FAM WEEKLY SITREP Monday April 27, 2015

Transcription

FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
FOCUSED ON THE US-MEXICO BORDERS OF TEXAS AND CALIFORNIA
Date: Monday April 27, 2015
FAM WEEKLY SITREP® Assessed Location: US-Mexico border of California/neighboring cities.
City and
State
1.San Diego,
California
Risk Levels
No major changes.
San Diego, California – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
Increased Violence.
Tijuana, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – Increased Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization
related violence reported. Business-owners in Tijuana are calling for the deployment of army troops along
the streets and on the United States border to contain a recent wave of cartel violence, which has resulted in the
death of twelve people this week. Tijuana is the main city in the Baja California region bordering the US, which is
a traditionally turbulent area due to the presence of drug cartels.
The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in Tijuana are as follows:
1.
Tijuana Cartel - Also called the Arellano Felix Organization. Has an alliance with the Gulf Cartel. A small
Mexican drug cartel based in Tijuana. The cartel once one of the biggest and most violent criminal groups in
Mexico. However, it has been reduced to a small group of scattered cells.
2.
Sinaloa Cartel - Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico, along with the Gulf Cartel.
3.
La Familia Michoacána – A leading supplier of the methamphetamine that is smuggled from Mexico into
the United States. They have emerged in recent years as a significant Mexican Transnational Criminal
Organization.
Conditions: Conditions remained fairly unchanged over the last assessment in San Diego, California. No
escalation of violence reported.
2.Calexico,
California
No major changes.
Calexico, California – Distance from Calexico, California to Mexicali, Mexico is 3 miles. No Mexican
Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
No major changes.
Mexicali, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence
reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in Mexicali are as follows:
1.
Tijuana Cartel - Also called the Arellano Felix Organization. Has an alliance with the Gulf Cartel. A small
Mexican drug cartel based in Tijuana. The cartel was once one of the biggest and most violent criminal
groups in Mexico. However, it has since been reduced to a small group of scattered cells.
2.
Sinaloa Cartel - Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico along with the Gulf Cartel.
Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment. No escalation of violence has been
reported. The risks associated with travel to Calexico, California and the US-Mexico border remains
unchanged at MODERATE-HIGH THREAT.
3. Andrade,
California
, California The Andrade Port of Entry is the easternmost and lowest volume border crossing in to
California, USA. It is located 2 miles south of Interstate 8, and about 2000 feet west of the Colorado River in
Imperial County, opposite the Los Algodones border crossing in Baja California – No Mexican Transnational
Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
No major changes.
Los Algodones, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related
violence has been reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in Los
Algodones are as follows:
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1.
2.
Cartel Pacifico Sur – Allies with Los Zetas – composed of the remnants of the Beltran-Leyva Cartel.
Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment in
, California. No
Date: Monday April 27, 2015
FAM WEEKLY SITREP® Assessed Location: US-Mexico border of Texas/neighboring cities.
City and
State
1. El Paso,
Texas
Risk Levels
LOW THREAT:
No major changes.
El Paso, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
No major changes.
Chihuahua, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – Violence remains high in Chihuahua City, Mexico. The
Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in Chihuahua are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
Juarez Cartel – Based in Ciudad Juárez, across the border from El Paso/Fabens, Texas. Named for its
“capital” Ciudad Juarez located in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
Gulf Cartel – Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico and has an alliance with the Tijuana Cartel.
Oaxaca Cartel – One of the smaller drug cartels. Currently operating in Mexico and at the service of the
Tijuana Cartel.
Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment. No escalation of violence has been
reported. The risks associated with travel to El Paso, Texas and the US-Mexico border remains unchanged at
LOW- THREAT.
2. Fabens,
Texas
LOW-MODERATE THREAT:
No major changes.
Fabens, Texas – Fabens is in El Paso County. No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence
has been reported.
No major changes.
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – Juarez is a crime-infested narcotics hotbed, situated across
from El Paso/Fabens, Texas. This year there have been 89 killings in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Last year (in 2014)
there were 424 homicides. No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in Ciudad Juarez are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
Juarez Cartel – Based in Ciudad Juárez, across the border from El Paso/Fabens, Texas. Named for its
Tijuana Cartel.
Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment in Fabens, Texas. No escalation of
violence reported.
3. Fort
Hancock,
Texas
No major changes.
Hancock, Texas – Fort Hancock is situated on the northern Mexico–United States border, across from El
Porvenir, Chihuahua, Mexico. In Chihuahua, crime and violence remains a problem, particularly in the Sierra
Mountains, including Copper Canyon. Travel should only be on major highways and during daylight hours. No
Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
No major changes.
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FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
El Porvenir, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related
violence reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in El Porvenir are as
follows:
1.
2.
3.
Juarez Cartel – Based in Ciudad Juárez across the border from El Paso/Fabens, Texas. Named for its
Smuggling large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and significant quantities of heroin
monthly into the United States.
Tijuana Cartel.
Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment in Fort Hancock, Texas. No
City and
State
4. Del Rio,
Texas
Risk Levels
No major changes.
Del Rio, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
No major changes.
Ciudad Acuña, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related
violence reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in Ciudad Acuña
are as follows:

Zetas Cartel - Well-armed security enforcers. Duties include protective security of high-ranking
members, escorting valuable shipments of contraband, and carrying out assassinations of rivals. Armed
primarily with small arms, including handguns, assault rifles, grenades, rocket-propelled grenades and
lightweight anti-tank rockets. Have distinguished themselves as both successful international narcotics
traffickers and highly competent executioners.
Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment in Del Rio, Texas. No escalation
of violence reported.
5. Eagle Pass,
Texas
HIGH THREAT:
No major changes.
Eagle Pass, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
No major changes.
Piedras Negras, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization
related violence reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization that we are tracking in Piedras
Negras is as follows:

Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment Eagle Pass, Texas. The risks
associated with travel to Eagle Pass, Texas and the US-Mexico border remains unchanged at HIGH
THREAT.
6. Laredo,
Texas
HIGH THREAT:
No major changes.
Laredo, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
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No major changes.
Colombia, Nuevo León, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization
related violence reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in
Colombia, Nuevo León are as follows:
1.
Colima Cartel - The Colima Cartel has become a branch of the Sinaloa Cartel.
2.
Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment in Laredo, Texas. The risks
associated with travel to Laredo, Texas Falcon and the US-Mexico border remains unchanged at HIGH
THREAT.
City and
State
7. Falcon
Heights, Texas
Risk Levels
HIGH THREAT:
No major changes.
Falcon Heights, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been
reported.
Increased Violence.
Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – Mexican Transnational Criminal
Organization related violence reported.

On Wednesday April 22, 2015 Drug cartel violence in Tamaulipas, Mexico escalated with gun
battles and arson attacks after police captured four (4) members from the Gulf Cartel.

Two (2) people were killed.

Last week in Reynosa, Mexico gunfights broke out and vehicles were set ablaze the same day authorities
caught Gulf Cartel leader known as "El Gafe".

The Gulf Cartel is one of Mexico's oldest drug-trafficking groups, also known for kidnappings and
immigrant trafficking.
The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in
Tamaulipas are as follows:
Nueva Ciudad Guerrero,
1.
2.
Valencia Cartel – A drug cartel originally based in Michoacán, Mexico, now relocated in Jalisco and is
active in this area.
Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment. The risks associated with travel to
Falcon Heights, Texas and the US-Mexico border remains unchanged at HIGH THREAT.
8. Roma,
Texas
HIGH THREAT:
No major changes.
Roma, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
No major changes.
Miguel Alemán, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization
related violence reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization that we are tracking in Miguel
Alemán is as follows:
1.
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Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment. The risks associated with travel to
Roma, Texas and the US-Mexico border remains unchanged at HIGH THREAT.
City and
State
9. Rio Grande
City, Texas
Risk Levels
No major changes.
Rio Grande City, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been
reported.
No major changes.
(Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations
related violence reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in the above
cities are as follows:
1.
Juárez Cartel– Based in Ciudad Juárez, across the border from El Paso/Fabens, Texas. Named for its
2.
Gulf Cartel– Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico and has an alliance with the Tijuana Cartel.
3.
Friday April 17, 2015 Mexican officials arrested a leader of the Juárez Cartel, Jesús Salas at his ranch in
the northern Mexican village of Villa Ahumada, some 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Ciudad Juarez.

Jesús Salas Aguayo became the head of the Juarez Cartel after the capture last October of its
then-leader Vicente Carrillo Fuentes alias "El Viceroy."
Conditions: Conditions remain unchanged over the last assessment.
Grande City, Texas
Rio
10. Los
Ebanos, Texas
No major changes.
Los Ebanos, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
No major changes.
Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization
related violence reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization that we are tracking in Gustavo
Díaz Ordaz is as follows:

Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment. T
Los Ebanos, Texas
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FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
City and
State
11. Mission,
Texas
Risk Levels
No major changes.
Mission, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
No major changes.
(Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related
violence has been reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in Rio
Bravo are as follows:
1.
2.
monthly into the United States
Conditions:
Mission, Texas
No escalation of violence reported this week.
12. Hidalgo,
Texas
No major changes.
Hidalgo, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
Increased Violence.
Mexican Transnational Criminal Violence reported. Last week in Reynosa, Mexico:

Gunfights broke out and vehicles were set ablaze the same day authorities caught Gulf Cartel leader
known as "El Gafe" in Reynosa, Mexico.

High security concerns remain in
Organizations that we are tracking in

2.
Conditions: Conditions in
City and
State
13. Pharr,
Texas
. The Mexican Transnational Criminal
Hidalgo, Texas
Risk Levels
No major changes.
Pharr, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
Increased Violence.
(Cross-Border Violence) - Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence
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FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
reported. Last week in Reynosa, Mexico gunfights broke out and vehicles were set ablaze the same day
authorities caught Gulf Cartel leader known as "El Gafe". High security concerns remain in
.
The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in Reynosa are as follows:
1.
2.
Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment.
Pharr, Texas
Conditions in
14. Donna,
Texas
No major changes.
Donna, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
No major changes.
Río Bravo, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related
violence reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in Río Bravo are as
follows:
1.
2.
lightweight anti-tank rockets. Have distinguished themselves both as successful international narcotics
Donna, Texas
15. Progreso,
Texas
No major changes.
Progreso
– No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
No major changes.
Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related
violence reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in Río Bravo are as
follows:
1.
2.
Progreso, Texas
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FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
City and
State
16. Los Indios,
Texas
Risk Levels
No major changes.
Los Indios, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence reported.
No major changes.
(Cross-Border Violence) – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related
violence reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in
1.
2.
Conditions: Conditions remained fairly unchanged over the last assessment.
Los Indios, Texas
17.Brownsville,
Texas
No major changes.
Brownsville, Texas – No Mexican Transnational Criminal Organization related violence has been reported.
No major changes.
Matamoros City, Mexico (Cross-Border Violence) – Continued Mexican Transnational Criminal
Organization related violence reported. The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are
tracking in Matamoros City are as follows:
1.
2.
Conditions: Matamoros City, Mexico lies across the border from Brownsville, Texas, periodic violence
including shootouts can occur between militias of drug cartels, or between ski-masked Mexican security
soldiers and drug cartels members. The r
Matamoros City, Mexico
18. Border Crossings Update
NO INDICATION OF A THREAT OR POTENTIAL SHUTDOWN OF U.S.-MEXICAN BORDERS

Unchanged. There is no indication of a threat or potential shutdown looming at one of the U.S.-Mexican border
crossings.

There are currently no warnings that this condition will change as of this date: Monday April 27, 2015
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FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
19. Leadership Vacuum Update
POTENTIAL POWER VACUUM FORTHCOMING
Over time, the balance of power between the various Mexican cartels changes as new ones emerge and older ones weaken and
collapse. A disruption in the system, such as the arrests or deaths of cartel leaders, generates bloodshed as rivals move to exploit
the power vacuum. Fighting between drug cartels may be inevitable.



Jaime Quevedo Carrillo (nephew of late Juárez Cartel boss)
On Monday April 20, 2015 Jaime Quevedo Carrillo (aka: Jaime Eduardo Quevedo Gastélum) a leader of a kidnap
group (nephew of the late Amado Carrillo Fuentes who seized control of the Juárez Cartel) was arrested on kidnap
charges after a two hour fire fight with the police in San Carlos, Mexico; 580 miles from El Paso, Texas.
Unchanged. As of this date there have been no reports of rival cartels or kidnap groups attempting to move in to
exploit the produced power vacuum due to Jaime Quevedo Carrillo’s capture.



Jose Tiburcio Hernandez Fuentes (Gulf Cartel)
On Friday April 17, 2015 Jose Tiburcio Hernandez Fuentes a leader of the Gulf Cartel was arrested.
Unchanged. As of this date there have been no reports of rival cartels attempting to move in to exploit the produced
power vacuum due to Jose Tiburcio Hernandez Fuentes’ capture.



Jesús Salas Aguayo (Juárez Cartel)
On Friday April 17, 2015 Jesús Salas Aguayo a leader of the Juárez Cartel was arrested.
power vacuum due to Jesús Salas Aguayo’s capture.



Gastelum Serrano (Sinaloa Cartel)
On Saturday April 11, 2015 Gastelum Serrano a leader of the Sinaloa Cartel was arrested.
power vacuum due to Gastelum Serrano’s capture.
20. Smuggling Methods
Unchanged. No new methods or tactics reported on smuggling narcotics into the US from Mexico as of this week. Interesting
modus operandi (not new) included:

Liquid cocaine concealed inside Corona Beer bottles in a 2001 Ford F-150.

$85, 254 in currency concealed in the false bottoms of 5-gallon paint buckets.

13.78 lbs. of cocaine concealed within the drive shaft of a white 2005 Ford F-250 pickup truck.

261.91 lbs. of Marijuana concealed in the fifth wheel of a Freightliner Tractor.

26.35 lbs. of Marijuana concealed in 1998 Dodge Durango within the Heater Core and Heater Box of the vehicle.

8.60 lbs. of marijuana concealed inside the intake manifold of a 1997 Dodge Ram.

30.3 lbs. of methamphetamine concealed within the muffle of a 2000 Chevrolet 1500.

8.2 lbs. of heroin was concealed within the tow hitch of a red 2004 Toyota Tacoma pickup.
21. Next
Monday May 04, 2015
Assessment:
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GREEN
BLUE
YELLOW
ORANGE
RED
LOW THREAT: Area
has basic small-scale
drugs syndicates,
criminals and/or drug
trafficking activity and
violence is minimal.
Violence does not go
beyond common
everyday risk.
LOW-MODERATE
THREAT: Area has
moderate-scale drugs
syndicates, criminals
and/or drug trafficking
activity. Some areas not
suitable to visit.
Violence does not
exceed moderate levels.
MODERATE-HIGH
THREAT: Area has
sporadic intense drugs
activity. Human injury
or death possible in this
area.
HIGH THREAT:
High-scale drugs
activity. Armed
criminals and/or drug
traffickers often
maintain roadblocks on
the Mexican side of the
border. Human injury
or death possible in this
area.
EXTREME THREAT:
Extreme full-scale
organized drugs
operations posing a
threat to human injury
or death on a regular
basis in this area. This
area poses a clear and
present danger to
security.
DISCLAIMER: While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the Assessment of the US-Mexico Borders of Texas and
California, FAM makes no representation as to the accuracy of, and cannot accept any legal responsibility for any errors, omissions,
mis-statements, mistakes or intelligence miscalculations. Copyright © 2015 FAM International Security 5400 South University
Drive, Suite 402 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328.
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FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
Location: Mexico
th
Prepared: April 27 , 2015
Travel Warning: Mexico
Travel Health and Safety; Crime
Western Hemisphere > Mexico; Western Hemisphere > Mexico > Ciudad Juarez; Western Hemisphere > Mexico >
Guadalajara; Western Hemisphere > Mexico > Hermosillo; Western Hemisphere > Mexico > Matamoros; Western
Hemisphere > Mexico > Merida; Western Hemisphere > Mexico > Mexico City; Western Hemisphere > Mexico >
Monterrey; Western Hemisphere > Mexico > Nogales; Western Hemisphere > Mexico > Nuevo Laredo; Western
Hemisphere > Mexico > Tijuana
4/13/2015
The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens about the risk of traveling to certain places in Mexico due to
threats to safety and security posed by organized criminal groups in the country. U.S. citizens have been the
victims of violent crimes, such as kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery by organized criminal groups in various
Mexican states. For information on security conditions in specific regions of Mexico, which can vary, travelers
should reference the state-by-state assessments further below. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning
for Mexico, issued December 24, 2014, to update information about the security situation and to advise the
public of additional restrictions on the travel of U.S. government (USG) personnel.
Travel Warning Map
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FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
State-by-State Assessment:
Below is a state-by-state assessment of security conditions throughout Mexico. Travelers should be mindful that
even if no advisories are in effect for a given state, crime and violence can still occur.
Aguascalientes: Exercise caution when traveling to the areas of the state that border the state of Zacatecas, as
criminal organization activity in that region continues.
Baja California: Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada and Mexicali are major cities/travel destinations in the state of
Baja California - Exercise caution in the northern state of Baja California, particularly at night. Criminal activity
along highways is a continuing security concern. According to the Baja State Secretariat for Public Security, from
January to October 2014 Tijuana and Rosarito experienced increasing homicide rates compared to the same
period in the previous year. While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted criminal organization
assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S.
citizens. Shooting incidents, in which innocent bystanders have been injured, have occurred during daylight
hours.
Baja California Sur: Cabo San Lucas and La Paz are major cities/travel destinations in the state of Southern Baja
California – Exercise caution in the state capital of La Paz. According to the Department of Interior of Mexico, in
2013 Baja California Sur registered its highest homicide rate since 1997. Many of these homicides occurred in La
Paz, where there has been an increase in organized crime-related violence.
Campeche: No advisory is in effect.
Chiapas: Palenque and San Cristobal de las Casas are major cities/travel destinations in
Chiapas - No advisory is in effect.
Chihuahua: Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua City, and Copper Canyon are major cities/travel destinations in
Chihuahua - Exercise caution in traveling to: the business and shopping districts in the northeast section of Ciudad
Juarez and its major industrial parks, the central downtown section and major industrial parks in the city of
Chihuahua, the town of Palomas, the urban area of the city of Ojinaga, and the towns of Nuevo Casas Grandes
and Casas Grandes and their immediate environs. Travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area should be through the
Palomas port of entry (POE) on U.S. Highway 11, continuing south until reaching Mexico Highway 2 west to Nuevo
Casas Grandes. Travel to Ojinaga should be on the U.S. side via U.S. Highway 67 through the Presidio POE. Defer
non-essential travel to other areas in the state of Chihuahua and travel between cities only on major highways
and only during daylight hours. Crime and violence remain serious problems throughout the state of Chihuahua,
particularly in the southern portion of the state and in the Sierra Mountains, including Copper Canyon.
Coahuila: Defer non-essential travel to the state of Coahuila except the city of Saltillo, where you should exercise
caution. Violence and criminal activity along the highways are continuing security concerns, particularly along the
northern border between Piedras Negras and Nuevo Laredo. The state of Coahuila continues to experience high
rates of violent crime, including murder, kidnapping, and armed carjacking.
Colima: Manzanillo is a major city/travel destination in Colima - Defer non-essential travel to the areas of the
state of Colima that border the state of Michoacán, including the city of Tecoman. The security situation along the
Michoacán border continues to be the most unstable in the state, and personal travel by U.S. government
personnel is not permitted in this area.
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FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
Durango: Exercise caution in the state of Durango. Violence and criminal activity along the highways are a
continuing security concern. Several areas in the state continue to experience high rates of violence and remain
volatile and unpredictable. U.S. government personnel may travel outside the city of Durango only during daylight
hours on toll roads, and must return to the city of Durango to abide by a curfew of 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Estado de Mexico: Toluca and Teotihuacan are major travel destinations in Estado de Mexico - Exercise caution
in the State of Mexico. Many areas of the state have seen high levels of crime and insecurity as organized criminal
groups have expanded their activities from the states of Guerrero and Michoacán, and have also experienced high
levels of street crime. The September 2014 INEGI crime victimization survey indicated that the State of Mexico
had the highest incidence of crime in Mexico, with 47,778 victims per 100,000. Due to high rates of crime and
insecurity, defer non-essential travel to the municipalities of Coacalco, Ecatepec, Nezahualcoyotl, La Paz, Valle del
Chalco, Solidaridad, Chalco, and Ixtapaluca, which are eastern portions of the greater Mexico City metropolitan
area, located just to the east of the Federal District of Mexico and Benito Juarez airport, unless traveling directly
through the areas on major thoroughfares. Defer non-essential travel to the municipality of Tlatlaya in the
southwest portion of the state and non-essential travel on any roads between Santa Marta in the southeast
portion of the state and Huitzilac in the state of Morelos, including the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park and
surrounding areas, due to high rates of crime and insecurity.
Guanajuato: San Miguel de Allende and Leon are major cities/travel destinations in
Guanajuato - No advisory is in effect.
Guerrero: Acapulco, Ixtapa, Taxco and Zihuatanejo are major cities/travel destinations in Guerrero - Defer nonessential travel to all parts of the state, except for the cities of Acapulco, Ixtapa, and Zihuatanejo. Travel to
Acapulco and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo only by air or cruise ship, exercise caution, and remain in tourist areas. Travel in
and out of Acapulco by air and cruise ship is permitted for U.S. government personnel. U.S. government
personnel are prohibited from traveling within Guerrero state by land, including via the 95D toll road (“cuota”)
to/from Mexico City and Acapulco, as well as highway 200 between Acapulco and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. In
Acapulco, defer non-essential travel to areas further than two blocks inland of the Costera Miguel Aleman
Boulevard, which parallels the popular beach areas. Lodging for U.S. government personnel is limited to the hotel
zone (“zona hotelera”) of Acapulco, beginning from the Krystal Beach Acapulco hotel in the north and going south
through Puerto Marquez, including the Playa Diamante area and ending at The Resort at Mundo Imperial hotel. In
general, the popular tourist area of Diamante, just south of the city, has been less affected by violence. Any
activity outside the hotel zone for U.S. government personnel is limited to the coastal area from La Quebrada to
the beginning of the hotel zone and only during daylight hours. The state of Guerrero was the most violent state
in Mexico in 2013, with 2,087 homicides and 207 reported cases of kidnapping, according to the Mexican
Secretariado Ejecutivo Nacional de Seguridad Publica. Self-defense groups operate independently of the
government in many areas of Guerrero. Armed members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and,
although not considered hostile to foreigners or tourists, are suspicious of outsiders and should be considered
volatile and unpredictable.
Hidalgo: No advisory is in effect.
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FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
Jalisco: Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Lake Chapala are major cities/travel destinations in Jalisco - Defer
non-essential travel to areas of the state that border the states of Michoacán and Zacatecas. The security
situation along the Michoacán and Zacatecas borders continues to be unstable. Exercise caution in rural areas and
when using secondary highways. U.S. government personnel are authorized to use Federal toll road 15D for travel
to Mexico City; however, they may not stop in the town of La Barca for any reason. U.S. government personnel
are prohibited from personal travel to areas of Jalisco that border Zacatecas, and are prohibited from intercity
travel at night.
Mexico City (also known as the Federal District): No advisory is in effect. See also the discussion in the section on
Estado de Mexico for areas within the greater Mexico City metropolitan area.
Michoacán: Morelia is a major city/travel destination in Michoacán - Defer non-essential travel to the state of
Michoacán except the cities of Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas and the area north of federal toll road 15D, where
you should exercise caution. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling by land in Michoacán
except on federal toll road 15D during daylight hours. Flying into Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas is the
recommended method of travel. Attacks on Mexican government officials, law enforcement and military
personnel, and other incidents of organized crime-related violence, have occurred throughout Michoacán. Armed
members of some self-defense groups maintain roadblocks and, although not considered hostile to foreigners or
tourists, are suspicious of outsiders and should be considered volatile and unpredictable. Some self-defense
groups in Michoacán are reputed to be linked to organized crime.
Morelos: Cuernavaca is a major city/travel destination in Morelos - Exercise caution in the state of Morelos due
to the unpredictable nature of organized crime violence. You should also defer non-essential travel on any roads
between Huitzilac in the northwest corner of the state and Santa Marta in the state of Mexico, including the
Lagunas de Zempoala National Park and surrounding areas. Numerous incidents of organized crime-related
violence have also occurred in the city of Cuernavaca.
Nayarit: The Riviera Nayarit coast, including the cities of Tepic, Xalisco, and San Blas, is a major travel
destination in Nayarit - Defer non-essential travel to areas of the state of Nayarit that border the states of Sinaloa
or Durango, as well as all rural areas and secondary highways.
Nuevo Leon: Monterrey is a major city/travel destination in Nuevo Leon – Exercise caution in the state of Nuevo
Leon. Although the level of organized crime-related violence and general insecurity in Monterrey has decreased
dramatically within the last two years, sporadic incidents of violence have occurred. Security services in and
around Monterrey are robust and have proven responsive and effective in combating violent crimes; however,
instances of violence remain a concern in the more remote regions of the state. U.S. government personnel and
their dependents may travel outside the city of Monterrey only during daylight hours on toll roads, and must
return to the city of San Pedro Garza Garcia municipal boundaries to abide by a curfew of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.,
except for travel to the airport after 5 a.m.
Oaxaca: Oaxaca, Huatulco and Puerto Escondido are major cities/travel destinations in Oaxaca - No advisory is
in effect.
Puebla: No advisory is in effect.
Queretaro: No advisory is in effect.
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Quintana Roo: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Tulum are major cities/travel
destinations in Quintana Roo - No advisory is in effect.
San Luis Potosi: Exercise caution in the state of San Luis Potosi. U.S. government personnel may travel outside the
City of San Luis Potosi only during daylight hours on toll roads, and must return to the city of San Luis Potosi to
abide by a curfew of 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Sinaloa: Mazatlan is a major city/travel destination in Sinaloa - Defer non-essential travel to the state of Sinaloa
except the city of Mazatlan, where you should exercise caution, particularly late at night and in the early morning.
One of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations is based in the state of Sinaloa, and violent crime rates
remain high in many parts of the state. Travel off the toll roads in remote areas of Sinaloa is especially dangerous
and should be avoided. We recommend that any travel in Mazatlan be limited to Zona Dorada and the historic
town center, as well as direct routes to/from these locations and the airport.
Sonora: Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, Hermosillo, and San Carlos are major cities/travel destinations in Sonora Sonora is a key region in the international drug and human trafficking trades and can be extremely dangerous for
travelers. Travelers throughout Sonora are encouraged to limit travel to main roads during daylight hours. The
region west of Nogales, east of Sonoyta, and from Caborca north, including the towns of Saric, Tubutama, and
Altar, and the eastern edge of Sonora bordering Chihuahua, are known centers of illegal activity, and nonessential travel between these cities should be avoided. Travelers should also defer non-essential travel to the
eastern edge of the state of Sonora, which borders the state of Chihuahua (all points along that border east of the
northern city of Agua Prieta and the southern town of Alamos), and defer non-essential travel within the city of
Ciudad Obregon and south of the city of Navojoa. You should exercise caution while transiting Vicam in southern
Sonora due to roadblocks that can be instituted ad hoc by local indigenous and environmental groups. U.S.
citizens visiting Puerto Peñasco should use the Lukeville, Arizona/Sonoyta, Sonora border crossing, and limit
driving to daylight hours.
Tabasco: Villahermosa is a major city/travel destination in Tabasco- No advisory is in effect.
Tamaulipas: Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, and Tampico are major cities in Tamaulipas. Defer all nonessential travel to the state of Tamaulipas. Throughout the state violent crime, including homicide, armed
robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, extortion, and sexual assault, pose significant safety risks. State and municipal
law enforcement capacity is limited to nonexistent in many parts of Tamaulipas. Violent conflicts between rival
criminal elements and/or the Mexican military can occur in all parts of the region and at all times of the day.
Violent criminal activity occurs more frequently along the northern border. While no highway routes through
Tamaulipas are considered safe, the highways between Matamoros-Ciudad Victoria, Reynosa-Ciudad Victoria,
Ciudad Victoria-Tampico, Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros-Reynosa, and Monterrey-Reynosa, are more
prone to criminal activity. Organized criminal groups sometimes target public and private passenger buses
traveling through Tamaulipas. These groups sometimes take all passengers hostage and demand ransom
payments. In Tamaulipas, U.S. government employees are subject to movement restrictions and a curfew
between midnight and 6 a.m. Matamoros, Reynosa, Nuevo Laredo, and Ciudad Victoria have experienced
numerous gun battles and attacks with explosive devices in the past year. The number of reported kidnappings in
Tamaulipas is among the highest in Mexico, and the number of U.S. citizens reported to the consulates in
Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo as being kidnapped, abducted, or disappearing involuntarily in 2014 has also
increased.
Tlaxcala: No advisory is in effect.
Page 15 of 22
FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
Veracruz: Exercise caution when traveling in the state of Veracruz. The state of Veracruz continues to experience
violence among rival criminal organizations.
Yucatan: Merida and Chichen Itza are major cities/travel destinations in Yucatan - No advisory is in effect.
Zacatecas: Exercise caution in the state of Zacatecas. Robberies, carjacking’s, and organized criminal activity
remain a concern. U.S. government personnel may travel outside the city of Zacatecas only during daylight hours
on toll roads, and must return to the city of Zacatecas to abide by a curfew of 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Law Enforcement Operations in Villa Ahumada and
Other Areas
Other Threat / Incident; Travel Health and Safety
Western Hemisphere > Mexico > Ciudad Juarez
4/17/2015
The Consulate has learned from Mexican government sources that they are conducting law enforcement
operations in the city of Villa Ahumada, which is on Highway 45, the main route between Ciudad Juarez and the
state capital in Chihuahua City. Similar operations are reportedly underway in Cuauhtemoc and other towns in
the region. The Consulate recommends U.S. citizens follow news sources for developments regarding these
operations. The Consulate has prohibited U.S. Government personnel from traveling to or through Villa Ahumada
until these operations have ended.
Law Enforcement Operations Map
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Manta threats of Vengeance for the 4 zetas killed in Veracruz
April 21, 2015
Translated by Otis B Fly-Wheel for Borderland Beat from a Proceso article
http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2015/04/manta-threats-of-vengance-for-4-zetas.html
In a narco manta around which were three heads of pigs with death crowns, the Los Zetas Cartel pronounced that
it would take vengeance for the death of 4 presumed sicarios killed this past Tuesday the 21st in the Town of
Angel R Cabada, and the hands of elements of the Civil Forces
"What you did is not to be applauded, if you want a real meet, you can have it, but you have to leave your cave",
said the mantas that were collocated at visible points of Lerdo de Tejada and Boca del Rio.
The warning of Los Zetas against elements of the Secretary of Public Security, the Civil Forces and Police Delegate
in the region, Paulino Cortes, occurs a day after he concluded the first meeting of attorneys and prosecutors from
the South, South-East zone of the country, for acts of protocol where state and federal forces shielded various
Municipalities in the region.
This past Tuesday the 21st, four presumed sicarios were killed on the federal highway 180, in the town of Angel R
Cabada, during a confrontation that arose as a result of reconnaissance and surveillance in the area of sugar can
and livestock.
That day, having detected suspicious vehicle elements of the Civil Force saw that the driver was high, but ignored
it, at this moment the occupants of the vehicle opened fire against Civil Forces in the gun battle five criminals
were killed.
According to police officers who asked for anonymity, the narco manta is in response to the death of the alleged
Zetas.
In this past January the Commander of the Municipal Police of Lerdo de Tejada, Armando Sanchez Garibay, was
ambushed on the highway 180 by hit men that employed grenades and assault rifle fire. The Police Commander
was killed along with two members of his bodyguard.
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Town of Angel R Cabada: 4 Dead In Zeta Shootout
Police killed in battle with criminals in Chilapa
April 21, 2015
http://www.milenio.com/policia/enfrentamiento_Chilapa_Guerrero-violencia_Chilapapolicia_muerto_Chilapa_0_503949784.html
Elements of the Special Forces confronted presumed criminals in the community of Atzacoaloya; there is one
official dead and one injured, informed the Mayor Francisco Javier Garcia. Guerrero
Presumed integrands of organised crime killed a member of the Special Forces of the State Police and injured
another, in the Community of Atzacoaloya, belonging to the Town of Chilapa de Alvarez, Guerrero.
The Municipal President of Chilapa, Francisco Javier Garcia Gonzalez, informs that after the battle last night,
personnel of the Mexican Army, the Gendarmeria, and the State Police patrolled the Town and Communities to
avoid more confrontations.
While making a patrol in Atzacoaloya, elements of the Special Forces came across presumed organised criminals
and had an interchange of gunfire.In the confrontation a Policeman of the State Special Forces died, and another
officer was wounded. On the side of the criminals there are no reports of detainees or injured or dead.The Mayor
Francisco Javier Garcia travelled to Chilpancingo to apply Security reinforcements.
The Municipal President admitted that the Town in his charge is disputed by the criminal groups Los Ardillos and
Los Rojos.
Page 18 of 22
FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
Town Of Chilapa De Alvarez, Guerrerro: Police Killed In Deadly Shootout
Armed group kills 4 and wounds 5 in Morelia
April 23, 2015
http://www.borderlandbeat.com/
Morelia, Michoacán, four deaths and five injured is the balance of the attack against a group of people who were
drinking in the Jardines de Rincon Colonia, in the city of Morelia
According to preliminary Police investigations, an armed group arrived and attacked a group of people celebrating
at a house at 246 Calle Sauce, with large caliber firearms.
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FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
Until now the area is cordoned off while waiting for the Forensic Medical Services to remove the corpses. The
victims killed were one senior citizen and three young people.
The five injured were transferred immediately to a hospital in the city of Morelia; four of them are in serious
condition.
Some witnesses of the attack told Michoacán 3.0 that the armed men fired around 20 rounds, and they were in a
red Tacoma Van.
Elements of the Mexican Army arrived in three units, while the Federal Police and Civil Forces carried out an
intense operation to determine the whereabouts of the attackers.
Morelia, Michoacan: Armed Group Kills 4 and Injures 5
Page 20 of 22
FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
Gulf Cartel Violence Reminiscent of Mexico Drug War Peak
April 24, 2015
http://www.insightcrime.org/news-briefs/gulf-cartel-violence-reminiscent-of-mexico-drug-war-peak?
Violence exploded in northeastern Mexico this week following the arrest of a Gulf Cartel leader, demonstrating
the ability of drug cartels to brazenly create chaos in this hotbed of criminal activity.
On April 22, the reported capture of Jose Silvestre Haro Mayo, alias “El Chive” or “R1” -- the alleged leader of the
Gulf Cartel in Altamira, Tamaulipas -- and three of his accomplices sparked a wave of reprisal attacks across the
state, as cartel members went on a rampage in an attempt to free their leader, reported Proceso.
Violence affected the municipalities of Tampico, Madero, and Altamira, where cartel members engaged in shootouts with security forces. Dozens of vehicles were set ablaze and used as roadblocks, meant to impede the
transfer of captured cartel members to Mexico City.
According to Proceso, as many as six people are believed to have been killed in shoot-outs, with life in the
Altamira coming to a standstill. “The city was paralyzed,” an anonymous source told the news magazine. "They
had to evacuate a store, close schools, and cancel classes.”
The Mexican Marines have reportedly arrested nine suspects following the outbreak of violence. The Tamaulipas
Coordination Group, which oversees federal and state security forces, said the situation was under control,
although a state police officer had been killed. However, the capture of “El Chive” is still unconfirmed, with some
reports suggesting he remains a fugitive, and that authorities arrested one of his underlings.
The turmoil follows a similar outbreak of violence in Reynosa, Tamaulipas on April 17, where the reported capture
of another Gulf Cartel leader led to shoot-outs and roadblocks throughout the city.
The captures are said to be part of an operation that began in May 2014, in order to dismantle organized crime
networks in Tamaulipas, and has since resulted in security forces arresting 14 high-value targets in the Gulf Cartel
and the Zetas.
Page 21 of 22
FAM WEEKLY SITREP®
Altamira, Mexico: Weeks Violence Halting The City To A Standstill
Page 22 of 22

FAM WEEKLY SITREP Monday April 27, 2015

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