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In the last few weeks in
It was hoped that the prospect of U.S. prison time would begin deterring drug violence along the border. U.S. officials say it is having some effect, citing drug lords still at large who admit to being frightened at the prospect of extradition to the U.S. They also say the tactic disrupts the cartels’ activities.
But authorities on both sides of the Southwest border acknowledge that the cartels have simply promoted lieutenants to the vacant leadership positions and that the violence, especially in the last two years, has turned even uglier — in the streets and within the cartels where junior members are fighting one another for control.
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“”While it is good to catch one of these guys, in the end it’s a little like winning a battle even if you’re losing the war. To me it’s a little bit like tilting at windmills.””
The U.S. prosecutions are having some effect. Earlier this month,
U.S. District Judge
In
“”If I had the power to change and undo the things that I have done,”” he said in a letter written in Spanish and translated by his attorney, “”I would.””
Burns was not in the least moved. “”Your name will live in infamy associated with all these terrible things,”” he said. “”It is a record of callousness. It’s a record of cruelty…. All of the mayhem and the murder and the intimidation, all of that has happened, and today is the day of accounting.””
He gave the 37-year-old life in prison, and then tacked on another 20 years.
In
“”I apologize to my country,
She gave Cardenas, 42, who reportedly is cooperating with U.S. law enforcement officials, 25 years in prison and ordered him to forfeit
“”Innocence lost — that is your legacy to your country, to our communities on both sides of the border and to society,”” she told him.
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“”This is not a business you can retire from,”” said Payan, the