Borderland: Narcosis with Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas

Last season, we took you to the frontlines of the border crisis.We dug into the brutal realities behind immigration—the policies, the fears, and the human toll it takes on individuals and communities.That was just the beginning.Now, we’re going deeper. We’re pulling back the curtain on the ruthless forces that drive mass migration - organized crime. On the new season of Borderland, NARCOSISWe’ll take an even closer look at the institutions, criminal forces, drugs, and operations that are driving mass migration from regions torn apart by unprecedented violence and corruption.We’re not just talking about the cartels. We’re showing you the inner workings of these criminal empires and the power they hold over entire regions. Catch the new season of Borderland: Narcosis everywhere you get your podcasts and on Youtube @thisisironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Vince sits down with Luis Navia, a former Cuban-American drug trafficker who played a central role in the international cocaine trade for over 25 years, and Jesse Fink, the author who chronicled Luis’s story.Born in Cuba, Luis fled to Miami with his family after Castro’s takeover in 1959. Raised in privilege, he attended private schools and Georgetown University before becoming involved in drug trafficking in the 1970s. Known in South American cocaine circles as “El Senador,” Luis worked with powerful cartels, including Escobar’s Medellín cartel, the Cali cartel, and Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles, building extensive smuggling networks across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S.In 2000, Luis was arrested in a global operation that involved the DEA, FBI, and Colombian authorities. After being held accountable for over 10 tons of cocaine, he cooperated with U.S. authorities, providing critical information on cartel operations and serving five years in prison.Together, Luis and Jesse share insights into the dangerous world of drug trafficking, the decisions that led to Luis’s rise and fall, and the lessons learned along the way.To find out more about Luis's story, check out Jesse Fink's book: Pure Narco: One Man's True Story of 25 Years Inside the CartelsBorderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vince tackles pressing questions about the future of the drug war and mass deportations. He explores the historical roots of drug policies and their evolving implications. The podcast highlights ineffective strategies against drug cartels and the deep corruption tied to them. Vince advocates for a humane approach to immigration reform and discusses the potential benefits of drug legalization, encouraging a shift in societal perceptions. A segment on supporting veterans adds an uplifting dimension to the insightful dialogue.

On today’s episode, Vince sits down with NewsNation’s Jorge Ventura to explore his career reporting on the U.S.-Mexico border, including firsthand accounts of covering cartel operations. They dive into what changes could unfold as the Trump administration takes office on January 20th, discussing the potential for mass deportations and the future of border enforcementBorderland is an IRONCLAD OriginalSponsors:BetterhelpVisit BetterHelp.com/borderland today to get 10% off your first month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with Adriana Jones, a woman whose life was forever changed when her sister and young nephews were murdered in an attack by a Mexican cartel. She discusses how this tragedy led her to establish Rhonitavive, a nonprofit named in her sister’s memory, focused on raising awareness about the growing threat of cartel violence.To learn more about Adriana and Rhonitavive, visit:Website: rhonitavive.comInstagram: @rhonitavive https://www.instagram.com/rhonitavive?igsh=MTYxamVjY2M2cXZwdg==Facebook: Rhonita Vive https://www.facebook.com/share/QqXJr9oVuJ77Ps8w/?mibextid=wwXIfrX: @RhonitaVive https://x.com/rhonitavive?s=21&t=GTGQSd5CmZ0-kqprkE-ebwBorderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Vince sits down with TJ English, author of The Last Kilo: Willy Falcon and the Cocaine Empire That Seduced America.They discuss Miami's explosive cocaine boom and its lasting impact on the drug trade, unpacking the city's dark narco history. The conversation also explores how drug legalization could be the key to ending the drug war and addressing the violence that continues to plague many nations.Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Borderland, Vince Vargas speaks with Daniel Brunner, a 29-year veteran of the FBI and U.S. Navy, to discuss the continued rise of the Tren de Aragua trasnational crime organization in the United States. Brunner, an expert in Latin American geopolitics and organized crime, breaks down the group’s rapid expansion, its deepening entrenchment in the U.S., and the long-term security risks it poses.Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince sits down with Mexican researcher and sociologist Alethia Fernández de la Reguera to discuss the militarization of Mexico’s northern and southern borders and the corruption entrenched in border enforcement. They delve into the systemic violations of migrants’ rights, with a focus on the widespread sexual violence and exploitation women endure along their journeys, often at the hands of cartels and corrupt officials. The conversation also examines how the U.S. immigration system measures up in terms of safety and integrity.Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Producer's Note: This interview was recorded prior to official election resultsOn today's episode, Vince sits down with Benjamin T. Smith, author of The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade to discuss the history and evolution of the Mexican drug trade. Benjamin explains how historical trade routes like the Silk Road laid the groundwork for the global drug trade, the impact of political shifts and corruption in Mexico and the U.S., and how synthetic drugs like meth and fentanyl are transforming cartel operations. They also discuss the unintended consequences of U.S. anti-drug policies, the militarization of cartels and governments, and what it would take to break the economic dependence on the drug trade.Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Vince welcomes back John Nores, a retired special operations game warden and expert in combating environmental and public safety crimes. They discuss cartel activity in the United States and its effects on tribal lands, including Chinese smuggling operations, the rise of tainted cannabis laced with dangerous substances, and the broader impacts these criminal activities have on tribal communities and the environment.John's book Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens Are Reclaiming America's Wildlands From The Drug Cartels 2nd. Edition is available Now.Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices