A suspected hitman for Mexico’s Gulf Cartel was arrested in Michigan last week during an immigration enforcement operation, Border Patrol officials confirmed. Detroit Sector Chief Patrol Agent John Morris announced the capture of Melquiades Salgado-Garza, who has a record of serious criminal offenses, including burglary and forgery.
The arrest highlights growing concerns over cartel-linked criminals operating far from the southern border. Federal authorities say cartel networks have expanded their influence into U.S. cities, using major transportation routes to facilitate drug trafficking, smuggling, and other crimes.
In a separate incident, Border Patrol agents from the Sault Ste. Marie Station arrested a suspected member of Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan gang involved in drug distribution and human trafficking. Officials say the individual was apprehended while attempting to retrieve a seized vehicle.
Meanwhile, agents in the Marysville Station detained a Mexican national who has been caught illegally entering the U.S. ten times since 1999. The individual is now in custody and is expected to be deported.
Since President Trump’s return to office, ICE and Border Patrol have increased efforts to locate and detain individuals with criminal records. Over a thousand illegal immigrants have been arrested in recent weeks as part of a broad strategy to remove threats from U.S. communities.
Federal agencies have also raised alarms about cartel activities, warning that criminal organizations may soon employ weaponized drones to target law enforcement personnel. President Trump’s classification of cartels as terrorist organizations provides new authority for military action against them.
