New Era of Cartel War: 10,000 Troops Deployed, Drone Attacks & Sinaloa Cartel Collapse | Ed Calderon

On today's episode, Vince welcomes back security expert and former Mexican law enforcement officer Ed Calderon to discuss Claudia Sheinbaum’s decision to send 10,000 Mexican troops to the U.S. border. They also explore the implications of this move, the response from Mayo Zambada and the Sinaloa Cartel, and how it may affect cartel operations. The conversation also covers perspectives from Mexican citizens and cartel members on Donald Trump and how his policies influence dynamics at the border.
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Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original

[@thisisironclad]

Thanks for watching, everyone! We'll be back next week with Episode 3 of Borderland: Season 2 | Narcosis, premiering Monday at 5 PM EST.

[@brendanmaguire4134]

1st time viewer and subscriber.. Do you know of, or have you interviewed OG SHADOW? He also has a utube channel and has a great story and stories.. 💪🇲🇽💪. ✌️🇮🇪

[@dannonya8783]

Sobriety could fix this problem tomorrow. 10 years sober next month. By the Gace of God.

[@marcosrubalcaba9891]

Congratulations that's a long time I got 5 years hopefully one day I'll be at ten

[@spookycrane9318]

Rookie and quitter pathetic loser

[@thechrisandphaedrusshow]

@@marcosrubalcaba9891 Good job. Be strong my man. 20 years this year for me. It's a rough trek with a lot of bumps, but it's much better than the alternative.

[@Jondoe0]

Just cause you did it doesn’t mean everyone can do it easily, smh

[@LIOX223C]

@@Jondoe0 or even wants to sadly

[@LeeRichardson808]

I’ve been dying to hear from Ed Calderon about the current situation at the border. Looking forward to this one

[@Df27n]

Mexico needs to invest in the Mexican people.

[@rogergrant9605]

That would happen when the American government start investing in their own people.

[@tylerlongairc467]

problem is they can only buy one caliber gun

[@kanpol666]

No the us needs to invest in Mexico, not like before( one sided) remember your enemies get stronger on what you leave behind. Imagine if the U.S & Mexico were homies, we could rule north& South America

[@SEKreiver]

@@kanpol666 Mexico can't even rule itself. It hasn't for 500 years. That's a LONG time.

[@dannonya8783]

Good comment.

[@manny7866]

Mexico needs to stop worrying bout wtf we doing out here in America and worry about their people and cartels.

[@amadeojacohinde3630]

Goes both ways, we are not the ones intruding in your politics 😉👌

[@jonahcombs451]

Definately are, not respecting border policy. Building tunnels to get in, letting crime organiziations smuggle humans freely without punishment... those things dont respect our sovereignty ​@@amadeojacohinde3630

[@microplasticsinurblud]

THEY ARE USED BY CHINA AND WEF INTEREST

[@LEl-v4e]

@@microplasticsinurbludyet we as a county (USA) we buy nothing but Chinese products. Take a look at everything you own and buy where is it made? The U.S. is the worst in all aspects, we just “hide” it better. Yes , Mexico can clean up. But hey, we still have to get up tomorrow and go to work and live our lives.

[@microplasticsinurblud]

​@ MEXICO IS COMPROMISED ON ANOTHER LEVEL. THEY ARE A NARCO VASSSEL STATE FOR CHINA AND RUSSIA AND MID EAST INTEREST. ALL OUR ENEMIES GOT THEIR PLAYERS MOVED IN HERE ALREADY

[@englishlad8085]

Eds fantastic been following him on a number of platforms for over 5 years , his knowledge south of the border is unmatched, the Trump Admin should employ him as a Consultant.💯🤙

[@jtrazz4038]

I can listen to all his story’s effortlessly . I get bored easy , He’s a great story teller and wealth of knowledge

[@em-9960]

He's a turncoat. How do you know he will not tun on you?

[@englishlad8085]

@ he hasn’t turned on anyone, he started as a cop then special operations, and now he consults and teaches survival skills in extreme situations, escape methods close quarters knife efficiency and combat medical situations, Who did he turn on ..

[@Jondoe0]

Half of his intel is story telling lol

[@microplasticsinurblud]

HE WAS DIRTY COP THEY ALL ARE. HAD TO BE. THATS THE POINT HES TRYNA TO TELL YOU. GOV=MOB MOB=GOV. HED BE A GOOD ADVISOR ON AN OP. NOT IN HOUSE. WE CANT WORK W MEX FEDS EVER. THEY WERE NEVER AN ALLY IN ANY WAR

[@nerdlabstudios7023]

Thank you Ironclad you guys are more than simply entertainment you guys are informative, educational and I really enjoy your interviews and content. There is a whole shitmess of things occurring in real time that pertain to the welfare of our country across so many differing topic areas and I like that you guys have raw format here in the sense that there is open factual discussion here. I Love Andy and I love Rocco here. This is information every American should be aware of it pertains to all of us!

[@rickytecon5726]

The border is the defensive line. You still need linebackers and safeties.

[@geraldfahey2681]

AND special teams

[@typec6025]

Linebackers would be ICE and Safeties would the Police patrolling the streets.

[@p.f.droney8973]

​@@geraldfahey2681 and waterboys

[@CleverDowed]

Defense End s. #92 Caden Curry DE OSU

[@savedbythespell]

And referees

[@appalachianmagic6370]

The entire political establishment of Asheville North Carolina has had a relationship with specifically the Sinola Cartel since DA Ron Moore - that's the sole reason their illegal migrant issue is so bad.

[@foolswhocanbuildpools4955]

Facts

[@realitynow4342]

By any chance are you a machinist?

[@Jondoe0]

What’s your source? Anyone could say anything

[@zachlindsey71]

That’s the whole fucking point! Reduce the number of crossings. You’ll never stop 100% of them!

[@davidmoore5004]

We need to take notes from Poland 🇵🇱!

[@JohnSmith-ju8eg]

Protect Poland at all costs.

[@AZrakoon]

Both countries have a problem. One has a cartel problem and the other has a drug user problem. The United states and Mexico should work together.

[@KeiserSosa-u2z]

America and Mexico ARE working together. One sells drugs and cheap labor that votes democrat. And the other country uses the drugs and cheap labor that votes democrat. The American globalists want people dumbed down, drugged up, and media brainwashed. Controlled. If either country wanted to stop drugs and people from crossing the border they could do it.

[@Ac-paraphernalia]

Won’t happen, the corruption goes too deep man. I wish though. Our problem is social decay and the breakdown of the family. Our women are under direct attack from social media to abort their kids and live for themselves. Our men have been completely demoralized and turn to drugs. What we need are strong families to rise up again; I just don’t know if that’s possible.

[@whocares4464]

💯 man both our countries are struggling big time!!! All this death needs to stop

[@erickelleher3911]

Yep...if we didn't have a multi-generational drug problem (think generational demons), the cartels wouldn't have a market for their greed, the Chinese wouldn't have a target for their power grab and we'd all be happy

[@Sarcastic_redbeard34]

​@Ac-paraphernalia sounds like these so called men aren't men if they aren't mentally strong to deny themselves drugs.

[@furtrapper11]

The special warfare handbook explains the difficulty in disarming and disbanding insurgent militias when you no longer need them. Mexican government should make a deal with El Salvador to house the worst of them.

[@tysondolan1533]

Love and admire Ed Calderon! Been waiting to hear what he has to say about this new designation for the Cartels. Support and protect this man!...Viva a flourishing Mexico!

[@darlacash8173]

The sense we have in my small community in RGV McAllen is tense, but faithful. Recent legals are breathing a sigh of relief. 4th generationers are Trump supporters. Kingpins/ FTO associates are shuffling money to avoid having their assets frozen. The skies are active and the pulga numbers are down.

[@augigato9913]

Cartels are like a super mutated virus 😮

[@ScottStokes-y2d]

Jihadis have nothing on the Mexicans

[@potooleftl]

They are not getting across nearly in the numbers they were a month ago.

[@POPJack1717]

And the fact that it used to cost 15k but has since increased as stated in the video means eve less people will come because they can't afford the price to cross.

[@EnchiladaBro]

@@POPJack1717 a common tactic with drug dealing is to act like the price has increased or its gotten harder to get product... same thing with this... hell just look at corporations during COVID, "supply chain" issues, and then kept prices high after the chain issues were "fixed" ... point being, just because its more expensive and they say its harder, doesnt mean it is... i mean el calderon did say that the contacts he talked to said that it was still business as normal, just charging more.

[@ElIbroDelos5anillos]

I am from Mexico and live in Mexico. I live in a narco-state. Saludos desde el sureste.

[@VeronicaPalmisano-q3o]

Thank you both!

[@yoursofullofitha7262]

Cartel is no different than jihad

[@Jewish.Hotdog]

Nah bro, some of these people literally poor asf and have no other option. Jihad is comparison to like the Spartans and society creating warriors. This is just a bunch of opportunists

[@ceopresident496]

9:15 i want to know how my grandparents died twice online. Once was the correct time and another was 2 decades later. I want to know how many people who die get their identity stolen and how long they live for collecting social security, who that money is going to, how is it being missed, what type of credit are they getting in that name and never paying? How many people has this happened to, for how long and who the hell is doing it?

[@JL-xn3zy]

One of the best podcasts out there. Keep kicking butt!

[@giovannimartinez2145]

To date Mexico spends about 9 Billion a year on its military budget which equals to about 0.65% of its GDP if Mexico spent 5-7 of its GDP on its military it would substantially reduce the cartel problems it’s currently having.

[@Mr_Elevation]

Well instead of doing that and building their military like the guest said the military and the government is the biggest cartel and as a result if the United States declares war on Mexico, Mexico can’t do shit to stop them. They have a pathetic Air Force compared to the US.

[@TheZogsvengali]

So been wanting Ed's POV on the latest with Mexico and Trump

[@mattsorensen404]

I think the Cartels made a mistake by militarizing. At some point, it was always going to guarantee a dance with the jolly green giant. I feel bad for the people of Mexico, because I don’t think it’s going to make anything better.

[@priss88hdz]

To begin with that drone video happened in Tamaulipas, close to the border!!! And the ones who began with using the drones and using them as weapons was the CJNG. They started with that practice and then, others started doing it.

[@dancly1913]

Thanks NOW HIDE.

[@littlebittathisnthatfirear8048]

@@dancly1913why… we don’t do that here. If you do.. leave we don’t need you either

[@ChaunceyHiccups]

​@dancly1913 Hide in our own Country ? Nah bro thts Mexican culture, hide or flee

[@dave34573]

Expect the the CIA to build up and assist 1 of the cartels and have them fight the other cartels with the assistant of the US military and their covert operations.

[@b4ssfunk3d]

Doubt it with Trump in office. He's not "one of them" and will probably get himself killed by the elites with what he plans to do to the Mexican cartels if he succeeds.

[@dannonya8783]

Cartel went back to communicating with fishing line and tin cans

[@Artlover688]

I love the way Luis breaks everything down. He really makes you think twice about it and I think the gun shops in Arizona should be considered supporting terrorist and I don’t think we should have cartel sponsored musicians on national TV and I actually like Peso Pluma I’m no longer gonna be listening to his music. I love the way he really made me think about all of this. I’m an American with the mother from Mexico so I really had to listen to everything you were saying, and changed my way of thinking.

[@ShowseeTravels]

I’m an American living in Mexico. The harassment that you receive in the USA never turns into a financial shakedown

[@OnlyJalenPhd]

That makes zero sense! You weren’t born here, I can absolutely tell you that!

[@Mr_Elevation]

@@OnlyJalenPhdsir you’d be surprised at the sheer amount of Americans that have been living in Mexico since the 50s on the west coast since the horrible inflation of the housing market. Wake up sir

[@tbren9341]

When you come back into the USA, they don’t even need to see your passport. The facial recognition camera identifies you.

[@DezzNutsHoe]

There's a chip in your passport. That identifies you with facial recognition.

[@ems8602]

Everything this guy said is 💯 true and correct.

[@Askwjwmaoultions]

The thumbnail looks like Rocco's thinking "hes one of them" 😂

[@stangman6291]

That guy must have a serious security detail! He talks alot about mex business

[@Scott-b4l6f]

Wishing for the least bloodshed and the most peace for both Mexicans and Americans. My 3 cousins are half-Mexican, and having grown up in Texas, there's always been a strong Mexican influence here. It's unfortunate both our countries are going through some rough times, whether it be open warfare in Mexico or the rampant drug addiction in the U.S. I imagine it's gonna get bloodier before it gets better, though. I'm curious, but even just listening to this shit as a citizen has me going, "don't want anything to do with either side." Scary shit, all around.

[@maxcullen3427]

Seen him on many platforms defo knows his stuff and obviously you do very interesting thanks 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@chuckutz1969]

Liked & Subscribed! I enjoyed the video and info. 👍✌

[@RaulitosWay1969]

There will always be a way in. That's a massive border.

[@kylemcbride5584]

Yep

[@kylemcbride5584]

How do you counter the tunnels

[@RaulitosWay1969]

@kylemcbride5584 they have ground detection for that.

[@kylemcbride5584]

@ I read that due to the soil it can’t be used

[@lmvr127]

​@@kylemcbride5584GIS mapping and monitoring would go a long way

[@mockingslur6945]

Living in the Houston area, I remember reading about the Cartels gaining momentum in 2004-2006 when it started getting really dangerous. I think the US should have focused on that instead of invading Iraq. Attacking now after 20 years of getting bigger seems like it would be more dangerous for The US now than it would have been back then.

[@ryanside9117]

I’ve known of Ed for years from his interviews with Joe Rogan and I’ve always known him to be a bs guy but… our laws are black and white. If you’re here illegally you must go and come back through the proper channels, legally. It’s gone past the point of compassion and you can thank Biden for the lack of care

[@spoonlessvalkyrie7514]

I’ve heard that drugs are being brought in on train cars.

[@patrickdawes771]

Jesus is the way maker ❤ God Bless America 🎉

[@scottmercier352]

It breaks my heart that the American government hasn't done better for Mexico. We do all kinds of corrupt shit around the world. We force the change of governments. We should be working with Mexicans to help remove corruption.

[@realchange4842]

To be honest Mexico doesn’t want our help. The corrupted politicians allow the cartels to operate and it put fear on its citizens then they run to their politicians for help they don’t do anything just go on live tv saying they are going to go after the cartels and everyone looks at them like hero’s. Trust me the Mexican government is not our friends.

[@eddiebanuelos9160]

Why don't you talk about all the US military guns that are getting sold to the cartels

[@George-vf7ss]

Where do the Mexican politicians keep their money?

[@airamvilla1222]

Good episode

[@KarenJackson-tx6mn]

Why the cartels won't build their country up with ALL the $ that they have? Their people wouldn't have to FLEE to the US to slave labor. Build yall country UP!!!!!!!

[@LightS_bRight]

Because the cartel are traitors to Mexico.

[@chillxxx241]

They don’t have enough money to build a nation. The US can’t even feed all of its people. People will always have issues that can’t be solved by the government. A gang doesn’t have nearly as much power.

[@carlosstephengarcia6716]

Go build up Africa Karen.

[@jemmaelle]

Ed’s field notes via Ironclad

[@RANDOLPH-v5o]

This time is completely different he has full control and he will do everything and anything he can to make up for all the things that he couldn't do in the first term.

[@BaD_N3Ws]

Imagine your own government is funding the cartel🫢

[@1sh1kll91]

You can’t tell me that there isn’t a modern method of discovering cavities underground. Does GPR not detect this? Slap some on some aircraft and scan the ground below? Maybe even pick up some movement on the image?

[@joebustillos5152]

That's why Obrador stepped down once zambada was taking into custody he knew poop was going to hit the fan 😂

[@rogercoleman8515]

This is definitely not a door kicking mission. In my estimation the importance of actionable intelligence related to finance and production should be the focus. To be clear, this should be an international effort.

[@packman3979]

Mexican gov is imbedded with cartel

[@ivan0oze886]

50 year war on drugs are they finally serious about ending it

[@MichaelM-f8d]

I’m Mexican American and I work with Contractors, about 80% come from Mexico. One thing I can confirm is that us Mexicans are always trying to make a deal 🤝😆

[@VeronicaPalmisano-q3o]

Question: Even if USA takes down Cartel Chiefs, Heads, would that put an end to the Cartels' members effectiveness to continue their missions in Mexico and in USA as I've heard that sometimes or often the heads of Cartels can direct operations of their members from inside prisons or from outside Mexico? Thank you, Ronnye

[@liamniedrich6065]

Don’t piss in the tall grass if you can’t walk with the big dogs.

[@bogreen1872]

The title implies that there is a “light side” to cartel power.

[@RealityBasedCriticalThinking]

The LAW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND. The DEMAND IS ADDICTION OR ROOT CAUSE. American's cannot not stop using drugs. Including this conversation the Nation's only focus is on the SUPPLY. As long as the HUGE DEMAND (addiction ROOT CAUSE) goes virtually ignored the nightmare just continues. WE MUST CURE THE DESEASE, NOT TREAT THE SYMPTOMS.

[@Vrie.]

Mandatory treatment or prison

[@SEKreiver]

We left God behind. People are tired of worshipping Wokeness.

[@TyJames1219]

These guys are perfect examples of who this younger generation should strive towards and look up to in terms of being a man.

[@airdrop_480]

Yeah when I saw the supposed videos of “the cartel attacking the patrols” it reminded me of when the US went to war in Iraq and the Cartels are and have always been scared to fight or kill Americans and certain situations when it does happen they turn the supposed killers in themselves

[@BakedTatoes]

This guy is not special I know everything he mentioned lol it's common knowledge

[@RANDOLPH-v5o]

You're missing the whole point. Last time when Trump was in office he spent the first half of his presidency trying to keep his butt out of the courts impeachment and all the other accusers and could only do so much. He also didn't have control of the house so it was even harder to do everything.

[@bradjones5107]

President Trump should ask Concerning to declare war on Mexico siting Geneva Convention violation on Chemical Warfare for the Fentanyl being shipped illegally across the Southern Border. That would shake them up even if it goes nowhere.

[@joserosaliozavala7648]

Si lo ase nos pela la riata

[@bradjones5107]

@joserosaliozavala7648 I can't read Spanish, but I know what "Si" means so I gave you a 👍. God Bless and God Speed.🙏

[@migueldelacruz2841]

😂😂 If you try that you'll have Russia and China will be waiting South of the border to back up México and if the U.S. does anything Russia and China already warned Trump they will retaliate against U.S. also Mexico is friends with all countries U.S. has and is making more enemies 😂😂

[@2AUniverse-11]

And where does fentanyl originally come from? It's not mexico, but from China

[@overk1llz]

Hes not saying anything nice abd trump​@bradjones5107

[@tsechejak7598]

Be safe Ed

[@jamiecarleton6811]

He's the best

[@fritzschneider25]

cartel is the mexico gov narco stare

[@RaulitosWay1969]

My man says, "the perception." Ask the ppl getting caught. No more catch and release.

[@jesusCastro-wh1vr]

Why don’t you do an interview with GAFE 423 He knows what’s going on inside SEDENA.

[@shimacoody4089]

Good show 🙏🇺🇸😢

[@Cyanide999]

Ed is so full of shit it insane that no one does their homework on him. Do some digging and find out.

[@DeborahFlorian-gy6lw]

Thanks Vince. A very interesting episode!

[@themediacontrolyouropinon]

What about stopping the use of stupid drugs in the USA? 🤡 Would that solve/minimize the problem?😅 And you don't have to risk innocent lives.😉

[@VeronicaPalmisano-q3o]

I agree; solution to tgese serious will require ffective cooperation between USA and Mexico but how can if either or both governments have representatives of both countries on the payroll and how to disentanle? Work out a mutually desireable and worthwhile solution?

[@Hurcules98]

Cartels ain’t shit.!!

[@Ministeriosreinoyeshua]

The only one that can fix this is Jesus!

[@RANDOLPH-v5o]

The only way they can convert the whole thing over is to have everyone be unanimous towards their leader.

[@space_btwn_notes]

Great interview - as an american expat with mexican residency this is the guy I wanted to hear, and the questions I wanted to have asked

[@sandyd8208]

They can run, but they can't hide forever!

[@R1j0hn]

Horse & pigeon sales about to explode so the Cartel can send private messages... 😆

[@Obalexgarcia]

I forgot about the Canada option, that is easy for Mexican folks. Fly to Canada walk in via northern option.

[@SEKreiver]

Do you think that's clever? The US will burn down the Canadian economy OR the Canucks will do their job. Bring lots of ponchos!

[@roy1583]

😂, yeah 15k

[@Whyme103]

I believe President Trump knows. He is not ignorant, he’s a step ahead.

[@davidfox2922]

It's not complex, it's simple

[@RR-bt5xv]

15k wow i have to raise my price

[@jasonbelty1389]

The dark side of cartel power? 😂 What's the light side?

[@topcolas7075]

I hope cartel don’t kill this guy

[@paul2081ok]

The Cartel families are Busereros y Hotas: Come’ cqca bueno😂🎉

[@ranchosunidos89]

CBP personnel needs to be investigated they let the cartel pass they know what cars not to look at come on everybody with intelligence knows it’s our own guys

[@saulgood6909]

This is all the same stuff we have all heard a thousand times. Tunnels are what needs to be stopped.

[@kennethmeeker6369]

What about hezzbolah training in Mexico , Or is that misinformation ?

[@javidallas4113]

So basically from what I heard from the Great Calderon is we are F up no matter what 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@mickeygarcia2331_]

Basically that’s the president who started it all

[@marcspence1905]

Yeap, its all talk and a dog and pony show. They allowed this to go on far too long to give af about it now.

[@zac3392]

Luckily Callen has been interviewed, so all border mysteries are now solved. His vast knowledge from seeing the Civil War first hand is incredible

[@jmathews470]

Brian or Bryan?😂

[@Obalexgarcia]

They don’t want to go like Garcia Luna.

[@Isaiditandimsorryyourupset]

The US should take over the drug trade legalize industrialize manufacture transport distribute regulate tax & rehab

[@DavidVargas-qu8mf]

For sure you two are very well prepared to speak on this matter and you guys also have tons of experience that I could not even speak of. However you guys obviously are playing the political narratives here in favor of trump praising him and talking about corruption in Mexico but can you guys be honest and talk about the American drug addicts and drug abusers that keep this problem going with their financial support? We could actually say that Americans fund the cartels buying so much damn drugs. And how about our American politicians who allow for illegal entrance into our country back and forth for monetary gain and the two of you here are part of the social media rhetoric propaganda program whether you know it or not because you guys are promoting apple pie yet you don't talk about how Americans like meth and Fentanyl on their apple pie

[@gilbertbarraganjr941]

I'm hearing don't lock the door cause they can just kick it in. I'm hearing why try, they're too powerful, it's sad actually

[@NA-nc5dg]

This guest has no idea wtf he is talking about

[@franciscoesquivel5435]

And ice is in the cities cleaning house

[@garystevenson6582]

I can’t help get the feeling there is a part deep inside Ed that wants the cartel to put up a good fight.

[@khianemeksomphone8668]

I agree and I would say he wants them to prevail.

[@Deadlyaztec27]

Not at all. He spent years fighting them, snd he had friends and coworkers get Merc'd by them. He's just acknowledging the war would be asymmetrical and extremely difficult. Think about it. There's gonna be no fallujah's. There's gonna be no pitched battles. The cartels will continue to operate even in the case of an American occupation. You'd change where the border is, but fent will continue into yje country because the demand is that high

[@overk1llz]

You wouldnt belive how many people wants the cartel to win, thats how much they hate the US.

[@richardgonzalez6583]

Those are assumptions he has never said that

[@roy1583]

Cartels don’t stand a chance, Mexico would destroy them if they wanted to and weren’t corrupt

[@alfredomartinez7992]

Well you people stop buying your morning coffee