Honoring DEA agent Kiki Camarena’s fight to combat the illegal drug trade
Red Ribbon Week is a time to reflect on the consequences of drug use, honor the lives lost to the illegal drug trade, and renew our commitment to keeping Americans safe. Started in 1985 to honor the memory of dedicated DEA Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena—who was brutally kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by the Guadalajara Cartel—this Red Ribbon Week marks a new beginning for Kiki’s family. It’s the first time in 40 years since his death that they’ve found a path toward justice.
Kiki’s death sparked a national outcry. His story is a reminder of the immense toll that the drug trade has on individuals, families, and entire communities. But, even today, the fight against cartel violence continues—one that is deeply tied to the drugs flooding across the U.S.-Mexico border.
At Drug Free America Foundation, we know all too well the pain that trafficked drugs can do to our communities. That’s why our work to promote prevention and support recovery strategies is more important than ever. In 2024 alone, U.S. law enforcement seized over 31,000 pounds of fentanyl along the southwest border. And last year, more than 50,000 Americans died from drug overdoses from synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
For decades, drug cartels have operated with impunity, trafficking in dangerous substances like fentanyl, which is now devastating American communities at an alarming rate. These criminal organizations profit from pain and destruction, using violence, corruption, and terror to maintain control.
The cartels responsible for Kiki’s murder continue to wreak havoc, and while some progress has been made, more must be done to hold them accountable. In response to the growing crisis, in February 2025 President Trump made a historic move by designating Mexican drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.. This designation allows for increased pressure and legal tools to dismantle cartel networks and cut off their funding.
In 2022, after years of evading justice, one of Kiki’s killers, Rafael Caro Quintero, was captured. And thanks to President Trump’s terrorist designation, he was expelled to the U.S. earlier this year to finally stand trial for his heinous crimes.
As we observe Red Ribbon Week, we honor Kiki’s legacy and remember the thousands of others whose lives have been lost or destroyed by the illegal drug trade. Kiki’s story is just one of many—and many more families are still waiting to see justice served. This week, we remind ourselves of the importance of preventing drug use. Our commitment to building healthier, safer communities and influencing sound drug policies worldwide is inspired by Kiki’s fight for justice.
This week, millions of kids in schools across America will celebrate Red Ribbon week and take a pledge to be drug free. While they are innocent to the full history of Kiki, they learn that he fought for their right to grow up free from the dangers of drugs.
By continuing to fight against the cartels and supporting policies that target their operations, we can make our country safer and ensure that Kiki’s sacrifice was not in vain.
