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Borderland: Dispatches with Katarina Szulc
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Cartel violence. Kidnappings. Disappearances. The headlines don’t tell the full story.
Borderland: Dispatches, an IRONCLAD Original, delivers raw, on-the-ground updates from Mexico’s cartel war. Hosted by investigative journalist Katarina Szulc, the series offers real-time snapshots of a conflict reshaping the future of both Mexico and the U.S.
With rare access to traffickers, law enforcement, and civilians caught in the crossfire, these fast-moving episodes expose the brutal truth behind the drug war.
New dispatches drop every Thursday.
65 Episodes
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On today's episode, Katarina breaks down the US crackdown on Mexico's narco-politicians, including the indictment of Sinaloa's governor and the mayor of Culiacán, and what it means for President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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Producer's note: This is a preview of next week's full episode of Borderland: Dispatches. For the full visual experience, watch on Spotify Video or on the IRONCLAD YouTube channel: youtube.com/@thisisironclad
In this episode of Borderland Dispatches, Katarina Szulc gains rare access to a Ukrainian POW camp at an undisclosed location near Lviv. With permission from Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, she walks the carpentry workshop, the canteen, and the library, and speaks directly with the men captured fighting alongside Russia, including foreign mercenaries from across the globe and a forcibly mobilized Ukrainian who has been held for over two years.
Borderland Dispatches is an iRONCLAD Original
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Producer's note: This is a preview of next week's full episode of Borderland: Dispatches. For the full visual experience, watch on Spotify Video or on the IRONCLAD YouTube channel: youtube.com/@thisisironclad
In an exclusive Borderland: Dispatches investigation, Katarina Szulc gains rare access to a Ukrainian POW camp near Lviv, a facility so sensitive its location is hidden from the public. Inside, she meets the men captured fighting alongside Russia: foreign mercenaries lured by false promises of citizenship, forcibly mobilized Ukrainians, and Russian soldiers who surrendered on the front lines. It's an unprecedented look inside one of the most guarded corners of the war.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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On today's episode, Katarina breaks down a reported CIA-linked operation in Chihuahua, Mexico, that ended in a deadly crash during a major meth lab bust, and the conflicting accounts coming out of Mexican state and federal authorities.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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On today's episode, Katarina breaks down the political figures accused of helping Mexico’s most powerful cartels thrive.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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Following the fall of El Mencho, CJNG’s transition of power has been far more seamless than many expected. In this episode, Katarina breaks down the rise of El 03, a U.S.-born successor with deep ties to the Valencia narco dynasty, and what his emergence reveals about cartel succession, family power networks, and the long-term effectiveness of the kingpin strategy.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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From Rafael Caro Quintero to El Mayo-linked leadership, several cartel figures are now facing proceedings in U.S. federal court. Katarina examines the recent wave of transfers from Mexico to the U.S., what it means for ongoing prosecutions, and how these cases may shape the next phase of the fight against cartel leadership and trafficking networks.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
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GHOSTBED:
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Producer’s note: This episode is best experienced visually. To see the full context of Katarina’s reporting, including locations, narco messages, and on-the-ground scenes, head over to our YouTube channel for the full video.
On today’s episode, Katarina Szulc is on the ground in Jalisco, Mexico, revealing the aftermath of CJNG cartel activity. From narco messages to retaliation and the impact on local communities, she shows what life looks like when violence leaves its mark.
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.
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Katarina is on the ground in Mexico, inside the compound of El Mencho just days after the reported raid that killed him.
But something doesn’t add up.
As she walks the scene, the physical evidence doesn’t match the official story, raising serious questions about what actually happened during the operation.
This is a raw, firsthand look at the aftermath and the inconsistencies that could change the narrative.
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/
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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:
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On today’s episode, Katarina just returned from Jalisco, where she visited the cabin compound where CJNG leader El Mencho was reportedly killed. She shares what she saw on the ground and previews her upcoming full report.
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:
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On today's episode, Katarina reports from Montana’s northern border near the Blackfeet Nation, where vast stretches of open land are being exploited for drug and human trafficking.
She’s joined by former game warden John Nores, who spent decades confronting cartel operations on public and tribal lands.
Katarina also shares the story of Marla Ollinger, a grandmother who tragically lost both of her children to fentanyl and now raises her grandchildren while navigating the dangers and fallout of the ongoing crisis in rural and tribal communities.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction: The Fentanyl Crisis in Montana
(01:25) A Mother's Heartbreak: Marla's Story of Loss
(07:07) Breaking the Cycle: Raising the Grandkids
(09:17) The Vulnerable Northern Border
(14:02) Smuggling Routes and Environmental Destruction
(16:11) The Law Enforcement Challenge: Complex Jurisdictions
(18:56) Anonymous Interview with a Tribal Police Officer
Sponsors:
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Norwood Sawmills:
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On next week's episode, Katarina reports from the northern border in Montana near the Blackfeet Nation, where vast stretches of open land along the U.S.–Canada border are being used for drug and human trafficking.
To watch the trailer, visit: https://youtu.be/lHDu8HXXD8k
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the killing of several kidnapped workers connected to Canadian mining company Vizsla Silver Corp. in Sinaloa.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
Sponsors:
GhostBed:
Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/DISPATCHES and use code DISPATCHES for an extra 15% off sitewide.
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While on route to her next assignment, Katarina takes a break from the frontlines to answer the questions you’ve been asking. From the latest on Ryan Wedding’s arrest to the realities of reporting on Mexican cartels, international crime, and organized crime networks, Katarina gives unfiltered insights from her years of on-the-ground journalism. She also opens up about the risks, challenges, and surprising moments behind the stories she covers, and what drives her to keep going back into the heart of the narco world.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
Sponsors:
GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/DISPATCHES and use code DISPATCHES for an extra 15% off sitewide.
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While on route to her next assignment, Katarina takes a break from the frontlines to answer the questions you’ve been asking. From the latest on Ryan Wedding’s arrest to the realities of reporting on Mexican cartels, international crime, and organized crime networks, Katarina gives unfiltered insights from her years of on-the-ground journalism. She also opens up about the risks, challenges, and surprising moments behind the stories she covers, and what drives her to keep going back into the heart of the narco world.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters:
(00:00)- Unpacking Ryan Wedding's Surrender and Apprehension Details
(05:35)- Navigating Journalism's Dangers and Expanding Global Coverage
(11:29) - Finding Satisfaction, Speaking Spanish, and Exposing Political Corruption
(18:14)- The Scariest Moment: Protecting Sources from Law Enforcement
(21:18)- Pursuing Dream Interviews While Prioritizing Personal Safety
(23:43)- Exposing Ryan Wedding's Fake AI-Generated Instagram Account
(26:58)- Admiration of Anthony Bourdain
(29:02)- Fentanyl Crisis, Middle East Reporting
Sponsors:
GHOSTBED:
Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/DISPATCHES and use code DISPATCHES for an extra 15% off sitewide.
Norwood Sawmills:
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https://norwoodsawmills.com/
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On today’s episode of Borderland Dispatches, Katarina breaks down the surrender of Ryan Wedding, his transfer to U.S. custody, and the key players involved, including Kash Patel, Omar Harfuch, and Mexican authorities. Guests Stefano Ritondale from @All_Source_News
and Jeff Nadu (@JeffNadu) provide context on Wedding’s role in the drug trade, the political and media dynamics surrounding his capture, and what his surrender means for organized crime enforcement.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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GHOSTBED:
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1Producer’s note: This episode features on-the-ground reporting and is best experienced on video via Spotify or YouTube (@thisisironclad)
On today’s episode, Katarina reports from the Colombia–Venezuela border, investigating organized crime, drug routes, and fuel smuggling along one of the world’s most dangerous borders.Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD OriginalSponsors:GHOSTBED:Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/DISPATCHES and use code DISPATCHES for an extra 15% off sitewide.Norwood Sawmills:Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber athttps://norwoodsawmills.com/
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On today’s episode, Katarina reports from the Colombia–Venezuela border in the days following Nicolás Maduro’s capture. Joined by journalist Ioan Grillo, she documents conditions on the ground, the presence of international press, and the restrictions facing journalists attempting to cross.
Watch the full report on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FavpHWbbn8
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
Sponsors:
GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/DISPATCHES and use code DISPATCHES 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/
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On today's episode, Katarina speaks with Ringmast4r, an American-Venezuelan ethical hacker, about the country’s digital infrastructure and citizen tracking systems, including technology developed with Chinese assistance. They discuss life in Venezuela following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro, how the government continues to monitor and control citizens, and the heightened paranoia and challenges faced by the population.
Borderland Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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