This paper outlines the reasons and available mechanisms to hold Mexican elites accountable for corrupt practices or for having ties to cartels.

Key points

  • Illegal activity that harms the U.S. is coming from Mexico in much the same way as it does from other corrupt individuals in other countries the U.S. currently sanctions.
  • The Texas–Mexico trade relationship should motivate Texas policymakers to adopt punitive measures against corrupt Mexican elites who have property or profit from business interests in the Lone Star State.
  • The Texas Legislature should adopt policies that enable Texas to seize the property of Mexican elites in Texas if they are convicted of crimes that involve the use of such property as proceeds, instrumentality, or evidence.
  • Texas should compile a list of corrupt Mexican elites and request the federal government to deny them entry to the U.S. or revoke their visas.