# Iran and Chinese Migrants Using VIP Cartel Smuggling Routes — Security Risks in the U.S.

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/borderland-dispatches-with-katarina-szulc-7338689/iran-and-chinese-migrants-using-vip-cartel-smuggling-routes-security-risks-in-the-u-s
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/borderland-dispatches-with-katarina-szulc-7338689/iran-and-chinese-migrants-using-vip-cartel-smuggling-routes-security-risks-in-the-u-s.md
Podcast: [Borderland: Dispatches with Katarina Szulc](https://stenobird.com/podcast/borderland-dispatches-with-katarina-szulc-7338689)
Published: 2026-03-12T21:44:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/IRD3153386149.mp3?updated=1775163246
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/IRD3153386149.mp3?updated=1775163246
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/borderland-dispatches-with-katarina-szulc-7338689/episodes/iran-and-chinese-migrants-using-vip-cartel-smuggling-routes-security-risks-in-the-u-s
Duration seconds: 1474

## Resource

On this episode, Katarina sits down with independent journalist Jorge Ventura to discuss his exclusive reporting on cartel smuggling networks along the California border. He explains how migrants from the Middle East and China are being smuggled through Mexico via high-cost “VIP” routes, often coordinated through hotels, mosques, and encrypted communications. He also details emerging national security concerns, including individuals classified as special interest aliens and potential sleeper cells in the United States. Borderland Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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## Transcript

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