US-Mexico Border: Cartel Violence, Threats, Arrests
Things are heating up on both sides of the US Southern Border
A significant drug bust in California, some worrisome cartel activity just across the Rio Grande from Texas, and the arrests of Cartel and Gang Members are making news along the U.S. southern Border with Mexico.
US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Officers in San Ysidro, California recently discovered that a so-called "Trusted Traveler" wasn't so trustworthy. A driver arriving from Mexico who was enrolled in CBP's "SENTRI" program was found to be smuggling a large amount of drugs into the country from Tijuana.
CBP Officers found 77 packages hidden within the rear seats and trunk area of their vehicle containing 40 pounds of white fentanyl powder and 62 pounds of methamphetamine.
Violent cartel activity continues South of the shared border between Mexico and Texas. In Reynosa (which is just across the Rio Grande from McAllen) the notorious "Scorpion Group" of the Gulf Cartel (CDG) posted a "narco banner" claiming responsibility for the murders of three people at a gas station between that city and Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas (14 miles to the Southeast).
While just across the border from Laredo the Northeast Cartel's (CDN) control over its stronghold based in Nuevo Laredo is being challenged on social media by men brandishing weaponry claiming to be members of another faction of the Gulf Cartel (CDG).
One armed CDG member posed in front of a sign marking the CDN's territory. Such taunts are often a prelude to armed conflicts between rival cartels.
In Laredo, the US Border Patrol (USBP) announced the recent arrest of a CDN Cartel member:
"(The CDN - Northeast Cartel) is "a violent transnational criminal organization known for ruthless tactics, trafficking, and terrorizing communities on both sides of the border. Apprehending individuals like him is critical to keeping our communities safe." -US Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens (Nov. 4, 2024)
The Border Patrol also announced the recent arrest of a Mexican gang member in El Paso:
“(Border Patrol Agents) arrested Mexican national Misael Flores-Popoca who freely admitted to being a Paisa gang member, consistent with his tattoos attributed to the gang. Flores has extensive criminal history and will be processed for illegal re-entry. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens (Nov 24, 2024)
