Trump Plans to Pardon Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, Convicted of Cocaine Trafficking in 2024

"Socalj" for Borderland Beat

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he will be pardoning former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who in 2024 was convicted for drug trafficking and weapons charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison.

The President explained his decision on social media by posting that "according to many people that I greatly respect," Hernandez was "treated very harshly and unfairly."

In March of last year, Hernandez was convicted in U.S. court of conspiring to import cocaine into the US. He had served served two terms as the leader of the Central American nation of roughly 10 million people. He had been arrested and eventually extradited in 2022 following the end of his second presidential term.

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Insecurity On The Monterrey-Reynosa Highway

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

In Nuevo León, a young man was shot in what is believed to have been an attempted robbery on the Monterrey-Reynosa Motorway in General Bravo.

A young man shot, allegedly during an attempted robbery on the Monterrey-Reynosa Highway in General Bravo, was admitted to a hospital in Ciudad Benito Juárez.

The wounded man didn’t stop when an armed group tried to steal his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, according to reports.

The assailants attacked him with gunfire.

Although it was initially reported that two people were injured, authorities only confirmed the admission of one gunshot victim to the hospital.

Jesús Orlando, 22, drove to kilometer 41 of the highway, near the El Salitre stream in Cadereyta.

The El Salitre stream runs just above Mexican Federal Highway 40. 

There he received assistance and was transported by ambulance to the hospital.

At first, authorities stated that there were no injuries in the reported robberies of motorists on the toll road.

The victim's truck remained at the scene, where it was examined by personnel from the Institute of Criminalistics and Forensic Services.

This morning, reports surfaced of new robberies on the Reynosa Highway in General Bravo.

Social media posts indicated that motorists were robbed of their vehicles and some of their belongings.

It was even mentioned that among the stolen vehicles was a unit belonging to the Attorney General's Office.

However, the Attorney General's Office neither confirmed nor denied this.

They only confirmed that a vehicle theft had occurred.

Additionally, there are reports of two more robberies, one involving a Mazda and the other a Tacoma pickup truck, which are still being investigated.

The actual distance between the towns of General Bravo and Cadereyta.

The actual distance between the towns of Cadereyta and Ciudad Benito Juárez. 

* At this time it is believed that assassins from the Cartel del Noreste are the prime suspects for this attempted robbery. 

Source: La Prensa Mx

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Carlos Manzo: One Month After The Murder, No Progress Has Been Made

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

Carlos Manzo: Stalled investigation and public concern surrounding the murder of the mayor of Uruapan.

A Month of Investigation Without Conclusive Results

Attorney General Carlos Torres Piña explained at a press conference that, nearly thirty days after the crime, the case file remains open and is still being developed. He detailed that 146 expert reports, 128 interviews, and 10 data preservation techniques have been carried out, which have allowed for the structuring of a significant part of the investigation, although without a definitive resolution.

The murder, which occurred on October 31, shook the municipality of Uruapan, not only because of the mayor's stature, but also because of the criminal operation surrounding the events, which so far has left more questions than answers.

Support from Other Prosecutor's Offices Reflects the Complexity of the Case

Due to the magnitude of the crime, the Michoacán Attorney General's Office requested support from the Nuevo León Attorney General's Office, which sent the director of homicide investigations and a team of 10 experts in criminalistics, ballistics, and forensic medicine. These specialists participated in the reconstruction of events and in essential reports to strengthen the case file.

In addition, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) also contributed a recently incorporated expert opinion. Even with this inter-institutional collaboration, concrete progress remains minimal, reflecting the difficulty in fully identifying the structure behind the murder.

Arrests and Contradictions in the Carlos Manzo Case

To date, the State Attorney General's Office (FGE) has arrested nine people in connection with the homicide. Among them are:

Seven of the mayor's own bodyguards, accused of homicide by omission.

Jorge Armando Gómez Sánchez, alias "El Licenciado," an alleged member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), identified as one of the masterminds.

Jaciel Antonio Herrera Torres, alias "El Pelón," the alleged recruiter of hitmen.

However, one of the most controversial elements of the case is the murder of Víctor Manuel Ubaldo Vidales, alias "El Niño Sicario," a 17-year-old allegedly responsible for shooting the mayor six times. He was murdered from behind, with the same weapon he used in the crime, while already being subdued by a bodyguard, identified as Demetrio “N.” This extrajudicial execution opens new lines of investigation and raises questions about police conduct.

Added to this is the discovery of the bodies of Fernando Josué Leal Aceves and Ramiro “N.”, two hitmen associated with the logistics of the attack, who were found murdered on November 10 on the Uruapan-Paracho highway. The deaths of key figures involved could further complicate the complete reconstruction of the crime.

Uruapan demands clarity and justice.

The lack of concrete progress has generated concern among the population. Civil organizations and residents demand that the investigation not remain merely a collection of documents, but rather produce verifiable results that allow them to understand who ordered the murder and what the real motive was.

The climate of tension in the municipality persists, as the case has exposed alleged links between security personnel and criminal groups, in addition to inconsistencies in the initial handling of the events. Citizens demand transparency, sanctions, and greater protection to prevent another attack of this magnitude from happening again.

One month after the assassination of Mayor Carlos Manzo, the case remains shrouded in uncertainty. Although the Prosecutor's Office has compiled hundreds of investigative reports, the motive for the crime and the identity of the main mastermind remain unclear. Arrests, the involvement of other prosecutors' offices, and expert opinions provide important pieces of evidence, but not the complete picture.

Meanwhile, Uruapan awaits firm answers and justice, in an environment marked by violence, institutional distrust, and the urgent need for security guarantees for its authorities and citizens.

Sources: La Verdad Noticias, Borderland Beat Archives

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Leaders of Los Mayas and La Chokiza Arrested For Water Theft

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

Members of the criminal cells known as Los Mayas and La Chokiza, which operate primarily in Ecatepec, were arrested this Monday as part of the second phase of Operation Caudal in the State of Mexico.

The operation continues to focus on dismantling networks dedicated to the illegal control of water trucks in 48 municipalities of the state, and with these arrests, the number of priority targets secured in this current phase has reached five.

The Attorney General's Office of the State of Mexico confirmed the arrest of Juan Manuel N., alias El Maya, identified as the leader of the group that calls itself Somos Mayas Somos Fuertes (We Are Mayas, We Are Strong) or Los Mayas, and which has also been identified as a shock group for the Union of National Unions and Organizations (USON).

Authorities have placed him at the center of route control activities in Ecatepec, Acolman, and Coacalco, where he allegedly used aggression, extortion, and impersonating law enforcement to operate unlicensed tanker trucks and subdue drivers who refused to pay protection money.

During the arrest, authorities seized handguns, ammunition, narcotics, a high-end SUV, a compact car, and clothing used to impersonate members of law enforcement agencies, as well as identifications associated with the group.

Furthermore, the Prosecutor's Office links him to staged collisions, shootings targeting drivers, and kidnappings, which were allegedly used to maintain control of routes and supply points.

Member of La Chokiza Arrested

In the same operation, Ricardo N., identified as a member of the cell known as La Chokiza, was arrested. This cell is accused of extortion and assaults against tanker truck drivers in Ecatepec.

Authorities have information on the tactics used by this group to impose extortion fees and regain control of routes through threats with firearms and direct attacks.

Transfer for Legal Security

Although “El Maya” was arrested in Ecatepec, authorities decided to transfer him to the Santiaguito prison in Almoloya de Juárez to ensure his legal security, given past cases in which members of these groups have been released by local judges. This measure aims to secure the ongoing investigation into the extortion case.

Five Arrested in the Second Phase

The arrests made between Friday and Monday bring the total to five high-priority targets apprehended in this phase.

Among them are Christian Jesús N., alias Gimy and also alias Jimmy, the sixth councilman in Chalco and identified as the leader of the self-proclaimed October 22nd Union; as well as Guillermo N. and Juan N., considered key operatives of organizations that used union fronts to illegally tap into official water connections, divert water, and sell it via unlicensed tanker trucks.

These arrests add to the map that authorities have compiled to dismantle the networks profiting from the illicit extraction and distribution of water.

Operation Caudal is a state-level deployment aimed at dismantling criminal structures linked to water theft.

Its first phase resulted in the seizure of wells, illegal connections, and tanker trucks, revealing the sources of funding used by these groups and leading to the second phase, focused on capturing their leaders and key operatives.

Ecatepec de Morelos, State of Mexico. 

Source: El Sol de Toluca

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Woman Linked to "El Chuletas" Arrested For Racketeering In Iztapalapa

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

The woman was arrested in the vicinity of the Reclusorio Oriente prison in the Iztapalapa district, where "El Chuletas" is imprisoned, allegedly after visiting him.

Officers from the Mexico City Police Department (SSC), in coordination with personnel from the Attorney General's Office (FGJ), arrested a woman in the Iztapalapa borough for the crime of aggravated extortion.

The suspect is the romantic partner of Julio Kevin Reveles López, alias "El Chuletas," leader of the criminal cell "Los Rudos," who is currently incarcerated at the Reclusorio Oriente prison.

Who is the woman arrested for extortion linked to "El Chuletas"?

The woman arrested is Olivia Aidé Peláez Escobedo, 43, who has a relationship with "El Chuletas," whose gang is involved in extortion and drug dealing in the upper part of Cuautepec, in the Gustavo A. Madero borough. 

According to the investigation, Peláez Escobedo is possibly a member of the criminal group headed by her partner. 

According to official reports, the arrest was made following several complaints of extortion and protection rackets targeting businesses in northern Mexico City.

After the investigation, authorities obtained solid and sufficient evidence to corroborate Olivia Aidé Peláez Escobedo's involvement in the crime of extortion.

Therefore, a Judge of the Criminal Procedure System issued the arrest warrant and the woman was detained.

The Gustavo A. Madero borough of Mexico City.

The Iztapalapa borough of Mexico City.

Source: El Gráfico Mx

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BOI Cell Maintains Deployment In Guachochi After Citizen Reports Of Gunfire In The Early Morning Hours

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

Authorities continue patrolling the area to identify any signs of possible violence

Early Thursday morning, reports were received of gunfire in the vicinity of the municipality of Guachochi, causing concern among residents of nearby communities. The reports indicated that the alleged gunfire occurred around midnight and lasted for several minutes.

To date, no formal complaints have been filed by authorities, nor is there an official report confirming a crime related to these reports. However, the citizen reports triggered verification protocols by security forces operating in the region.

Given this situation, the Interinstitutional Operations Bases (BOI) are maintaining an active deployment in the area surrounding the municipality, with the objective of detecting any possible evidence that might clarify whether a security incident occurred. The patrols cover rural roads, trails, and access routes that could be linked to the reported activity.

Authorities reported that these types of operations are part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen security in the mountainous region, especially when citizen reports are received that, while unconfirmed, require immediate follow-up to rule out situations that could endanger the population.

According to preliminary information, the members of the Special Operations Brigade (BOI) are continuing to interview residents in the surrounding area to gather testimonies that will help determine if there were any explosions and, if so, where they might have originated.

The deployment also includes surveillance at strategic points where incidents have previously been reported, in order to ensure that there is no suspicious activity or unusual movement throughout the day.

Authorities urged the public to directly report any situation they consider relevant, as early confirmation of information allows for more effective action and ensures community safety.

Although no evidence of a violent event has been found so far, the corporations that make up the BOI are maintaining the search and surveillance operation in the area, and urged residents to stay informed only through official sources.

Guachochi, Chihuahua

Source: El Sol de Parral

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Truth Or Consequences With The Mayiza Cartel

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

The ongoing Sinaloa civil war is still raging away with no end in sight. Borderland Beats' very own writer Char has provided us with some videos from that conflict that show a disturbing strategy that’s being used by assassins under the command of Ismael Zambada Sicairos. 

As Mayiza enforcers, it’s their job to not just capture every Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) operative they can. But also to ensure that they never return to any future battle. 

One of the consequences for enemies who aren’t killed immediately during the war comes with an ugly burden. If luck happens to favor any enslaved male, they get their eyes removed. The only thing they have to deal with afterwards is finding someone to provide them with lifelong care because of their condition. The other is a grotesque death immortalized on film for all to see. 

Each end result comes down to the whims of their captors. 

‘Que Somos De Guerra’ by Panter Bélico is the name of the song that’s playing in this video. 

‘Los Cabrera Sarabia’ by Midnight Gent is the song that’s playing in this video  

‘El Encargo 2.0’ by Arley Pérez is the song that’s playing in this video.

Source: Ivan’s Daily News

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Does Anyone Know Who Governs Chihuahua?

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

Guachochi experiences a terrifying dawn with bursts of gunfire and grenade explosions

 

The city experienced another night of terror.

 

Bursts of gunfire and grenade explosions were constant in the early hours of the morning.

 

Reports suggest that the military repelled an armed attack.

 

Citizens reported seeing several vehicles with armed civilians in the central streets and in the CBTA area, the perimeter ring and the CAAPS (Advanced Primary Care Centre).

 

There were also reports of military mobilisation and several bursts of high-calibre gunfire, which could indicate a confrontation between armed civilians and the army.

 

Facebook and WhatsApp were used to alert the population to a curfew, as the safety of anyone on the streets after 9 p.m. couldn’t be guaranteed.

 

Telephone and Internet service was cut off. There is no official information from the authorities or on the outcome of the shooting.

Guachochi, Chihuahua

Source: La Polaka

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FBI's Most Wanted Trafficker Ryan Wedding Part 3: 'Cocaine Lawyer' Deepak Paradkar Arrested

"Socalj" for Borderland Beat
From a Globe & Mail Article

According to the evidence filed in court, the Wedding organization relied on the services of a particularly motivated corrupt lawyer, whose role was of great importance.

This Ontario lawyer, Deepak Paradkar, worked directly under Ryan Wedding and was responsible for investigating drivers and circumstances in cases where their cocaine shipments were seized by authorities, procuring new transportation routes for Wedding, and paying lawyers in Canada and the United States to find out if any traffickers in the organization arrested by police were cooperating with authorities.

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For $270, Colombian Hitman Kills A 15-Year Who Was Forced to Sell Drugs in Tulum, Quintana Roo

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

A Colombian hitman has been arrested for the killing of a 15-year old boy who was forcibly recruited to work as a drug dealer in Tulum, Quintana Roo. The hitman was paid $5,000 pesos, or 270 US dollars, by a drug gang for the killing. 

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Zacatecas Police Arrest Four San Luis Potosi Cops for Dumping Seven Corpses Near Zacatecas Border

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

A Zacatecas special police unit arrested four Guardia Civil officers from the neighboring San Luis Potosi under suspicion of attempting to hide seven corpses in Villa de Cos, Zacatecas on Sunday night.

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El Mayo Zambada's Operator Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering in the United States

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

El Mayo Zambada's Operator Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering in the United States

Before US authorities, Lupe Tapia admitted his guilt for crimes related to drug trafficking.

José Guadalupe Tapia Quintero, identified as an operator for Ismael 'El Mayo Zambada', pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges in a US court.

According to reports, on 17 November, during a hearing in an Arizona court, José Guadalupe Tapia Quintero, alias 'Lupe Tapia', admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and conducting transactions with money from illicit sources.

Lupe Tapia, an operator for El Mayo Zambada, pleaded guilty before US authorities to drug trafficking and money laundering offences committed as a member of the Sinaloa Cartel.

According to his testimony, between December 2006 and March 2012, he was responsible for transporting and distributing methamphetamine and other substances from Mexico to Arizona in the United States.

In addition, he distributed the money obtained from these operations among various properties in Arizona and other locations, from where it was managed and sent to Mexico to be used in the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Who is José Guadalupe Tapia Quintero?

The United States stated that Lupe Tapia could face a life sentence for drug trafficking, while for money laundering he could receive up to 20 years in prison.

However, the former operator of El Mayo Zambada could face fines ranging from $10 billion to $500,000 per offence, respectively.

Source: SDP Noticias

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SEMAR and FGR Dismantle Criminal Network That Trafficked Drugs at Airports in Tijuana and Mexico City

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

Elements of the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) and the Attorney General's Office (FGR) dismantled a criminal network that used commercial flights to traffic drugs from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to Tijuana, Baja California, evading security controls.

On November 21, 2025, personnel from the Naval Airport Protection Unit arrested four people at Terminal 2 of AICM who were carrying several packages of cocaine. During the operation, the FGR seized 271 packages weighing approximately 270 kilograms of cocaine, two vans, and four cell phones that the criminal cell used to coordinate the trafficking.

The SEMAR and the FGR identified, through field and intelligence work, the existence of a network that took advantage of the dynamics of commercial flights to move shipments to Tijuana without undergoing the required X-ray inspections or completing the necessary shipping procedures.

The four detainees were informed of their constitutional rights and placed at the disposal of the corresponding ministerial authorities, who will determine their legal status. The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) estimated that the drug seizure represented an economic blow of 92,048,498 pesos to organized crime.

The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) and the Attorney General's Office (FGR) reiterated that they will continue coordinated operations to curb drug trafficking through airport infrastructure and reinforce security at one of the busiest air terminals in the country.

Tijuana, Baja California 

Source: Zeta Tijuana

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Clash in Acambay Leaves One State Police Officer Dead and 12 Arrested

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

The incident occurred during an operation to recover a stolen cargo truck. The State of Mexico Security Secretariat (SSEM) and the National Guard were attacked in the community of La Loma, where long guns, handguns, and the stolen vehicle were seized.

One state police officer was killed and 12 municipal police officers were arrested following an armed confrontation in the early hours of Sunday in Acambay. Members of the SSEM and the National Guard were attacked while conducting an operation to recover a stolen cargo truck.

Attack in the Community of La Loma

According to information from the SSEM, an alert regarding the theft of a cargo truck led to a joint deployment of state police and the National Guard. Upon arriving in the community of La Loma, where the stolen vehicle was located, the officers were fired upon, forcing them to return fire in accordance with the legitimate use of force.

In the midst of the exchange, one state police officer was killed and four other members of both agencies were wounded. All were taken to a hospital and are out of danger, according to the official report.

The fallen officer was identified as Jair Ernesto, assigned to the Special Security Force (FES), while the wounded include a member of the Special Security Force (FES) and a member of the Action and Reaction Force (FAR) from the Jilotepec region.

Two members of the National Guard were also wounded and were later transferred to a military hospital in Mexico City. All were taken to a hospital and are out of danger, according to the official report.

Eight rifles, six handguns, and the cargo truck previously reported stolen were seized at the scene.

Several municipal police patrol cars with bullet holes were also found at the scene, along with the Bronco SUV and the trailer that was transporting the Razer-type vehicle.

The area remained under guard while initial investigations were carried out and shell casings were collected from various locations.

Arrest of 12 Municipal Police Officers

After containing the attack, state and federal agents arrested 12 men who identified themselves as municipal police officers from Acambay.

The detainees were taken to the Public Prosecutor's Office along with the seized weapons to determine their legal status and establish their possible involvement in the attack.

The Attorney General's Office of the State of Mexico opened an investigation to clarify how the confrontation began and the connection between the attackers and the cargo truck robbery.

Context Following the Arrest of the Former Police Chief

The Acambay municipal police force remains under scrutiny after its former chief, Eulises “N”, was arrested during Operation Swarm and recently sentenced to more than 100 years in prison for forced disappearance and extortion.

The capture of the former commander weakened the local structure and left open several lines of investigation into the internal workings of the municipal police.

Twelve municipal police officers were arrested following the armed confrontation in Acambay. 

La Loma, State of Mexico

Villa de Acambay de Ruíz Castañeda is also informally known as Acambay.

Source: El Sol de Toluca

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FBI's Most Wanted Trafficker Ryan James Wedding Part 2: Canadian Gang Leader, Lawyer & Blogger Arrested in Killing of FBI Informant

 "Socalj" for Borderland Beat

In new indictments announced, Wedding is accused of ordering the murder of a federal witness. “The witness was gunned down at a restaurant in Medellín before he could testify against Wedding,” US Attorney General Pam Bondi said.

According to the new indictment, Wedding had the help of accomplices in several countries, including a woman in Colombia who claimed to have contacts within the cartels and authorities capable of tracking cell phones. 

Another accomplice was a woman whose mission was to lure the victim to a specific location. In exchange, Wedding's money launderers paid for her mortgage and for cosmetic surgery.

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