Borderland Beat

The Attorney General's Office Will Request the U.S. to Deport a Former Soldier Detained by ICE

2026-06-06T10:13:15.496-06:00

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat

Details on the Disappearance of the Ayotzinapa students

The Attorney General's Office (FGR) announced that it will request the deportation from the United States of former soldier Enrique Martínez Chávez, who is allegedly involved in the disappearance of the 43 Ayotzinapa student-teachers.

The agency reported that U.S. authorities notified it of Martínez Chávez's arrest in Hawthorne, California, after he failed to prove his legal status in the United States.

FGR actions regarding the U.S. arrest

Consequently, the FGR announced that it would initiate the necessary steps for the immigration proceedings and Martínez Chávez's return to Mexico; he is currently being held at the processing center located on Rancho Road in Adelanto, California. The FGR stated that it is continuing its investigation to determine Enrique Martínez's alleged involvement in the disappearance of the 43 students from the "Raúl Isidro Burgos" Rural Teachers' College in Ayotzinapa, Guerrero, which took place in September 2014.

Details regarding the disappearance of the Ayotzinapa students

It noted that the former member of the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) is subject to an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his alleged involvement in the crime of enforced disappearance, a warrant issued by a judge in the State of Mexico.

Sources: El Mañana, Borderland Beat Archive

Seventh Suspect Linked to Disappearance of Ceci Flores' Son Formally Charged

2026-06-04T15:48:59.713-06:00

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat

With the capture, formal charging, and indictment of Luis Alfonso N, the FGJES affirmed that it has successfully executed seven of the eight arrest warrants obtained in connection with this criminal case.

The General Prosecutor's Office of the State of Sonora (FGJES) has secured the formal charging and indictment of Luis Alfonso N—the seventh suspect arrested in connection with the investigation into the disappearance of Marco Antonio N, the son of Ceci Patricia Flores, a "searching mother"—regarding events that took place on May 4, 2019, in Bahía de Kino.

The state agency reported that the defendant was brought before judicial authorities, where formal charges were presented and he was formally indicted for two counts of disappearance committed by private individuals—one of which resulted in death—as well as for criminal association, charged as a real concurrence of offenses.

He noted that the defendant was apprehended during a joint operation carried out by the Ministerial Criminal Investigation Agency (AMIC) and the Baja California State Attorney General’s Office (FGEBC) on June 1 in the El Chaparral neighborhood of Tijuana, Baja California.

Marco Antonio N remained missing from May 2019 until his remains were identified in 2026.

The arrest was the result of investigative efforts, operational surveillance, and inter-institutional coordination, which successfully led to locating the defendant within the Tijuana River canalization zone in order to execute the judicial warrant issued against him.

The Sonora Attorney General's Office highlighted that the charges brought against Luis Alfonso N—and his subsequent formal indictment—stem from investigations that enabled the identification of the probable perpetrators behind the abduction of Jesús Adrián N (who was subsequently found alive), as well as that of Marco Antonio N—the son of Ceci Patricia Flores—who had remained missing from May 2019 until March 25 of this year.

The Office further noted that on March 25 of the current year (2026), a search warrant was executed during which skeletal remains were discovered; these remains were subsequently identified through genetic and forensic testing as belonging to Marco Antonio N—a development representing a significant breakthrough in the case.

The case concerns the disappearance of Marco Antonio N, the son of Ceci Patricia Flores, a mother searching for her missing child.

It was highlighted that these actions strengthened the lines of investigation and enabled the consolidation of legal proceedings against the probable perpetrators.

With the capture, formal charging, and arraignment of Luis Alfonso N, the FGJES affirmed that it has successfully executed seven of the eight arrest warrants obtained in connection with this criminal case.

In conclusion, the Sonora Attorney General's Office added that the investigations established the probable involvement of members of a criminal cell linked to these events, who are currently facing criminal proceedings for disappearance committed by private individuals and criminal association.

Sources: El Sol de Hermosillo, Borderland Beat Archives

FGR Seizes Over 650 Kilograms of Narcotics in Villa de Cos

2026-06-04T08:08:34.674-06:00

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat

In a press release, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) announced that Sergio “N” has been formally charged and bound over for trial for his alleged involvement in a crime against public health, specifically in the modality of narcotics transport.

The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF)—operating under the Specialized Regional Control Prosecutor’s Office (FECOR) in Zacatecas—presented the formal charges against the defendant. Consequently, the presiding judge ordered the precautionary measure of justified preventive detention and allotted a two-month period for the complementary investigation.

The inquiry was initiated following the transfer of custody of the suspect by the Mexican Government’s Security Cabinet—specifically by personnel from the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA). This action followed the suspect's apprehension on Federal Highway 54 (Zacatecas–Saltillo section), near the community of Sierra Vieja in Villa de Cos, Zacatecas, while he was traveling aboard a cargo vehicle.

At the time of the arrest, authorities seized 651 kilograms, 154 grams, and 8 milligrams of marijuana; 1 kilogram, 12 grams, and 30 milligrams of methamphetamine; a cellular phone; and the vehicle itself.

The press release emphasized that the individual mentioned in this statement is presumed innocent until such time as a final conviction is issued by a competent judicial authority.

Villa de Cos, Zacatecas

Source: NTR Zacatecas

Video: Gunmen Break into Home and Kidnap Journalist Roxana Guzmán in Veracruz

2026-06-04T07:17:10.506-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

A new video shows the moment when gunmen broke into the home of journalist Roxana Guzmán and kidnapped her, a local director of the news page Pulso Informativo del Sureste.

According to local reports, the armed men forced their way into Guzmán's residence during the early morning hours and took her away against her will. The incident was captured on security cameras, which recorded several individuals entering the property before leaving with the journalist.

The kidnapping has generated concern among press freedom organizations and fellow journalists, who have called on authorities to locate Guzmán. Mexico remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, with reporters frequently facing threats, intimidation, kidnappings, and violence linked to organized crime and corruption.

The State Attorney General's Office (FGE) reported that it has launched a search and investigation to locate the journalist. As of this writing, authorities have not released information regarding possible motives or identified any suspects involved in the abduction. The investigation remains ongoing.

Sources: Latinus, @lulu_reportera Twitter

Three Dead After Police Operation in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur

2026-06-02T16:58:01.858-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

Three hitmen were killed and another was arrested after a government operation in San José del Cabo, as local authorities sought to strike at the criminal organization responsible for a Saturday night shootout that left six injured and two dead, including an American citizen.

The shoutout occurred on Monday around 5:30 p.m. in Colonia Ballenas of San José del Cabo, a neighborhood just west of the airport. Based on intelligence work, authorities identified and approached a safe house, where they were met with gunfire from at least four gunmen. In the exchange of gunfire, three criminals were killed and a fourth was arrested. Authorities also seized 12 rifles, 23 magazines, ammunition, a Colt 40mm grenade launcher, 13 ballistic tactical vests and plate carriers, and three vehicles.

The raid was one of three operations carried out by authorities in San José del Cabo that day, an unusual security force mobilization prompted by a major shootout between security forces and criminals in Santa Anita, a neighborhood north of San José del Cabo two nights before. The shootout left two soldiers and five innocent bystanders wounded, with two others dying of their injuries. One of the killed civilians was an American citizen from California.

In another operation on the same day in the Oasis neighborhood of San José del Cabo, a man originally from Mexicali, Baja California was arrested, along with two rifles (an AR-15 and a .50 cal rifle), tactical equipment, a Chevy Suburban, and a pet tiger.

Later, in another property in San José del Cabo, authorities located 47 plate carrier vests, 62 ballistic plates, communication radios, a money counter, an AR-15, ammunition, cell phones, and drugs.

Sources: 624 Noticias, Vanguardia, Heraldo, Zeta Tijuana

El Gabito of Los Chapitos Arrested in Mazatlán, Sinaloa

2026-06-02T10:24:19.058-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

State security forces arrested Gabriel Nicolás Martínez Larios, alias "Gabito" or "El 80", a high ranking officer of the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel last night in Mazatlán.

The operation happened around 8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 1, in the Real del Valle residential complex in Mazatlán, by agents of the Sinaloa State Public Security Secretariat.

News media and several narco messages identify El Gabito as the alleged leader of Los Chapitos in the southern region of Sinaloa. He was allegedly behind the kidnapping and killing of ten employees of a silver mine in Concordia, Sinaloa in January 2026, a case which attracted widespread attention.

Last week, a narco banner signed by the El Gabito claimed that his faction rejected an offer to switch sides from their rivals, Los Mayos, as reported by Borderland Beat.

Sources: Luz Noticias, Borderland Beat, El Financiero, Global Guardian

CJNG Narco Tunnel Discovered in San Diego Storefront, Over 1 Ton of Cocaine Seized

2026-06-02T00:57:40.926-06:00

"Socalj" for Borderland Beat

A nearly 2,000-foot-long tunnel stretching from Tijuana to Otay Mesa was recently discovered by law enforcement officials, leading to federal drug distribution charges announced Monday against four people.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the tunnel led into a fake discount store in Otay Mesa called Buy 4 Less, which investigators have been surveilling since December due to suspicious activity.

Investigators regularly saw a group of supposed employees in and around the store, though the location "did not appear to be consistent with a normal retail location" and featured "minimal foot traffic from customers coming in and out of the Buy 4 Less store," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Authorities also surveilled numerous empty suitcases leaving the store and being walked across the nearby border crossing into Mexico on several occasions.

Charged in the case are Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez, 29, of San Diego; Jose Jimenez, 32, of San Diego; Antonio Cortez, 18, of Mexico; and Brandon Escalante Sandoval, 26, of Mexico.

Buy 4 Less Store

Investigators from HSI's Tunnel Task Force performed regular surveillance on the Buy 4 Less warehouse in Otay Mesa, California from December 2025 to May 2026 due to suspicious activity there.

Investigators observed minimal foot traffic from customers coming in and out of the Buy 4 Less store. Prior to the Buy 4 Less storefront, that location, just north of the Otay Mesa crossing, was an auto registration business.

In December 2025, a new group of around seven or eight “employees” were seen regularly, in and around Buy 4 Less. These individuals included defendant Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez of San Diego, whom agents observed at Buy 4 Less beginning in at least January 2026.

Hernandez and the others that regularly frequented the store engaged in unusual activity such as transporting large numbers of suitcases out of the store and into vehicles or walking the suitcases across the border into Mexico.

Based on how Hernandez and the others handled the suitcases, they appeared to be empty so law enforcement did not intervene at the time.

On May 29, 2026, while conducting surveillance on Buy 4 Less, agents observed a man loading three large, heavy items into a white van which left Buy 4 Less, driving about 18 miles north and ultimately parked on the street near a mechanic shop located at 923½ Coolidge Avenue National City, California.

National City Auto Shop

Brandon Escalante was seen riding his bicycle in the area while looking around and into parked cars.

Escalante then approached the van, took the key left in the gas cap area, and backed it into the small auto shop at 923½ Coolidge Avenue. Agents observed that the van was backed up to another white van with the rear doors from both vans open.

Agents watched people remove three deep freezers from the first van and place them onto the bed of a white stake bed truck, then load the deep freezers with packages.

After the packages were loaded into the deep freezers, the truck exited 923½ Coolidge Avenue and parked a short distance away. Escalante was seen exiting the truck, grabbing his bicycle from the truck bed, placing the keys underneath the truck on the passenger side, and departing the area. Agents then observed another male, later identified as Jose Jimenez, grab the vehicle keys and drive away in the truck.

San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies subsequently conducted a traffic stop of the truck, with lights flashing, and a K9 police dog alerted to the presence of controlled substances.

Shortly after the traffic stop of the truck, agents watching Buy 4 Less observed two men take heavy boxes out of Buy 4 Less and load them into a second truck. Hernandez entered the second truck and drove away. San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop of that second truck a short distance away from the Buy 4 Less, and a K9 police dog alerted to the presence of controlled substances.

Inside the three vehicles, agents found a combined 1,209 kilos of cocaine in more than 850 packages, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Kevin Murphy, special agent in charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit, highlighted that the seized drugs have an estimated value of more than $45 million, which he described as "a major blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel."

The Buy 4 Less store was then searched, revealing the tunnel's exit point, which was hidden beneath the floor of a storage room. Following the US operation last Friday, Mexico's FGR obtained a search warrant for the two-story house that the tunnel was located in Nueva Tijuana.

Tijuana Tunnel

The tunnel, which was accessed using a sophisticated hydraulic lift, is approximately 55 feet deep and extends approximately 1,064 feet from its exit point at Buy 4 Less to the U.S./Mexico International Border, where agents estimate it continues for another approximately 800 feet to its entry point.

The tunnel is equipped with electricity and ventilation and at some points is up to 4.5 feet tall.

The entrance to the tunnel was located in a property in Nueva Tijuana in Mexico. Mexican authorities seized methamphetamine, marijuana, ammunition, cell phones, and documents at the property.

Sources DOJ, Zeta Tijuana, NBC San Diego, Punto Norte

Narco Banner Threatens Baja California Police and Grupo Firme Vocalist Eduin Caz

2026-06-01T14:34:12.003-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

A new narco banner in Tijuana threatened state police officers, accusing them of stealing 180 kilograms of cocaine, and vocalist Eduin Caz, of the band Grupo Firme for creating music about criminal rivals.

The narco banner states:

This message is for some narcotraffickers from the fesc Gente de la Rana. And compadre of the flubers ALZAGA 03, you gave shelter to the thieves of the 180 kilos of coke from last year, so you are responsible. You reincorporated them, and you have your compadre Cristian Orozco as your escort because you’re a filthy rat just like him.We are going to execute you by firing squad in uniform. ALZAGA, Cristian Orozco, Osuna Marcelo, Jorge Gaynor, Susana Zavala, Alejandro Peralta — go fuck your mothers. Let’s see if your compadre flubers sticks his hands in for you, Cristian Orozco. And you, Eduin Caz, dedicate yourself to music and stop defending him. Boss of Orozco, or we’re going to execute you too.

Earlier Threats Against the Group

This is not the first time Grupo Firme, a popular musical group who play narco corridos, have been threatened by organized crime. Last year, Grupo Firme decided to cancel their March 1st performance at the Mazatlán Carnival after receiving death threats in a narco banner accompanied by a human head, reported Proceso. That message stated:

“Grupo Firme, if you play at the Mazatlán Carnival, we're going to kill you all. Remember, you live in Tijuana. Even the guy who sets up the lights. We're going to kill you all”

Sources: Proceso, ABC7, Josue Aguilar Twitter

Sinaloa State Police Commander Killed in Culiacán

2026-06-01T14:21:00.921-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

Juan Pedro Arámburo García, the commander of the Sinaloa State Preventive Police, was shot and killed yesterday morning in Culiacán, in an ambush while he was driving through the streets of the 10 de Mayo neighborhood.

According to witnesses, Garcia was driving in southern Culiacán in a white Nissan Versa when a vehicle blocked his path. Another vehicle with gunmen pulled up and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

The Sinaloa Cartel civil war has brought homicides to new heights in Culiacán and across the state. Last year, the number of murders nearly doubled, from 541 in 2024 to 908.

Sources: Riodoce

Shootout in Los Cabos: Five Civilians and Two Mexican Soldiers Injured, One American Killed

2026-05-31T15:51:33.162-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

Last night, a shootout between gunmen and the Mexican military in Santa Anita, Los Cabos, left two soldiers injured, five civilians wounded, and one U.S. citizen from California dead.

Locals reported gunfire as well as numerous trucks with armed men near the town of Santa Anita, just north of San José del Cabo, a popular vacation spot at the bottom tip of Baja California Sur state. State Security authorities reported that around 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, an army patrol heard gunshots and changed course to investigate. Upon arriving at the scene, they were attacked by the gunmen.

Video: Zeta Tijuana

Recordings posted online showed a confrontation by the Transpeninsular Highway, with civilian vehicles attempting to flee from the exchange of fire. Six civilians were injured by stray bullets, one, the American, fatally.

The following morning, authorities raided a cartel safe house in the Costa Dorada subdivision in San José del Cabo, where they seized rifles, two tactical vests, a radio, 15 ponchallantas, and two vehicles allegedly used by the attackers hours before. No arrests were made.

Baja California Sur has long been dominated by the Chapos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, but following the organization's violent rupture in September 2024, the Mayo’s faction has been violently disputing the state. The number of homicides in Baja California Sur doubled last year as these rival factions dispute the state, a crucial transit region for fentanyl trafficking. Shootouts like these are uncommon in Los Cabos, with most activity related to this turf war occurring farther north.

Government arrests of Sinaloa-born gunmen in the regions of La Paz, Mulege, Comondú, and Loreto are a near weekly occurrence, revealing that while the conflict has continued after news headlines have moved on. In early March, security forces arrested Francisco Javier Ibarra Romo, “El Burro”, a leader of the Chapitos’ armed wing “Los Burros” in Comondú, who contested the region with the Mayos armed wing “Los Venados”.

Sources: Zeta Tijuana, Zeta Tijuana Twitter, BCS Gov Press Release

Samuel Meléndez Carrisoza, aka El Sierra, Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

2026-05-31T08:01:13.329-06:00

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat

The man was arrested in 2025 during an operation in Durango where authorities seized fentanyl, cocaine, and weaponry.

The Attorney General's Office (FGR) announced that it has secured a sentence of 10 years and 10 months in prison against Samuel “N”—alias “El Sierra”—whom authorities have identified as a financial operative and second-in-command of a criminal group affiliated with the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.

According to the agency, the conviction was the result of investigations and evidence presented by the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime, which established his culpability in crimes related to the possession of firearms, magazines, and ammunition designated for the exclusive use of the Armed Forces, as well as the possession of narcotics with intent to distribute.

The FGR noted that Meléndez Carrisoza is required to serve his sentence at Federal Center for Social Readaptation No. 7, located in Durango.

“El Sierra” was arrested in January 2025 during an operation conducted by federal forces in the city of Durango. Authorities executed a search warrant at a property where they seized firearms, magazines, ammunition, fentanyl pills, cocaine, and other items linked to illicit activities.

According to information from the Attorney General’s Office itself, Samuel “N” was considered a financial operator and the second-in-command of “Los Deltas,” an armed cell linked to “Los Cazadores”—a group affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel’s faction known as “Los Chapitos.”

The sentencing comes amidst federal authorities' efforts to dismantle the operational and financial structures of criminal organizations maintaining a presence across various regions of the country—particularly those involved in the trafficking of synthetic drugs.

With this ruling, the FGR highlighted the conclusion of one of the investigations stemming from operations carried out by the Security Cabinet in Durango during 2025, which aimed to apprehend alleged members of criminal groups operating in northern Mexico.

Samuel Meléndez Carrisoza, aka El Sierra

Source: La Razon

FGR Pursues Maru for Refusal to Testify in "CIA Case" and for Kidnapping Charges Filed by Corral

2026-05-29T07:41:08.926-06:00

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat

The "4T" administration is going all out to remove Governor Maru Campos from office.

The FGR (Attorney General's Office) warned this evening that Maru isn’t above the law.

The Governor of Chihuahua—acting in defiance—refused to testify before the FGR this Wednesday; instead, she sent a letter explaining that she is under no obligation to appear.

The FGR countered that her immunity from prosecution doesn’t exempt her from providing information regarding the case involving CIA agents who were operating in Chihuahua.

Maru is also scheduled to appear in Mexico City this Friday to be formally notified of the kidnapping lawsuit filed against her by Javier Corral; however, the Governor does not intend to appear for that proceeding either.

Morena is already moving forward with proceedings in the Chamber of Deputies to strip Maru of her immunity on charges of treason against the nation, and it appears that her days as Governor are numbered.

* The era known as the Fourth Transformation, or "4T," in Mexico is more than just a political term; it represents the transformative vision of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). This vision is anchored in a series of profound and radical changes that place his administration on par with significant historical events in Mexico, such as the Independence, the Reform, and the Revolution.

Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos

Sources: La Polaka, Borderland Beat Archives

Chapitos Leave Dismembered Bodies With Banner in El Rosario, Sinaloa

2026-05-28T14:48:18.695-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

A new image shows two dismembered corpses a narco banner against Los Cabrera and Mayiza at the by El Rosario, Sinaloa.

The two dismembered corpses may be the same men who appeared in a torture and interrogation video released on the same day by the same criminal cell, Gabito 80. In that video, two young men admit to fighting for Los Cabreras after being forcibly recruited in their home state of Durango, before being hacked to death by men with machetes.

The message states:

"HERE IS YOUR ANSWER TO THE INVITATION FOR US TO SWITCH SIDES “ALBERTO DAVID RUBIO ZAMORA” ALIAS “EL MUDO ANTRAX” SO THAT HE BECOMES ONE OF THE “MF” OR “LOS CABRERAS”. I AM AND WILL ALWAYS BE 100% CHAPO.

THIS IS HOW ALL THOSE WHO WANT TO ENTER THE SOUTH WILL END UP.SIGNED 80"
The banner's reference to "El Mudo Antrax" suggests the Chapitos intercepted or learned of a recruitment approach directed at Gabito 80 or his people, and chose to answer it with the bodies of two men described in the video as recent Mayo recruits.

"Gabito 80" is the alias of Gabriel Nicolás Martínez Larios, a longtime Sinaloa Cartel officer of the Chapitos faction, according to leaked Sedena documents.

The bodies were placed in containers with both dismembered goat carcasses and cowboy hats marked "MF", the former mocking "Los Cabreras", and the latter "Mayito Flaco", two factions of the Mayos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The location was geolocated to 22.9336247, -105.8310886 by @natsecboogie, an Osint account on X.

Sources: @blogdelosguachs Twitter, Infobae, @natsecboogie Twitter

Targeting The Money: OFAC Escalates Pressure Against The Chapitos

2026-05-27T19:53:13.658-06:00

On May 20, 2026, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued sanctions against individuals and entities tied to two separate money laundering networks linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and its Chapitos faction for drug trafficking and money laundering activities.

The sanctions targeted two criminal networks responsible for the illegal trafficking of fentanyl from Mexico into the United States and for laundering the proceeds through cryptocurrency exchange schemes.

The action resulted from a coordinated investigation led by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and OFAC, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059, which targets the proliferation of illicit drugs and their means of production, and E.O. 13224, which targets terrorists and their supporters. The sanctions were also coordinated with the Mexican government’s financial intelligence unit, the Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera (UIF).

Targeting Wholesalers and Money Laundering Networks

The first set of sanctions focused on one of the Chapitos’ principal revenue-generating operations: the laundering of proceeds derived from illicit fentanyl sales. The network was allegedly led by Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles, who oversaw the collection of bulk cash in the United States and the integration of those funds into the cryptocurrency ecosystem before transferring the money to Mexico through blockchain transactions.

Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles reportedly took control of the criminal network after the death of Mario Alberto Jimenez Castro. The organization was responsible for overseeing narcotics shipments and laundering drug proceeds generated in the United States. Ojeda Aviles’s network consisted of Mexico-based drug suppliers and U.S.-based couriers tasked with collecting bulk cash derived from drug trafficking activities.

Also involved in Ojeda Aviles’s network were Jesus Alonso Aispuro Felix and Rodrigo Alarcon Palomares, who coordinated cryptocurrency transfers tied to the laundering of drug proceeds. In October 2023, Alarcon Palomares was detained in Mexico after authorities found him in possession of weapons and ammunition.

Another figure linked to the network is Alfredo Orozco Romero, who allegedly operated as a security advisor and debt collector for unpaid drug shipments. Authorities also identified him as controlling the Mexican company Grupo Especial Mamba Negra, S. de R.L. de C.V., as well as the Chihuahua-based restaurant Gorditas Chiwas, through family members Amalia Margarita Romero Moreno and Liliana Orozco Romero.

The second sanctioned criminal network was allegedly led by Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas, who authorities claim has been involved in large-scale drug trafficking operations since 2007, including the production and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. In 2018, Gonzalez Penuelas was indicted in the United States on international drug trafficking charges. In January 2024, the DEA announced a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.

Also sanctioned alongside Gonzalez Penuelas were Castulo Bojorquez Chaparro, Fredi Ismael Garcia Sandoval, Luis Arnulfo Moreno Zamora, Baltazar Saenz Aguilar, and Noe de Jesus Castro Rocha. According to U.S. authorities, the group coordinated drug distribution, bulk cash movement, and money laundering operations tied to drug trafficking activities.

“Drowning” The Chapitos

These sanctions are significant because, unlike operations targeting sicarios or plaza bosses — who are often quickly replaceable — authorities are now focusing on the financial structure that allows the Chapitos to operate.

The operation not only targets profits generated from individual drug shipments. It also disrupts the financial operators and distribution networks responsible for moving and integrating illicit proceeds into the formal economy. Coordinating these actions alongside Mexico’s UIF could produce a more immediate financial impact by disrupting key revenue streams essential to the organization’s operations.

Replacing experienced wholesalers, money launderers, and transnational financial operators is considerably more difficult than replacing a local plaza boss or even a synthetic drug precursor brokers. For that reason, these sanctions could represent a more strategic long-term threat to the Chapitos’ operational capabilities.

The sanctions also come amid ongoing rumors that Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar may have been involved in discussions with U.S. authorities regarding a possible surrender agreement. Regardless of whether the surrender rumors are true, the sanctions demonstrate that U.S. and Mexican authorities are increasingly prioritizing the financial and logistical infrastructure sustaining the Chapitos’ drug trafficking operations.

Resources: U.S. Department of the Treasury

7 Mayors Arrested in Mexico: Harfuch Warns They Will Pursue Politicians “Regardless of Party”

2026-05-27T19:19:42.320-06:00

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat

Seven mayors have been detained in Mexico—regardless of their political party affiliation—highlighted Omar García Harfuch, head of the SSPC, while affirming that there will be no impunity for those with ties to organized crime.

On Wednesday morning, the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, warned that there would be no impunity for political figures linked to criminal activity.

During the morning press conference held by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the official revealed that, so far during this administration, 85 public servants have been successfully detained. Prominent among those arrested are seven municipal mayors from various jurisdictions.

In a previous interview granted to *La Jornada*, the Secretary emphasized the non-partisan nature of these actions:

“Wherever there are indications and evidence against those who commit crimes—whether they are current or former public officials—they will be investigated and detained. It is also very important for the citizenry to know that this applies regardless of party or political stripe; in these cases, those involved come from every party—from across the entire political spectrum.”

**High-Impact Statistics**

Harfuch asserted that the security strategy has resulted in a 49% reduction in intentional homicides between September 2024 and May 2026. This decline—described by the Secretary as “unprecedented”—is accompanied by the capture of 54,300 individuals for high-impact crimes.

The official report details a significant financial and operational blow dealt to criminal organizations through the seizure of:

* More than 400 tons of narcotics.

* 2,400 destroyed clandestine laboratories.

* Nearly 30,000 seized firearms (78% of U.S. origin).

García Harfuch reiterated that the primary objective is to ensure that “there are fewer criminals on the streets and that peace increases among the population,” while maintaining vigilance over the conduct of public officials at all levels.

Source: Contramuro

Isaí Martínez Zepeda, Nephew of "El Chapo" Guzman, Arrested in Nogales, Sonora

2026-05-26T15:51:39.371-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

Isaí Martínez Zepeda, the nephew of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán's and a high ranking Los Chapitos officer involved in synthetic drug trafficking, was arrested by Mexican security forces in Colonia Casa Blanca of Nogales, Sonora.

Zepeda is identified as a high ranking officer of the 'Los Chapitos' faction, in charge of producing and distributing synthetic drugs to the United States and Costa Rica. He has an extradition order from the United States.

Zepeda, then 25, was previously arrested in June 2008 in Sinaloa state by Policía Federal Preventiva. He was arrested in possession of a 9mm pistol; an AK-47; a cell phone; two communication radios, a USB drive, and a vehicle with a temporary permit to circulate from the state of Sonora. He was briefly transferred to the Altiplano prison, but was later freed.

He is the brother of another associate of El Chapo, Enoc "El Chinacate" Martínez Zepeda, "El Chinacate" who was arrested in 2005 in Sinaloa. Both men appeared on a wanted poster from the early 2010s showing El Chapo's officers.

Sources: @OHarfuch Twitter, La Jornada 2008, El Financiero, Milenio, @crux1469

Narco Blockades Reported Across Southern Colima Following Shootout

2026-05-26T10:35:36.662-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

A shootout between security forces and CJNG members near Tecomán resulted in a number of narco blockades, burned vehicles, and shootouts across several municipalities along the south of Colima state.

On Monday morning, Fiscalía General del Estado agents responded to a civilian report and were ambushed by armed men in the town of Caleras in Tecomán. Two Investigative Police officers were injured and attackers were killed. A U.S. citizen with an active arrest warrant in the United States for homicide was also arrested.

Authorities seized a homemade armored vehicle, numerous firearms, grenades, and small doses of narcotics.

Shortly after, narco blockades and tire spikes were reported in several regions of Colima, including Tecomán, Manzanillo, Armería, and Ixtlahuacán. Criminals hijacked and set fire to heavy cargo trucks, disrupting traffic for several hours on the Colima-Manzanillo highway and on the road to Cerro de Ortega.

One of the burning trailers was deliberately placed across train tracks in La Estación, causing a locomotive to collide with the blockade.

Most blockades were removed by later afternoon, but sporadic attacks continued after dark.

The use of narco blockades is a tested criminal tactic intended to disrupt government response and lash out for government security operations threatening high ranking cartel figures. No government sources have connected the events with an operation against CJNG leadership in the region, but the use of this tactic may suggest the presence of a nearby high ranking leader. The most likely figure would be Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez, "El Chorro" a CJNG boss operating in Colima state.

Sources: Libreexpresion, Oscar Adrián Twitter, SPPC Colima

PDI Officers Ambushed After Operation in Jalpa; 4 Injured

2026-05-25T15:20:09.068-06:00

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat

Four officers from the Investigative Police (PDI) were injured after being ambushed on Federal Highway 54, between the communities of San Francisco and Cruz Verde. The agents were returning to the state capital after conducting official investigative duties in Jalpa.

The attack occurred around 11:00 p.m. on Saturday. The officers—members of the State Attorney General's Office (FGJE)—along with Mexican Army personnel, were traveling by road following a search operation in which they had seized a stolen vehicle and 1,600 doses of narcotics.

According to witnesses, a loud bang was heard—"like an explosion"—followed by an exchange of gunfire that lasted just over 15 minutes.

In a statement, the FGJE confirmed the incident and detailed that three men and one woman—all PDI officers—had sustained injuries. Three of them were discharged and placed under outpatient medical care this Sunday, "while a fourth colleague remains hospitalized under specialized medical evaluation."

At the scene of the attack, one of the PDI's white patrol vehicles was left destroyed. Furthermore, traffic on the federal highway was disrupted due to damage resulting from the attack and the cordoning off of the area, where a security operation had been deployed.

At noon, the Municipal Civil Protection Coordination (CMPC) issued an alert via Facebook urging the public to avoid traveling on Federal Highway 54—specifically the stretch leading toward the capital—as law enforcement agencies from all three levels of government continued to conduct investigative procedures in the area.

Approximately one hour later, the road was reopened to traffic; however, motorists were advised to proceed with caution, as the authorities' security operation remained ongoing—including aerial surveillance by aircraft from the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP).

Separately, following the circulation on social media of videos showing an explosion within the cordoned-off zone, the State Peacebuilding Roundtable reported that security forces had carried out the controlled detonation of an explosive device discovered in the town of Tabasco. “As part of the safety protocols implemented during the specialized operations, traffic on the highway was partially closed, with one lane remaining open for vehicular traffic while the corresponding work was carried out,” it stated in a press release.

Following the acts of violence that occurred this weekend—as well as in recent weeks—in the area, the municipal government of Tabasco advised residents to “avoid traveling on Federal Highway 54, particularly during nighttime hours, and to do so only if necessary and while taking appropriate precautionary measures.”

Zacatecas, Mexico

Source: NTR Zacatecas

Authorities Arrest 7 People for Carrying Firearms in Ecatepec

2026-05-24T16:31:51.698-06:00

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat

In the State of Mexico, members of the Navy arrested seven people in Ecatepec. Rubén Mosso, go ahead with the report. Good afternoon, Fernando.

Good afternoon to you and to all our listeners. Yes, as you said, Navy personnel arrested these seven people in the State of Mexico, in the municipality of Ecatepec, who were in possession of firearms.

Federal government officials indicated that the detainees are allegedly linked to a cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which operates in that area.

According to the institution, Navy personnel were conducting surveillance patrols as part of Operation Baluarte when they located the individuals who were in possession of four firearms.

The detainees, as well as the seized evidence, have already been handed over to the competent authorities to be included in the corresponding investigation file.

It should be noted that the Navy has been conducting these operations in the State of Mexico for months at the request of state authorities to reduce crime rates in that region. We will be standing by for updates, then, Rubén.

Ecatepec de Morelos, Estado de México

Source: Milenio

Three Mexican Meth Cooks Arrested at Drug Lab in Nigeria

2026-05-23T06:30:00.000-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

In an increasingly common occurrence across Africa, three Mexican meth cooks were arrested by the Nigerian drug police at a raid on a synthetic drug production lab hidden in a forest in Ogun State, Nigeria.

On Wednesday, Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the dismantling of a major meth production operation involving Nigerian and Mexican operatives, arresting ten operatives, including three Mexican cooks identified as "experts" by Nigerian authorities.

The seizure of methamphetamine bust is largest in Nigeria's history, at 2,419.48 kilograms of meth and precursor chemicals, estimated at a value of $362.9 million USD.

The Nigeria seizure comes just two weeks after South African authorities dismantled another major industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory in Swartruggens, northwest of Johannesburg, arresting 11 suspects, including five Mexican nationals allegedly involved in supervising production. This was at least the fourth lab bust where Mexican national were arrested.

Sources: TVC News, Times Live

Six Guardia Civil Police Officers Injured in Ambush in Zamora, Michoacán

2026-05-22T14:20:53.623-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

Six Guardia Civil police officers were injured after their convoy was ambushed by gunmen in Zamora, Michoacán this afternoon.

The attack occurred in the community of Estancia de Amezcua in Zamora, where armed civilians attacked officers while on patrol late in the morning of May 22nd. The shootout lasted several minutes. Six police officers were injured, four of them seriously, and another civilian was hit by a stray bullet. The criminals fled the scene, leaving behind a vehicle. No arrests have been made, though security forces have flooded the region looking for them.

The ambush occurred two hours after criminals set up a roadblock in the municipality of Villamar, on the highway section between Jacona and Jiquilpan.

Eleven Police officers have been killed in Michoacán state so far this year, according to Causa en Comun.

Sources: La Voz de Michoacan, Quadratin, Causa en Comun

Six Dismembered Corpses Found in Olinalá, Guerrero - 19 Bodies Found in Last Two Months

2026-05-22T08:54:50.976-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

The dismembered bodies of six men were found in the bed of an abandoned truck in the town of Teticic in the Montaña region of Guerrero, early Thursday morning. The corpses appear to be those of several townspeople kidnapped by armed men who entered the community on Wednesday, May 20, according to police reports.

Following the reports, elements of the Mexican Army, National Guard, and state forces searched the area during the night, however, they were unable to locate the victims or the armed men. The following morning, residents reported finding an abandoned Nissan truck at the entrance to the community, where six dismembered bodies were found inside black bags.

Over the last several weeks, this region has been marred by disappearances, killings, and body dumps. Local paper Interaccion Noticias reported that at least 19 bodies have been left in this region over the last two months.

On March 30, on the road from Olinalá to Cualac, the police found seven bodies contained in black boxes and aluminum pots, as reported by Borderland Beat. Two weeks later, on May 11th, six more bodies were found abandoned on the Olinalá-Temalacatzingo highway.

This region is hotly disputed by criminals, with at least three criminal organizations operating in the Mountain region of Guerrero: Los Tlacos, Los Ardillos, and Los Rojos. They exert significant influence, regularly attacking authorities and local civilians.

In February 2024, Manuel Eugenio Arriaga Rosendo, councilman for Cualác municipality, was found dead inside his home. Four months later, gunmen shot up the house of the mayor of Cualac, Hazael Aburto Ortega.

Sources: Interaccion Noticias, Borderland Beat Archives, Blog del Narco, Interaccion Noticias

CJNG Colombian Mercenaries Fighting in Charapan, Michoacán

2026-05-22T07:07:27.227-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

The existence of Colombian mercenaries in Mexico has been well known for at least 15 years, but new images of suspected CJNG-affiliated Colombian combatants fighting in Charapan, Michoacán, have brought renewed attention to their presence on all sides of the fight in Michoacán.

On May 20, Raúl Zepeda, the Secretary of Government, confirmed that security forces killed 3 CJNG gunmen encountered on Hidalgo Norte, the road connecting the towns of Cocucho and Ocumicho. The gunmen apparently fired shots as the security forces arrived on a patrol, causing the firefight.

Photos posted online after the engagement show captured tactical vests and a hat with patches with the Colombian flag.

Photos posted following the 20 May shootout.

March 2026: Colombian mercenaries fighting near the Jalisco border. Colombian flag patches are visible on their uniforms.

Locals of this region have told media that there is a group of at least 30 Colombian mercenaries hired by the CJNG operating in the region.

While Colombian mercenaries have been in Mexican crime conflicts for over 15 years, their numbers have grown exponentially since the 2016 FARC peace agreement in Colombia, which created a massive supply of highly trained, under-supported military veterans who looked abroad for high-paying combat roles. Between 2,000 and 3,000 of these are now estimated to be working for Mexican criminal groups.

In Michoacán, Colombian mercenaries are not exclusively working for CJNG. In June 2025, Mexican Army soldiers arrested a group of Colombian mercenaries believed to be behind a landmine attack that killed eight soldiers in western Mexico, linked to the Carteles Unidos faction of the Familia Michoacana, longtime rivals of the CJNG.

In 2025, Spanish newspaper El País interviewed several locals of La Ruana, Michoacán, who reported the presence of Colombian mercenaries hired by Los Viagras, identifiable by their distinctive accents.

Sources: AP News, @Eco1_LVM Twitter, Monitor Expreso, El Pais, @MennyValdz Twitter

Two CJNG Financial Operators Arrested in Guadalajara, Jalisco

2026-05-21T07:40:41.388-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

Mexican authorities arrested two alleged Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) financial operators in Guadalajara, including José Elías Celis Contreras, alias "El Chipo", who is presumed to have served as one of the financial operators for Audias Flores Silva, alias "El Jardinero".

According to federal authorities, "El Chipo" received orders from César Alejandro Villaseñor Olivares, alias "El Güero Conta", another CJNG financial operator who was arrested in Guadalajara on April 27. The other detainee was identified as Jorge Ernesto Aguila Corona.

The arrests were made after FGR and SSPC raids at five homes in Guadalajara metro area, which netted weapons, ammunition and drugs.

Audias Flores Silva “El Jardinero”, a high-ranking regional boss overseeing synthetic drug production and trafficking for the CJNG was arrested in El Mirador, Nayarit on April 27th of this year. Since his arrest, numerous figures and drug labs linked to him have been seized by Mexican authorities.

Sources: Milenio, El Occidental

U.S. Consulate in Matamoros Releases Communication Following Killing of Mexican Police Officer Assigned to Consulate Security

2026-05-19T13:58:51.559-06:00

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

Mary Virginia Hantsch, Principal Officer for the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros, released a video expressing condolences following the killing of a Mexican federal police officer assigned to Consulate security.

Marcelo Vázquez Vázquez, 40, an officer with Mexico’s Servicio de Protección Federal, was killed Sunday in an ambush in the La Encantada neighborhood of Matamoros after completing his shift guarding the U.S. Consulate.

Vázquez and other officers were traveling home when a pickup truck intentionally collided with their vehicle. The suspects then attempted to flee, prompting the officers to pursue them. During the chase, gunmen opened fire on the officers, and a second vehicle carrying additional assailants joined the attack.

Vázquez was fatally wounded in the ambush. Another officer was reportedly injured. It is unclear if the officers were targeted for their role guarding to U.S. Consulate or not.

The attack occurred around 3 miles from the U.S. Consulate, geolocated by open source intelligence account Pernicious Propaganda.

In a public statement released after the attack, Hantsch extended condolences to the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues, describing his death as a tragedy and recognizing his service protecting Consulate personnel and facilities.

Later, federal authorities arrested two people allegedly connected to the attack. The Security Cabinet reported that they also seized four firearms and a vehicle.

Following the attack, the Secretary General of the Government of Tamaulipas, Héctor Joel Villegas González, announced the reinforcement of security in Matamoros with the deployment of more than 100 federal and state police officers.

Sources: Razon, Hoy Tamaulipas