Murdered Marine vet’s dad reacts to Bessent shout-out in cartel sanctions video

The father of a 31-year-old Marine veteran from Arizona, who was tragically murdered at an illegal checkpoint while driving to the beach in Mexico in 2024, expressed his surprise and gratitude after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent referenced his son’s name when announcing new sanctions against the Sinaloa cartel this week. Doug Quets, a U.S. military veteran himself, was taken aback by the mention of his son, Nicholas Quets, during the announcement, along with another American, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.

In a video statement released on what would have been Nicholas Quets’ 32nd birthday, Secretary Bessent announced Treasury Department sanctions against individuals and entities allegedly involved in a money-laundering network supporting the Sinaloa cartel. Doug Quets expressed his gratitude for the recognition and support from the U.S. government, stating that he had faith in President Trump and the various levels of government working to combat these criminal organizations.

Nicholas Quets, a beloved Marine veteran who enjoyed being on the water, was senselessly murdered in Sonora, Mexico, while on a trip to Rocky Point. Despite initial responses from officials claiming nothing could be done, Doug Quets maintained that confronting bullies and criminals is necessary to bring about justice. He commended the Trump administration for taking strong action against the cartels and praised the support received from the National Security Council, Justice Department, and the FBI.

Recent developments, including the extradition of alleged cartel members to the United States for prosecution, have provided a glimmer of hope for the Quets family. Doug Quets lauded these efforts as a step in the right direction towards holding those responsible for his son’s death accountable. He emphasized the importance of confronting evil and expressed his gratitude for the support received from President Trump and other officials during this difficult time.

Nicholas Quets’ tragic death at the hands of cartel members served as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by criminal organizations operating along the border. Despite the pain and loss experienced by the Quets family, they remain committed to seeking justice and ensuring that other families are protected from similar tragedies. The ongoing investigation into Nicholas Quets’ case and the extradition of cartel members signal a growing momentum in the fight against organized crime.

As the Quets family continues to navigate their grief and seek justice for Nicholas, they draw strength from the support and actions taken by the U.S. government. The memory of Nicholas Quets, a dedicated Marine veteran and beloved son, remains alive in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy serves as a reminder of the need to confront evil and stand up against criminal organizations that seek to harm innocent lives.