deaths. She examines the lack of public confirmation about those targeted and how these actions differ from past counter-narcotics operations. Katarina also reviews a DHS warning about Mexican criminal groups offering bounties on federal agents, tracing the intelligence behind the advisory and exploring how the timing of these events may reflect broader U.S. strategy in Latin America and domestic security.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Narco-Banners Exposed: A Warning to Americans—or a Psy-Op?

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 20:19:00 -0000

This episode is presented by Ground News. Subscribe now and get 40% off the VANTAGE plan by going to https://www.groundnews.com/ironclad or by using the QR code. On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the recent “narco-banners” in Mexico that allegedly threaten Americans visiting or living south of the border. Are these real cartel warnings—or something else entirely? Katarina explains why this message doesn’t add up, arguing that the cartels wouldn’t target their biggest customers. Instead, she exposes how these banners may be part of a larger psychological operation aimed at manipulating public perception and escalating fear on both sides of the border. Borderland is an IRONCLAD ORIGINAL.

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Exposing La Diabla & CJNG: The Shocking Baby Trafficking Network in Juárez

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 20:56:00 -0000

This episode is presented by Ground News. Subscribe now and get 40% off the VANTAGE plan by going to https://www.groundnews.com/ironclad or by using the QR code.

On today’s episode, Katarina travels to Ciudad Juárez to investigate the case of Leslie Godínez, a young mother who disappeared while seven months pregnant and was later found dead. Reports have linked her death to a clandestine cesarean and a baby-trafficking scheme allegedly run by Martha Alicia “La Diabla” and connected to the CJNG.

On the ground in Juárez, Katarina meets with a member of Leslie’s family, who shares their story of her disappearance, the search to find her, and the devastating discovery that followed. The episode explores how the case connects to broader issues of violence against women and cartel exploitation along the border.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Massive 25-Foot Tunnel Found by DEA Under Texas Vape Shop—Suspected Cartel Operation

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 21:48:00 -0000

This episode is presented by Ground News. Subscribe now and get 40% off the VANTAGE plan by going to https://www.groundnews.com/ironclad

On today’s episode, Katarina discusses the discovery of a 25-foot tunnel beneath a vape shop in Laredo, Texas, that investigators believe may be connected to cartel activity. During a joint operation, the DEA and local law enforcement raided the Kush Smoke Emporium and the Tranquility Dispensary, seizing marijuana, cocaine, and hundreds of illegal vape cartridges. Authorities say the tunnel’s purpose is still under investigation, but it highlights how legitimate storefronts can sometimes be linked to illicit operations.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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TikTok Star Executed in Cartel-Style Massacre—Four Bodies, No Claims, Total Silence

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 21:19:00 -0000

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On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the brutal cartel-style execution of Mexican TikTok influencer Esmeralda Ferrer Garibay, her husband, and their two children. Found wrapped in plastic and abandoned in a pickup truck in Guadalajara, their murders raise questions about the dangerous intersection of social media fame and cartel violence.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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CJNG Cartels Target Pregnant Women: Who’s Buying the Babies?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:59:00 -0000

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On today’s episode, Katarina follows up on her report about the CJNG cartel targeting pregnant women. Stefano Ritondale from @AllSourceNews joins to provide additional details on the buyers involved in this illicit trade.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Inside America’s Narco Superhighway — Patrolling the Illinois/Indiana Cartel Pipeline

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:41:00 -0000

Sponsors: Ground News

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In this episode, Katarina joins a Gary, Indiana police officer on patrol along the major highways that connect Illinois and Indiana—routes that have become critical corridors for drug trafficking across the Midwest. Together, they explore how cartels move narcotics through America’s heartland, and the challenges law enforcement faces in stopping them.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD ORIGINAL

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Pregnant Women Taken, Babies Trafficked in Alleged Cartel Attacks in Juárez

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 20:54:00 -0000

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On today’s episode, Katarina investigates new allegations in Ciudad Juárez, where women have long faced violence at the hands of cartels. Recent reports suggest that pregnant women are being specifically targeted, with claims that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is involved in trafficking their unborn children. Katarina looks into these disturbing accounts, the history of femicides in Juárez, and what this new angle reveals about cartel operations on the border.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD ORIGINAL

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Mexico Transfers 26 Cartel Members to the U.S. in Trump Deal

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:43:00 -0000

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On today’s episode, Katarina discusses Mexico’s transfer of 26 cartel members to the United States in a high-stakes deal with the Trump administration. The move, which included figures from the Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG, and Knights Templar, was celebrated as a win against organized crime, but also raised questions about political pressure, trade threats, and Mexico’s sovereignty. Katarina unpacks the motivations behind the deal, the implications for U.S.-Mexico relations, and what this unprecedented wave of extraditions reveals about the evolving fight against the cartels.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD ORIGINAL

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Mexico Rejects U.S. Military Presence Amid Trump’s Secret Directive

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 22:06:00 -0000

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On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s clear rejection of U.S. military operations on Mexican soil. This follows reports that President Trump signed a secret directive authorizing military action against drug cartels in Latin America.

Sheinbaum’s stance underscores Mexico’s insistence on sovereignty despite ongoing security cooperation with the U.S. The episode examines the impact of this tension on bilateral relations and regional security dynamics.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD ORIGINAL

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No Death Penalty: Why the DOJ Is Sparing El Mayo and What’s Next for the Cartel Trials

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 21:51:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina discusses: the arrest of Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and the 17 charges he faces in U.S. federal court.

Also in focus: the DOJ’s decision not to pursue the death penalty for Zambada, Rafael Caro Quintero, and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes—opening the door to plea deals and potential cooperation.

Plus, updates on Ovidio Guzmán López’s guilty plea and what these developments could mean for future cartel prosecutions.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Narco Drones: How Cartels Are Exploiting Ukraine’s Warzone for Training

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 21:27:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down how Latin American criminal groups have exploited Ukraine’s warzone to gain advanced FPV drone training. In 2025, Mexico’s National Intelligence Center warned Ukraine’s security services that individuals from Mexico and Colombia were joining the International Legion under false identities—not to fight, but to train.

A joint investigation revealed that some Spanish-speaking recruits, including ex-GAFE and former FARC members, focused solely on drone warfare. One operative, “Águila-7,” impressed instructors with his technical skills before disappearing, later linked to Mexican cartel networks.

Through PMC-style logistics and forged documents, these operatives gained access to elite training centers. Ukrainian officials now acknowledge the risk of drone tactics spreading to organized crime and have launched countermeasures with international partners. The episode explores how a battlefield became a training ground for a new kind of warfare.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Why U.S. Institutions Fail to Stop the CCP’s Deep Infiltration Strategy

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 21:13:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina is joined by a former intelligence analyst to break down how the Chinese Communist Party uses community associations, tech companies, student groups, and overseas police stations to extend its influence in Western countries. Together, they explore the role of fentanyl supply chains, financial entanglements with U.S. elites, and how historical lessons from the Opium Wars shape modern CCP strategy. This episode explores the subtle but far-reaching tactics of political, economic, and societal infiltration.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Unmasking the Extortion Networks Fueling Violence Against Women in Mexico

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 21:44:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina discusses the death of Irma Hernández and the growing crisis of femicide in Mexico. She explores how extortion and violence are driving an increase in women’s deaths, shedding light on the dangerous realities many face. This episode dives into the broader implications for safety and justice in the region.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Inside the Opinder Singh Sian Case: How an Indo-Canadian Trafficker Coordinated with Mexican Cartels, Irish Mafia, Turkish Traffickers, and the CCP

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 22:12:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Borderland Dispatches, Katarina breaks down the case of Opinder Singh Sian, a Canadian man charged in the U.S. with coordinating international methamphetamine shipments. She explores how this ongoing investigation reveals Canada’s growing role as a base for transnational organized crime, linking drug networks across North America, Europe, Australia, and Africa. Katarina examines key details from the DEA affidavit, including alleged ties to major criminal groups and fentanyl precursor schemes, and discusses what this means for Canada’s position in the global drug trade. All charges remain allegations and the case is ongoing.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Exclusive: Katarina Exposes A Border Smuggling Pipeline—Direct From the Mouth of a Trafficker

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 21:59:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina speaks directly with a man who smuggles people across borders. He explains how the system works — and just how little resistance he faces. From rural roads in Quebec and Vermont to backwoods crossings used year-round, even in dangerous winter conditions, Katarina explores how the U.S.–Canada border is being exploited by smugglers moving people from countries around the world.

She also investigates how illegal firearms enter Canada, often through straw purchases or smuggling routes from the U.S. Used in the majority of gun crimes in major cities, these weapons move through informal street markets and online platforms with little oversight.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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El Chapo’s Son Pleads Guilty and Disappears — What’s the U.S. Really Doing With Him?

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 21:50:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina Szulc breaks down the latest developments in the case of Ovidio Guzmán, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and a former high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel. After pleading guilty in U.S. federal court, Ovidio has now been moved to an undisclosed location. Katarina explains what this likely means—especially regarding cooperation with U.S. authorities—and how it could reshape ongoing cartel investigations and U.S.-Mexico relations.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Inside Six Nations: How Criminal Networks Exploit Indigenous Territories in Ontar

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:37:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina travels to Ontario’s Six Nations Reserve—one of the largest Indigenous territories in Canada—to expose how organized crime groups are exploiting Native communities along the northern U.S. border. From illegal marijuana grow operations to gun and drug trafficking routes, Katarina uncovers how criminal syndicates are embedding within reservation lands, using jurisdictional loopholes and economic desperation to operate in the shadows.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original.

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Boxer Julio Chávez Jr. Arrested by ICE—Tied to Sinaloa Cartel and Firearms Trafficking

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:06:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the recent ICE detention of Julio César Chávez Jr., the former boxing champion and son of a Mexican sports icon, amid allegations of cartel connections. As the U.S. pressures Mexico to crack down on organized crime, Katarina examines why Chávez Jr. was living freely in Los Angeles despite mounting scrutiny—and whether his treatment reflects a double standard. She also explores how cartel influence increasingly reaches into entertainment and celebrity circles, raising deeper questions about soft power, protection, and accountability across borders.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original.

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Chaos Continues in Sinaloa: El Mayo, Los Chapitos, CJNG Connections, and Who's the Next Kingpin

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 20:31:00 -0000

On this episode, Katarina speaks with Stefano Ritondale from @AllSourceNews to examine the current situation unfolding in Sinaloa, Mexico. They discuss the internal divisions within the Sinaloa Cartel, the evolving relationship between Sinaloa and CJNG, and the shifting power dynamics in the region. The conversation also explores possible successors to the cartel’s leadership amid increasing instability.

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Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Sinaloa Massacre: 20 Bodies Left as Warning: Hung From Bridge in Cartel War

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 21:20:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the recent wave of violence in Sinaloa, Mexico, where 20 bodies were found across multiple crime scenes—including four decapitated victims hung from a bridge and five severed heads left in a bag. The killings are believed to be linked to an internal conflict within the Sinaloa cartel, between factions associated with Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons—known as the Chapitos—and the group tied to longtime cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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How a Cartel Hacker Tracked U.S. Officials Using Cameras and Phone Records

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 21:35:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down a recently released Justice Department report detailing how the Sinaloa cartel hired a hacker in 2018 to track FBI personnel and informants in Mexico City. The hacker accessed phone data and surveillance cameras to monitor the movements of an FBI attaché and identify individuals meeting with U.S. officials. Some of those individuals were later targeted by the cartel. The episode explores how cartels are using digital tools to support their operations and what this means for U.S. law enforcement and intelligence efforts abroad.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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How a U.S./Iran War Could Reshape Global Organized Crime

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:46:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down how a potential war between the U.S. and Iran could ignite a parallel conflict in the shadows—one driven not by missiles, but by smugglers, cartels, and covert networks. She unpacks how chaos in the Gulf could ripple across Latin America, empowering groups like the Sinaloa Cartel to expand their reach. From fuel theft and arms diversion to drug trafficking and border infiltration, this is the war few are watching—but one that could reshape the criminal underworld and hit the U.S. homeland in unexpected ways.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Public Sanctions, Private Crossings: Inside America’s Double Game with the Cartels

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 20:36:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina examines the complex and often contradictory U.S. strategy toward cartel networks. While recent sanctions target businesses tied to criminal organizations—ranging from luxury spas to shell companies—internal records suggest that some cartel-affiliated individuals are quietly crossing the U.S. border with legal authorization.

This dispatch explores the murky space between public enforcement actions and behind-the-scenes agreements, raising new questions about how the drug war is being fought—and who is shielded from its consequences.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original.

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LA vs. ICE: The Protest That Shook the System

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:41:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina reports from the streets of downtown Los Angeles, where protests erupted in response to a wave of ICE raids targeting undocumented workers. But this isn’t just about one city or one agency. It’s about the evolution of ICE from a post-9/11 security force to a multibillion-dollar enforcement machine.

Katarina traces how LA became ground zero for resistance—again—while unpacking the quiet cross-border deals between the U.S. and Mexico, the expansion of biometric surveillance, and the profit motives behind mass detention. With field tape, interviews, and sharp analysis, this dispatch reveals how two governments are using immigration as a tool of control—and how the streets are pushing back.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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How Killing Cartel Kingpins Backfires: Fragmentation, Violence, and Chaos

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 21:45:00 -0000

In this episode of Borderland: Dispatches, Katarina examines the long-running “kingpin strategy” used by the U.S. and Mexican governments to dismantle drug cartels by targeting their top leaders. Drawing on case studies from major criminal organizations, she outlines how this approach often leads to the fragmentation of cartels, the rise of rival factions, and increased violence. The episode explores the operational logic behind the strategy, its historical outcomes, and why some experts argue it may be counterproductive.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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CJNG’s U.S. Oil Pipeline: How Stolen Mexican Fuel Enters American Markets

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 21:28:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina explores how fuel theft—known as huachicol—has evolved from a local criminal tactic into a multinational enterprise with direct links to U.S. ports, businesses, and national security. As Mexico’s CJNG cartel diversifies beyond drugs, stolen crude oil and diesel have become major revenue sources, flowing from Pemex pipelines into the American energy market through a network of corrupt officials, shell companies, and fraudulent shipping manifests.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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The Rise of a Super Cartel: CJNG’s Reign Across Mexico & Transformation Into a Global Criminal Empire

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 22:20:00 -0000

In this episode of Borderland: Dispatches, Katarina unpacks how the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) has emerged as the dominant force in Mexico’s criminal underworld. From brutal turf wars to high-level corruption and global drug trafficking routes, the CJNG is no longer just another cartel—it’s a paramilitary powerhouse reshaping the entire landscape. Katarina explores how they’ve outpaced rivals, infiltrated local governments, and expanded their reach beyond borders, and what their rise means for U.S. security, Mexican sovereignty, and the future of organized crime.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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The Cartel PR Machine: Inside Mexico’s Narco Propaganda War

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 21:11:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina examines how Mexican cartels have developed sophisticated propaganda strategies to expand their influence and control. From traditional narcocorridos to viral TikTok videos, cartels use music, social media, public banners, and graphic videos to recruit members, intimidate rivals, and shape public perception.

She traces the historical roots of narco culture, explores its modern evolution through artists like Peso Pluma, and highlights how platforms like YouTube and Telegram have become tools of digital warfare. The episode also looks at physical propaganda—such as narcomantas—and the strategic release of violent videos used to send messages and shift blame.

Katarina also investigates how disinformation campaigns, pseudo-philanthropy, and public messaging allow cartels to act as parallel powers in communities across Mexico. Through this lens, the episode reveals how the fight for narrative control has become central to cartel operations—on screens, in songs, and in the streets.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Exposing the Cartel Enterprise: Theft, Extortion, and Cybercrime

Thu, 29 May 2025 21:40:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down how cartels are cashing in on more than just drugs. It starts with crude oil theft—massive, organized operations draining fuel straight from pipelines. Then it’s into the fields, where farmers are being extorted and crops trafficked across borders. And finally, into cyberspace, where cartel-linked hackers are running scams, stealing data, and moving money in the shadows. It’s a look at the criminal industries most people never see—but everyone feels.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Fentanyl’s Deadly Route: Exposing Canada’s Open Border Crisis

Tue, 27 May 2025 23:38:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Katarina begins her journey at the bustling Port of Vancouver, a key gateway where global trade intersects with local challenges. She then heads to East Hastings Street, one of North America’s toughest neighborhoods battling widespread drug addiction. Katarina explores how the open Canadian border fuels the flow of fentanyl and drug precursors, uncovering the use of small aircraft trafficking just yards from the border. Join her as she reveals the complex realities driving the drug crisis on both sides of the Northern border.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Inside America’s Multi-Front Crackdown on CJNG

Thu, 22 May 2025 15:53:00 -0000

In this episode, Katarina unpacks the DOJ’s unprecedented April 2025 indictment of Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez—the first time terrorism charges have been brought against a cartel operative for providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization (CJNG).

This marks a seismic shift in U.S. legal strategy, unlocking surveillance powers under FISA and introducing military-grade prosecutorial tools to the cartel fight. With insights from DEA El Paso and top legal analysts, Katarina explores what this means for future cases and the broader war on organized crime.

Also in this episode: the fallout from leaked ICE fentanyl lab photos in Sinaloa, rising tensions between U.S. and Mexican authorities, new tactics in financial warfare against cartels, and the growing list of Mexican officials under U.S. scrutiny for suspected cartel ties.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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From Anapra to El Paso: How Trump's Crackdown Is Playing Out on the Ground

Tue, 20 May 2025 16:54:00 -0000

On the debut episode of Borderland: Dispatches, Katarina takes viewers to the U.S.-Mexico border near Anapra, New Mexico, to examine the impact of new executive orders issued since Trump’s return to office. She documents changes on the ground, including increased Border Patrol presence, expanded deportation efforts, and shifting smuggling routes. Through firsthand reporting and interviews with people on both sides of the border, the episode explores how recent federal actions are affecting local communities, cartel activity, and the broader border landscape.

Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

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Borderland: DISPATCHES Trailer

Thu, 15 May 2025 19:23:00 -0000

Cartel violence. Kidnappings. Disappearances. The headlines don’t tell the full story.

Borderland: DISPATCHES delivers raw, on-the-ground updates from Mexico’s cartel war. Hosted by investigative journalist Katarina Szulc, the series offers real-time snapshots of a conflict reshaping the future of both Mexico and the U.S.

With rare access to traffickers, law enforcement, and civilians caught in the crossfire, these fast-moving episodes expose the brutal truth behind the drug war.

New dispatches drop every Tuesday and Thursday starting May 20th.

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