OVERVIEW

United Cartels (CU) is a coalition of drug trafficking and criminal organizations that work together to traffic narcotics from Michoacán, Mexico, to the United States. CU formed in 2019 to prevent larger cartels, such as the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG), from entering Michoacán. As of late 2025, CU was composed of the Cartel del Abuelo, Cartel Deal, Cartel Tepalcatepec, Cartel de los Reyes, the Knights Templar, Los Blancos de Troya, and La Nueva Familia Michoacána. However, the coalition is fragile, and cartels within the CU sometimes break away or work with rival cartels when it serves their interests.

OPERATING AREAS
Michoacán, Mexico

MEMBERS
Probably in the thousands

TACTICS AND TARGETS
CU protects its operations through threats and violence, often resulting in civilian and Mexican military and law enforcement casualties. Its members primarily use small arms, IEDs, and weaponized UAS to attack CJNG members and Mexican security forces. CU smuggles cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine into the United States. It is also involved in other illicit and violent criminal activities, including extorting avocado and lemon producers in Michoacan’s Tierra Caliente region.

TERRORIST GROUP DESIGNATION
In February 2025, the US State Department designated CU as a foreign terrorist organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity.

KEY LEADERS

NOTABLE ATTACK