LOS ANGELES, California — Mexican organized crime groups, most notably the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel, are stealing thousands of luxury vehicles from U.S. rental agencies every year to facilitate criminal activities in Mexico, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times.

California has emerged as the primary target for these thefts, though law enforcement also reports significant incidents in Texas, Arizona, New York, Chicago, and Miami.

The Cartels’ Preferred Models

Sgt. Juvey Mejia of the Los Angeles Police Department noted that cartels specifically target large pickup trucks and off-road vehicles. Preferred models include the Ram and Ford Raptor, as well as the Chevrolet Suburban and luxury SUVs like the BMW and Cadillac Escalade. Many of these vehicles are later modified with armor plating and weapon mounts, making them ideal for navigating difficult terrain and evading Border Patrol during the smuggling of narcotics.

Exploiting Systemic Delays

Vehicle recovery companies highlight that criminal groups exploit delays in reporting thefts and the limitations of GPS tracking systems. Thieves often hold stolen vehicles until the rental period expires before contacting the lessee, a tactic that allows them to move the vehicles across the border before authorities receive a formal report.

The California Highway Patrol recovers approximately 850 stolen vehicles in the state annually since 2023. However, industry experts estimate that thousands of rental cars are successfully smuggled across the border. Once in Mexico, the cartels re-register these vehicles with national plates to mask their origin, using them either to exchange for drugs or to facilitate other criminal operations.

Notable Recent Seizures

Recent investigations have linked the CJNG to the theft of 10 new Ram trucks from airports in Oakland, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, which were later discovered in Jalisco. Other reports include the theft of six Jeep Wranglers in Oakland and Las Vegas, four of which were successfully recovered.

In a separate operation, Colorado authorities charged 17 individuals linked to the Sinaloa Cartel in 2024 for stealing 190 Ford trucks and Suburban vehicles near the Denver airport. The stolen fleet was valued at nearly $10 million.