U.S. targets cash transactions in California and Texas

The U.S. Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has issued a new order targeting cash transactions in 30 ZIP codes in California and Texas. This order requires money services businesses to report transactions of $200 or more, lowering the previous threshold of $10,000. The order is part of efforts to combat Mexican cartels and their financial activities. It applies only to specific businesses, excluding banks, and is set to last for 179 days after a 30-day implementation period. Critics have raised concerns about increased financial surveillance on Americans, while supporters argue it is necessary to disrupt cartel operations. The order affects areas with significant cartel activity, impacting over a million residents.