The publication

Mexico Cartel Map 2026: Cartel Territory by State, Leaders and Profiles

Map of Mexico showing the strongest reported cartel in each state as of 2026, with contested states striped — Mexico’s cartels: who is reported where (2026). Free to share with a link to thenarcoblog.com/cartels. Tap the interactive map below for the sources behind every state.

Interactive map: reported presence by Mexican state

Show cartel: Show destinations and border crossings (pins colored by U.S. advisory level: ● 2 ● 3 ● 4)

Reported presence as stated by each source, with its date. Territory is contested and changes fast. States with no sourced report are left blank; that doesn't mean no cartel activity. Boundaries: Natural Earth.

Cartel profiles

Profiles of the criminal groups behind the stories we cover: who leads them, where they are reported to operate in Mexico, and how the U.S. has sanctioned and charged them. Each fact links to its source. Territory and leadership change fast, and we update these pages as new information comes in.

Sinaloa Cartel
Los Chapitos
Los Mayos (La Mayiza)
Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
Gulf Cartel
Cártel del Noreste (CDN)
La Nueva Familia Michoacana
Cárteles Unidos
Juárez Cartel / La Línea
Beltrán Leyva Organization
Tijuana Cartel (Arellano Félix)
Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel
Guerreros Unidos
Los Ardillos
Tren de Aragua
MS-13

Last reviewed: September 30, 2026. Territory, leadership and advisories change; tell us about errors via our corrections page.