A Texas family, the Jensens, has been indicted for allegedly receiving nearly 3,000 shipments of oil connected to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). The family operates Arroyo Terminals in Rio Hondo, Texas, which is accused of serving as a distribution point for smuggled crude oil. Federal prosecutors claim that the Jensens knowingly took in oil shipped using fraudulent documentation, labeling it as “waste of lube oils.” This activity is part of a significant issue of oil smuggling, which is a major funding source for Mexican drug cartels.
James Jensen, along with his wife Kelly and their sons, face serious charges, including money laundering and aiding smuggling efforts under false pretenses. If convicted, they could face extensive prison sentences—up to 20 years for money laundering alone. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasizes a broader strategy targeting not just cartels directly but also their “enablers.”
The case highlights a deep-seated issue where American businesses inadvertently or knowingly facilitate the smuggling operations. Experts indicate that America plays a crucial role in this illicit trade, with small-time operators benefiting financially from the cartel’s activities.
Research suggests that smuggling operations are complex and entrenched, involving multiple players, from engineers to military officials. The scrutiny on American participants in oil smuggling has been seen as a necessary step to combat the problem; yet, observers caution that focusing solely on the cartels ignores the multifaceted nature of the issue, which has historical roots in Mexico’s oil sector and systemic corruption.
Overall, the indictment of the Jensens reflects an intensified effort by U.S. officials to confront the intricate connections between American businesses and drug-related crime in Mexico.
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