The family of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a DEA agent killed in 1985, has filed a lawsuit against the Sinaloa Cartel and its leaders. This legal action was made possible after President Donald Trump designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization in January.
Camarena’s widow, children, and siblings filed the lawsuit in a California federal court. They are seeking justice for his kidnapping, torture, and murder by holding three cartel leaders—Rafael Caro Quintero, Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo, and Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo—along with the Sinaloa Cartel accountable.
Seeking Justice After 40 Years
“It has been 40 years since these criminals took my husband’s life,” said Geneva “Mika” Camarena, Kiki’s widow. “He dedicated his life to stopping the flow of drugs, crime, and violence into the U.S. We are grateful that President Trump’s decision allows us to seek justice.”
By using the federal Anti-Terrorism Act, the Camarena family is suing for wrongful death, emotional distress, assault, and battery. If they win, the court could seize cartel assets and award them to the family.
Camarena’s Death and Legal Actions
Camarena was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in Mexico in 1985 while investigating drug trafficking. Quintero, a co-founder of the Guadalajara Cartel (which later became the Sinaloa Cartel), was the mastermind behind his killing.
Quintero was convicted in Mexico but later released. However, he was extradited to the U.S. last month and now faces murder conspiracy and drug trafficking charges, which could result in the death penalty.
Carrillo and Gallardo, who were also involved in the crime, are serving house arrest sentences in Mexico.
A New Chapter in the Fight for Justice
Michael Elsner, the Camarena family’s lawyer, said that while Quintero’s extradition marks progress, the fight for justice is not over. “The family has waited decades for this moment. Now, we take the battle to court.”
Myrna Camarena, Kiki’s sister, also expressed gratitude for Trump’s decision. “Kiki sacrificed his life to protect the U.S. from drugs and violence. We have suffered for years, but this lawsuit gives us hope.”
Before she passed away, the Camarena family’s mother wished to see justice served. “This fight is not just for Kiki,” Myrna said. “It’s for every family destroyed by these violent cartels. We will not stop until justice is done.”
Expanding the Fight Against Cartels
Mika Camarena urged the U.S. government to designate more cartels as terrorist organizations. She believes this would help other families seek justice and hold criminals accountable.
“The Sinaloa Cartel is just one of many,” she said. “The Juárez Cartel and La Línea should also be labeled as terrorist groups, so more victims can fight back.”
This lawsuit marks a significant step in the Camarena family’s long fight for justice, bringing new hope for victims of cartel violence.
