By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Two women and three men were shot and killed, while another person was wounded, on Sunday afternoon in Ciénega de Flores, Nuevo León. News media reported that the site may have used as a drug dealing point.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Security Reinforced on Aldama-Ojinaga Highway with 40 Additional State Police Officers
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
According to Ricardo Realivazquez Domínguez, Undersecretary of Police Deployment for the State Public Security Secretariat (SSPE), within a 10-day span—following the assignment of 40 additional officers to patrol the highway stretch running from Aldama to Ojinaga—authorities have seized six stolen vehicles (two of which were burned out) and dismantled several encampments and a ranch that criminal groups were using as temporary operational bases.
This action was taken in response to reports filed on April 22, in which seven vehicles were stolen—in separate incidents involving the use of violence—at various points along the route. Consequently, starting from that date, the permanent patrol presence of these 40 SSPE officers—specifically drawn from the SWAT unit—was added to the ongoing operations conducted by the Inter-institutional Operations Bases (BOI).
"We currently have around 40 officers deployed for this operation; however, it is important to highlight the existing coordination with the National Defense Secretariat, the National Guard, the municipal police forces of both Aldama and Ojinaga, and the State Investigation Agency," he stated in an interview with *El Heraldo de Chihuahua*, emphasizing that the reinforcement provided by these 40 officers has yielded significant results.
In this regard, he noted that among the results achieved in recent days—specifically concerning the report regarding the seven vehicles stolen at various locations and incidents along the Aldama-Ojinaga corridor—key highlights include the seizure of several vehicles reported stolen in the United States, as well as two additional burned-out vehicles, which are currently undergoing forensic testing to determine if they were linked to any criminal activity. As a result of said operation, SSPE special forces were attacked by armed men who opened fire on the officers using .50-caliber weapons. Consequently—once the state police officers managed to call for backup—they withdrew to safety.
Another highlight noted by Realivazquez Domínguez was the seizure of two encampments located in the desert region connecting Aldama with Coyame and Ojinaga; these sites were used for the temporary or permanent housing of organized crime groups. “We also have a record of weapons seizures dating back to before this recent period,” he added.
One of the most recent interventions took place on April 28, when—through inter-agency collaboration with the National Guard and the Mexican Army—authorities seized a vehicle featuring improvised armor plating, along with a firearm and tactical gear, in the locality of Chorreras, within the municipality of Aldama. During the deployment, personnel cleared 27 caltrops from the roadway, thereby allowing surveillance operations to proceed safely.
While en route, officers located a gray Dodge Ram pickup truck that appeared to have been abandoned. Upon inspection, they confirmed that the vehicle was fitted with improvised armor; inside, they discovered a long gun, a tactical vest, a magazine pouch, and live ammunition of various calibers.
Following this seizure, officers located a nearby encampment—presumably used for “spotting” (surveillance for criminal groups)—where they found provisions, clothing, and tactical footwear. The site was subsequently dismantled by security forces.
Prior to the arrival of the 40-officer reinforcement contingent, on April 10, another criminal encampment was located and dismantled—resulting in the seizure of tactical gear—by the SSPE’s Deployment Police, acting in inter-agency collaboration within the municipality of Aldama, near the junction leading to the communal land of Chorreras.
The site was pinpointed during an operation supported by a helicopter, from which the encampment was detected situated atop a hill. Subsequently, on land, agents seized 10 rifle magazines, 20 live rounds, two magazine pouches, a portable solar panel, and a portable radio charger. As a result of this discovery, an operation was deployed in Chorreras and the surrounding areas to locate and apprehend potential instigators of violence in the region.
Chihuahua, Mexico
Chorreras, Chihuahua
Source: El Heraldo de Chihuahua
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Lead By Example Instead Of Making Excuses
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Two members from the Mayito Flaco mob find themselves being questioned under duress during daylight hours. Enforcers under the command of Ivan Archivaldo want to clarify certain details about the area before executing them.
The communities of Imala, Ayuné, El Pozo, Tomo, Tachinolpa, El Guasimal, and Valle del Agua are mentioned on film. All are situated northeast of Culiacán. Along with this, so is the Los Angeles neighborhood for the capital city of Sinaloa. Every locality has or had enemy combatants there.
An alleged two weeks on the job were made by the older gentleman. While his young counterpart claims a whole year. Both allegedly met up in the area for the consumption of crystal meth.
What all they have to say doesn’t matter as much as the seriousness of the matter. The two men already know that regardless of how much they try to stall the Chapiza enforcers. Both are eventually going to die.
The communities of El Pozo, Tomo, and Tachinolpa in Sinaloa.
The Los Angeles neighborhood of Culiacán, Sinaloa
Source: Anonymous
Why Is It So Dangerous To Tell The Truth In Mexico?
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Stop for a second, because what you are about to see—there are those who would prefer it didn't exist. May 3rd: World Press Freedom Day. A day that sounds like an established right—yet in Mexico, it is lived out amidst grave danger.
Today, press freedom is commemorated in a country where telling the truth can cost you your life; where stories vanish if no one steps up to tell them.
"I want my daughter because she was admitted here, and she has to be released from here."
Disappearances, corruption, violence—realities that those in power often attempt to conceal
"Tomorrow marks three months of this corruption that kills regarding the derailment of the interoceanic train."
But when someone decides to tell the story, everything changes.
"The corruption witnessed here is truly staggering—and it was all captured on camera."
For the truth doesn’t simply appear on its own; it is investigated, it is documented, and today—more than ever—it is shared.
"They took them alive. We want them back alive."
This May 3rd isn’t just about journalists.
"The Izaguirre Ranch in Techutlán, Jalisco: it isn’t merely a criminal extermination site. It also bears signs that the very notions of truth and justice are being systematically eradicated."
It’s about everyone who chooses not to remain silent.
"Even if it’s just a tiny bone—a single fragment to hold onto—it means knowing that they are there. Why are a man and a woman so weary? They are the parents of those caught up in the reality we are currently enduring."
It’s about those who transform their pain into a public outcry.
"Maricela Escobedo had become a social activist, demanding justice from the authorities."
Press freedom is not merely a concept; it is the force that renders the truth visible.
"I came to confront the government. We do not want their dictatorship—we do not want it.”
In view of this, the truth must be told, every single day. What do you think? Without a free press, would we know everything that’s going on, or just what they want us to know?
Source: Azteca Noticias
Saturday, May 2, 2026
"El Pío," the Son of "El Balta" and a Associate of Mayo Zambada, Has Been Arrested
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Federal forces arrested José Porfirio Díaz Medina alias El Pío, son of the Sinaloan drug trafficker Baltasar Díaz Vega, yesterday, Thursday. Who died in March 1988 during a shootout recorded in Mexico City, in which two judicial police officers died.
According to official information, the arrest took place in the vicinity of a food business identified as the taqueria La Pasada on the Los Mochis Topolobampo highway, in the Las Misiones residential area, in the city of Los Mochis, without any major incidents being reported.
He was wanted by Interpol. However, so far the sources consulted do not publicly detail the specific charges for which he was wanted, nor the country that would have requested international collaboration through Interpol.
After his capture, José Porfirio Díaz Medina was placed at the disposal of the Federal Public Ministry, remaining under custody in the facilities of the Attorney General's Office with headquarters in Los Mochis.
His father, Baltasar Díaz Vega, is identified as a drug trafficker during the 1980s. In journalistic archives, Díaz Vega, aka El Balta, appears linked to the historical context of Ismael El Mayo Zambada, founder of the Sinaloa cartel.
The name of Baltasar Díaz Vega has been cited in journalistic investigations about the alliances that were part of the historical configuration of the Sinaloa cartel. Rio Doce noted that, following the fragmentation of the old Guadalajara Cartel, Zambada allied with Díaz Vega, with whom he maintained a relationship of confidant and political kinship.
He was born on the El Zapote ranch in the municipality of Badiraguato. He was a cattleman and businessman, in addition to engaging in illicit activities for decades.
His story inspired the narco ballad "Se Le Peló Baltazar." This song, performed by artists such as Valentín Elizalde and groups like La Arrolladora Banda El Limón, tells the story of the episode in which Díaz Vega managed to evade the authorities when they tried to arrest him at his ranch.
Source: Grillonautas 2
Samuel García's Family Business Laundered Over a Billion: The Attorney General's Office is Already Investigating
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
More than 1 billion pesos allegedly passed through the law firm belonging to Samuel García’s family as part of a scheme that is now under investigation by the Attorney General's Office. The accusations suggest that the Governor of Nuevo León utilized this legal and tax firm—a business linked to his family—as a central mechanism to capture public funds and redirect them for his own personal benefit.
According to the allegations, money flowed out of various state agencies, public bodies, and contracting firms, subsequently passing through several intermediaries before ultimately landing in the firm's accounts. The use of intermediary companies allegedly served to facilitate the movement of funds while obscuring a direct financial trail.
Among the firm's principal shareholders are Samuel Orlando García Mascorro, the Governor's father, and Samuel Orlando García Villarreal, his half-brother. Consequently, the Governor's inner circle now finds itself at the very center of the investigation. One of the initial financial trails identifies state government payments totaling nearly 965 million pesos to *Suministros Mir*; after passing through other companies, 203 million pesos allegedly ended up in the legal and tax firm.
However, this wasn’t the only such operation. Another financial trail points to payments of 243 million pesos to *Axat Latam*, of which nearly 63 million pesos allegedly flowed back—once again—to the same family firm. Yet, the largest case appears to be linked to public works and mobility projects within Nuevo León.
In this instance, payments exceeding 5.851 billion pesos were reportedly made to *Infraestructura y Construcciones de Nuevo León*. These funds subsequently allegedly followed another corporate chain before circling back to the core of the scheme.
Later on, a portion of this money was transferred—first in a sum of 385 million pesos, followed by a second transfer of 700 million pesos—to the aforementioned firm; a fourth financial trail has also come to light.
This final route involves funds allocated to the *El Cuchillo* Aqueduct project and the *Sistema Integral para el Manejo Ecológico y Procesamiento de Desechos de Nuevo León* (Comprehensive System for Ecological Management and Waste Processing). In that specific case, payments totaling 154 million pesos ultimately resulted in transfers exceeding 77 million pesos directed toward the legal and tax firm.
According to the investigation, once the resources were consolidated, the funds were allegedly dispersed into a family trust, land, and real estate assets, involving transfers exceeding 1 billion pesos. Subsequently, a portion of these funds was reportedly sent to various jurisdictions—including the United States—with the aim of hindering their traceability and concealing their origin.
Samuel García transitioned from being one of the rising young stars of Mexican politics and a leading figure within the Movimiento Ciudadano party to becoming one of the country's most high-profile governors. His public image was carefully crafted to represent a new political generation—one with national aspirations and a strong social media presence, shared alongside Mariana Rodríguez.
Consequently, an investigation of this magnitude would not only place his administration in Nuevo León under intense pressure but could also damage his public image, jeopardize his future political ambitions, and prove to be the most significant crisis of his entire political career.
Source: El Financiero Bloomberg
Seven Bodies Found on the Border Between Zacatecas and Aguascalientes
"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat
They were left this Friday morning in the community of Mesillas, within the Aguascalientes municipality of Tepezalá.
Seven bodies were abandoned in the locality of Mesilla, within the municipality of Tepezalá in Aguascalientes, situated right on the border with the state of Zacatecas. The bodies bore gunshot wounds.
The five men and two women were discovered this Friday morning—an incident that mobilized security forces. They were found in the immediate vicinity of the Zacatecas municipality of Luis Moya.
Reports circulating on social media and in digital media outlets suggested that the victims may have been murdered within Zacatecas territory and subsequently dumped in Aguascalientes.
Following the discovery, the State Roundtable for Peacebuilding and Security—an initiative of the Zacatecas government—announced that permanent coordination is being maintained among federal, state, and municipal authorities.
"From the very first moment, security institutions across all three levels of government have been working inter-institutionally and in close communication with authorities from the state of Aguascalientes, carrying out joint operations aimed at shedding light on the violent events recorded during the early hours of this day," the agency stated.
Furthermore, the agency indicated that law enforcement forces have been deployed to the area. This operational deployment is accompanied by an institutional presence, as well as ongoing surveillance, intelligence gathering, and investigative efforts, all with the objective of apprehending those responsible for these acts that disrupt the tranquility of society.
Finally, the agency reiterated its commitment to "continue working jointly to preserve security, peace, and the rule of law."
Mesillas, Aguascalientes
Source: Express Zacatecas
Friday, May 1, 2026
"Gringo Cartels": How Drug Gangs Operate in the U.S.
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Throughout the 20th century, the United States was home to major organized crime bosses. Figures like Al Capone and John Gotti built illicit empires and dominated the headlines. But in their wake, the country lacked a single, dominant kingpin in the illicit drug trade.
This leads us to ask: given that the United States is one of the world's largest drug markets, why is there no single "capo" like "El Chapo"—nor any major cartels—comparable to those found in Latin America?
In this video, we explain who is *really* selling drugs inside the United States—and why they are rarely discussed. A few months ago, a scene unfolded in a New York federal court that captured the world's attention.
Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada—one of the historic leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel—pleaded guilty. He admitted that, for decades, he had trafficked massive quantities of drugs into the United States.
For U.S. authorities, this marked a historic victory. Pam Bondi—a former U.S. Attorney General—highlighted a message that authorities in this country repeat time and again: major Latin American cartels are the ones responsible for flooding the United States with drugs.
However, this narrative leaves out an essential part of the system. The United States is not merely the final destination; it is one of the world's largest drug markets. And for that market to function, someone must handle everything that happens once the drugs cross the border: distributing the drugs domestically, selling them on the streets... and managing the money.
And this is where, according to some experts, local organizations play a significant role. But the question remains: do "American cartels" actually exist? According to an FBI report, there are more than 30,000 gangs operating in the United States, with an estimated 1.4 million members.
Some of these groups include the Arizona Mexican Mafia, Barrio Azteca, the Border Brothers, the Hells Angels, and the Latin Kings—to name just a few. There are those who argue that these groups could, in fact, be classified as cartels.
"American cartels are similar to those in Colombia, Mexico, and Central America. The reality is that the world... has grown accustomed to the narrative put forth by the United States—specifically the federal government—that cartels exist elsewhere, but never within its own territory. And that was true until a few years ago, when, thanks to the cunning of Mexican cartels, they eventually learned just how dangerous it can be to operate within the United States. They remain the primary wholesale suppliers of narcotics to the U.S.; however, for decades now, American citizens have been involved in the sale, transport, distribution, and money laundering associated with these illicit drugs.”
Although Esquivel believes that it doesn’t serve the interests of officials at the DEA and other government agencies to speak of “American cartels.”
“If the United States were to acknowledge them as such... it would lose the political leverage needed to pressure other nations—such as Mexico, currently facing Donald Trump’s threat of a military invasion to combat drug trafficking. What they don’t want to discuss are two very simple things: First, that they already have cartels operating domestically; and second, that they neglected a public health and education crisis that has now ballooned into a massive problem—one that is incredibly difficult to halt.”
Nevertheless, there are those who don’t believe that the organizations operating within the U.S. can be compared to their Latin American cartel counterparts. Primarily, this is due to their differing methods of operation.
According to Steven Dudley of Insight Crime, gangs in the United States lack the power to corrupt authorities in the way that occurs in Latin America. He believes that their connections with law enforcement—as well as with political and economic elites—are minimal, and that they possess scant capacity to challenge the State's monopoly on power.
The second factor is their structure. There is no single "boss of bosses" controlling everything. Instead, they operate as independent cells: each group has its own leaders, its own rules, and its own modus operandi. Their dominion is far more fragmented.
They control neighborhoods, streets, and even street corners. This makes them more difficult to dismantle; if one cell falls, others continue to operate. Furthermore, according to some experts, they owe no "loyalty" to any specific supplier; they simply do business with whoever offers the best terms. This affords them both flexibility and power.
But let us return to the initial question: Why is there no major American drug lord? According to experts, it’s not in criminal leaders' best interest to seek notoriety. The United States features a robust presence of law enforcement agencies and police forces, as well as severe penalties that would easily strip them of their illicit gains. Added to this is the fact that the very structure of the gang-based criminal system does not require a single "capo" to function.
"In the United States, there is no single cartel capo—precisely because the Italian Mafia, which held sway in the U.S. during the early part of the last century, provided a clear example that a lone boss cannot last. Sooner or later, he will fall, and his organization will be dismantled—just as happened with Al Capone."
Indeed, avoiding high-profile visibility is an advantage: the lower the profile, the lower the risk. Yet, setting these considerations aside, the fact remains that—far from subsiding—drug consumption in the United States has actually increased over the past few decades. And cartels from Latin America, Asia, and other parts of the world continue to serve as the primary suppliers.
Source: BBC News Mundo
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Casualties Reported after Clash Between Armed Groups in Chiapas
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Two are dead and several others were wounded after a shootout between two armed groups on a rural highway in central Chiapas.
Two are dead and several others were wounded after a shootout between two armed groups on a rural highway in central Chiapas.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
US Charges Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya and Other Mexican Politicians for Drug Trafficking
"Socalj" for Borderland Beat
The United States Department of Justice indicted the Governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya , as well as nine other Mexican officials, on drug and weapons-related crimes linked to the Sinaloa Cartel .
Among those accused are current and former high-ranking officials from both the government and law enforcement agencies of the state of Sinaloa, who are accused of associating with the Sinaloa Cartel to distribute large quantities of drugs to the United States.
 |
The United States Department of Justice indicted the Governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya , as well as nine other Mexican officials, on drug and weapons-related crimes linked to the Sinaloa Cartel .
Among those accused are current and former high-ranking officials from both the government and law enforcement agencies of the state of Sinaloa, who are accused of associating with the Sinaloa Cartel to distribute large quantities of drugs to the United States.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
CJNG's El Jardinero Captured in Nayarit
By "Karamazov" for Borderland Beat
On April 27, 2026, Audias Flores Silva, known as “El Jardinero,” was apprehended during a surgical military operation in the state of Nayarit carried out by the Mexican Navy’s Special Forces (SEMAR) without any reported fatalities. This operation was executed after 19 months of surveillance by the naval intelligence unit, beginning in October 2024 in coordination with U.S. and Mexican agencies.
Police Officer Killed and Another Wounded in Pinos
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Following the armed assault, security forces launched an operation in that area of the state of Zacatecas.
The State Roundtable for Peacebuilding and Security reported that, in the early hours of this Saturday, while officers from the Zacatecas Immediate Reaction Force (FRIZ) and local police were conducting crime prevention and deterrence patrols in this jurisdiction, they came under armed attack. During the incident, a member of the Municipal Police lost his life, and an officer from the State Police sustained injuries.
The attack took place on State Highway 144, along the Pinos–Ojuelos stretch, near the community of El Obraje, where the security agencies were carrying out their operational duties.
The assault was repelled, and the attackers fled the scene; however, authorities stated that they acted in accordance with established protocols to safeguard the safety of both the personnel involved and the general population.
As a result of these events, two officers were wounded and subsequently transported to receive medical attention.
It was later confirmed that one of the officers—a member of the Municipal Police—died in the line of duty, while the FRIZ officer is reported to be in stable condition and continues to receive medical care.
Following the incident, a security operation remains in effect in the area, involving the coordinated participation of authorities from all three levels of government. These agencies include the Zacatecas Immediate Reaction Force, the Mexican Army, the National Guard, and the State Attorney General's Office of Zacatecas—specifically through its Investigative Police division—all working to locate those responsible for the attack.
Pinos, Zacatecas
Source: Express Zacatecas
Monday, April 27, 2026
Reynosa Wakes to Narco Blockades After Capture of Regional Metros Officer
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Early this morning, members of Los Metros were highly active across Reynosa, burning tires in roadways, deploying tire spikes, destroying government security cameras, and setting fire to a tire repair shop, in response to a government operation which captured a regional boss.
Early this morning, members of Los Metros were highly active across Reynosa, burning tires in roadways, deploying tire spikes, destroying government security cameras, and setting fire to a tire repair shop, in response to a government operation which captured a regional boss.
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Up Close And Personal With Death Dealers
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
A spirited conversation is underway between enforcers from the Chapitos and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, aka the Special Forces Union (FEU).
The sum and substance of what all they have to say centers on mockery for the fallen members from the Cabrera/Mayito Flaco alliance.
Information released with this broadcast stated that the captives had their eyes removed beforehand. What was recorded on film is the removal of a corpse’s head and the dismemberment of his limbs.
Two assassins work in sync with each other for the job. One employs a fixed-blade knife while the other makes good use of a long machete.
Sinaloa, México
Source: Anonymous
Friday, April 24, 2026
Heavy Military Operation Against Gente del Guano in the Golden Triangle
By "Karamazov" for Borderland Beat
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, a major military operation took place in El Durazno, Tamazula, Durango—an area heavily contested by drug trafficking organizations within the so-called Golden Triangle. Initial reports claimed that Aureliano Guzmán Loera (“El Guano”) had been captured, but authorities later clarified he was not detained, although several others were arrested.
