Borderland: Narcosis with Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas

Today on Borderland, Vince sits down with award-winning journalist Lydia Cacho.Amnesty International call her "perhaps Mexico's most famous investigative journalist and women's rights advocate” for her work exposing violence in the Mexican underworld. Her books include The Demons of Eden: The Power that Protects Child P****graphy, Slavery Inc: The Untold Story of International Sex Trafficking, and Infamy: How One Woman Brought an International Sex Trafficking Ring to Justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Borderland, Vince talks to retired Border Patrol Chief, Victor Manjarrez. Victor served more than 20 years in the Border Patrol in roles both in the field and in headquarters, His border security methods are still considered cornerstones for the border patrol. On this episode, Victor sheds light on the challenges faced by Border Patrol agents by touching on common misconceptions about the role and operations of the Border Patrol. He also comments on the most recent arrests of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez of the Sinaloa Cartel, and implications that could come from this to those caught in the crossfire. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jim Adams, the marshal of the historic Tombstone, Arizona, shares gripping insights into the town's role as a hotspot for smuggling. He discusses the alarming rise in juvenile participation in drug trafficking, often lured in by cartels through social media. Jim also highlights the unexpected encounters of Uber Eats drivers transporting migrants, blending humor with the harsh realities of border dynamics. The conversation delves into the increasing humanitarian crises tied to cartel activities and the challenges faced by local law enforcement.

In today's episode of Borderland, Vince talks to Chris Dalby, a journalist and expert on the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Chris dives deep into the CJNG's nuanced media tactics and how they use it to spread misinformation about their operations within Mexico and the United States. Chris Dalby is the author of CJNG: A Quick Guide to Mexico's Deadliest Cartel and currently the director of the World of Crime Think Tank. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Borderland, Vince talks to San Diego native Cory Gautereaux. Cory shares his experiences walking along the San Diego Southern border, where he has collected hundreds of abandoned IDs left behind by migrants crossing the border. More recently, he made the startling discovery of an abandoned iPhone, which he was able to unlock, revealing a trove of conversations between smugglers and migrants. Cory's mission is help stop trafficking along the border, which he has witnessed. If you'd like to support Cory's efforts, check out his non-profit The GOAT Initiative. The GOAT Initiative: "The specific purpose of this corporation is to combat human trafficking along the United States/Mexico border through comprehensive intelligence gathering and strategic collaboration. We aim to protect vulnerable communities by providing real-time intelligence to law enforcement, dismantling trafficking networks, and advocating for impactful policy reforms. With a steadfast commitment to human rights and dignity, we strive to foster a future free from exploitation and to form cooperative relationships with the community and contribute to other 501(c)(3) to carry on other charitable and public activities associated with this goal as allowed by law. " thegoatinitiative.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the days following the recent presidential debate, Borderland host and BORSTAR veteran Vince Vargas broke down both candidates’ positions and statements about the immigration crisis. Here’s his thoughts on the statements made both by Biden and Trump. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Today's Borderland, Vince sits down with investigative journalist Madeleine Rowley to discuss her recent article Nonprofits Are Making Billions off the Border Crisis . She exposes the billions of dollars NGOs are being granted from the Federal government due to the record-setting influx of immigrants into America. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Expert Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera explores the evolution of Los Zetas from military roots to criminal powerhouse. Discussion on cartel complexities and their transformation into legitimate businesses. Insights into Mexico's violent landscape, transnational implications, and challenges under a new president. Book launch celebrating the beauty of the US-Mexico border.

Today on Borderland, Vince is joined by former border patrol agent and ICE Director, Tom Homan. Tom joined the Immigration and Naturalization Service in 1984, later becoming a Border Patrol agent. He was then appointed by President Obama as Executive Associate Director of ICE in 2011. He received the Presidential Rank Award as a Distinguished Executive in 2015. Finally, in 2017, he was appointed acting director of ICE by President Trump before retiring in June of 2018. Sponsors: This 4th of July, make Horizon part of your celebration. Don’t miss HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGA, with Chapter One in theaters June 28th and Chapter Two in theaters August 16th.  Join the Frontier Pass at Fandango.com for exclusive content and tickets. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Borderland, Vince talks to renowned journalist, Luis Chaparro. Luis is based on the U.S./Mexico border, and has over 15 years of experience in reporting on Mexican organized crime. He has extensively covered drug cartels, detailing their operations, leadership, and societal impact. He has interviewed fentanyl dealers and human smugglers, and his reporting also highlights the hardships faced by migrants traveling through Mexico, including encounters with human traffickers and corrupt officials. Follow Luis on IG: IG: https://www.instagram.com/luiskuryaki/?hl=en Follow Luis on X: https://x.com/LuisKuryaki?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor This 4th of July, make Horizon part of your celebration. Don’t miss HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGA, with Chapter One in theaters June 28th and Chapter Two in theaters August 16th.  Join the Frontier Pass at Fandango.com for exclusive content and tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices