Mexican cartels are organized crime groups primarily involved in drug trafficking, but they also engage in other illegal activities such as human trafficking and extortion. These cartels operate across Mexico and have significant influence in the United States and other countries. They are known for their violent tactics and rivalry with other cartels, which often leads to conflicts and instability in certain regions. The most notorious cartels include the Sinaloa Cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and the Gulf Cartel. These groups have complex hierarchies and often use corruption to maintain power. Efforts by the Mexican government and international agencies to combat these cartels have faced challenges due to their extensive networks and resources.