1. a) When did Mexican drug cartels start operating in the U.S.?
b) What do experts believe to be the purpose of the cartels' recent bold move to send their own operatives into the U.S.?

2. How does Chicago DEA head Jack Riley characterize the threat from Mexican drug cartels?

3. a) If the U.S. government does not become proactive in addressing the Mexican drug cartel invasion into the U.S., what will probably happen, according to authorities?
b) What happened in Mexico after the government failed to deal with the cartels there?

4. Why is Joaquin Guzman considered even more dangerous in Chicago than the city's Public Enemy No. 1 Al Capone?

5. List the cities/states not near the Mexican border in which Mexican cartels have emerged.

6. For what reasons have the Mexican cartels cut out the American middlemen? Be specific.

7. How are local/federal authorities addressing the Mexican cartel invasion in Chicago?

8. a) How seriously do you think U.S. federal and local authorities should take the threat of Mexican cartels operating in the U.S.? Explain your answer. Be specific.
b) Ask a parent the same question.