Michael Vigil – The Cipher Brief

Michael Vigil
Former Chief of International Operations, DEA

Mike Vigil is the former Chief of International Operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration. He is one of the most highly decorated agents within the agency and was responsible for numerous multi-national operations, the largest involved 36 countries. He was also responsible for developing global intelligence sharing platforms. He is the author of DEAL and Metal Coffins: The Blood Alliance Cartel and Narco Queen. He is also the author of The Land of Enchantment Cartel. Vigil was made an honorary General by the government of Afghanistan and given the key to the city of Shanghai by China. He was also given an Admiral’s sword by the former president of the Dominican Republic, Hipolito Mejia.

More From Michael Vigil

The Real Impact of COVID on Mexico's Drug Cartels

May 13, 2020May 12, 2020

This expert-driven national-security insight can’t be generated for free. We invite you to support quality content by becoming a Cipher Brief Level I Member . Joining this experienced...

Mexico's Internal War: 5 Questions for Michael Vigil

November 25, 2019November 24, 2019

This unique national-security focused expert insight can’t be generated for free. We invite you to support this kind of quality content by becoming a Cipher Brief Level I Member . ...

Targeting One of America’s Deadliest Foes: Opioids

April 4, 2018April 3, 2018

Americans are facing one of their deadliest foes in recent history: not ISIS, but opioids, painkillers that are highly addictive and killing thousands of Americans annually. Drug overdoses took the...

Domestic Terrorism: The Threat in Our Backyard

March 22, 2018March 22, 2018

The number one “terrorist” threat faced by Americans comes from within, with all of the lethal attacks in the U.S. since 9/11 carried out by a U.S. citizens or legal residents. But the U.S. still...

Trump's Deport Push Boosts MS-13

January 31, 2018February 7, 2018

President Donald Trump invoked the deadly deeds of the violent street gang MS-13 in his State of the Union address, and again this week when addressing law enforcement officials at the White House....

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Rob Lively

Rob Lively retired after 28 years of military service, as the Command Sergeants Major of a Special Missions Unit within The United States Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. As an experienced and proven leader, Rob has operated and led teams and organizations in the most demanding, diverse, and challenging environments. Rob was able to lead and influence from the tactical ...