FAM WEEKLY SITREP® Assessed Location: US-Mexico border … WEEKLY SITREP® FOCUSED ON THE US-MEXICO...

FAM WEEKLY SITREP®

FOCUSED ON THE US-MEXICO BORDERS OF TEXAS AND CALIFORNIA

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Date: Monday April 27, 2015 FAM WEEKLY SITREP® Assessed Location: US-Mexico border of California/neighboring cities. City and State

Risk Levels

1.San Diego, California

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. Sinaloa Cartel - Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico along with the Gulf Cartel. 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 escalation of violence reported.

Date: Monday April 27, 2015 FAM WEEKLY SITREP® Assessed Location: US-Mexico border of Texas/neighboring cities. City and State

Risk Levels

1. El Paso, Texas

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. 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. 2. Gulf Cartel – Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico and has an alliance with the Tijuana Cartel. 3. 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. 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. 2. Gulf Cartel – Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico and has an alliance with the Tijuana Cartel. 3. 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 in Fabens, Texas. No escalation of violence reported.

3. Fort Hancock, Texas

LOW-MODERATE THREAT: 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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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. 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. 2. Gulf Cartel – Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico and has an alliance with the Tijuana Cartel.

Smuggling large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and significant quantities of heroin monthly into the United States.

3. 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 in Fort Hancock, Texas. No escalation of violence reported.

City and State

Risk Levels

4. Del Rio, Texas

LOW-MODERATE THREAT: 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: Zetas Cartel - Well-armed security enforcers. Duties include protective security of high-ranking


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. Zetas Cartel - Well-armed security enforcers. Duties include protective security of high-ranking


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

Risk Levels

7. Falcon Heights, Texas

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 Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, Tamaulipas are as follows: 1. Sinaloa Cartel - Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico along with the Gulf Cartel. 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. Gulf Cartel – Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico and has an alliance with the Tijuana Cartel.

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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

Risk Levels

9. Rio Grande City, Texas

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

“capital” Ciudad Juarez located in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. 2. Gulf Cartel– Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico and has an alliance with the Tijuana Cartel.


3. Zetas Cartel - Well-armed security enforcers. Duties include protective security of high-ranking


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. Rio Grande City, Texas

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: Zetas Cartel - Well-armed security enforcers. Duties include protective security of high-ranking


Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment. TLos Ebanos, Texas

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City and State

Risk Levels

11. Mission, Texas

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. Zetas Cartel - Well-armed security enforcers. Duties include protective security of high-ranking


2. Gulf Cartel – Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico and has an alliance with the Tijuana Cartel.

Smuggling large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and significant quantities of heroin 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 . The Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations that we are tracking in

Zetas Cartel - Well-armed security enforcers. Duties include protective security of high-ranking


2. Gulf Cartel– Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico and has an alliance with the Tijuana Cartel.


Conditions: Conditions in Hidalgo, Texas

City and State

Risk Levels

13. Pharr, Texas

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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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. Zetas Cartel - Well-armed security enforcers. Duties include protective security of high-ranking


2. Gulf Cartel– Controls the bulk of the drug trade in Mexico and has an alliance with the Tijuana Cartel. Smuggling large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and significant quantities of heroin monthly into the United States.

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. 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 both as successful international narcotics traffickers and highly competent executioners.


Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment. 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. Zetas Cartel - Well-armed security enforcers. Duties include protective security of high-ranking



Conditions: Conditions remain fairly unchanged over the last assessment. Progreso, Texas

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City and State

Risk Levels

16. Los Indios, Texas

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. 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 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. Zetas Cartel - Well-armed security enforcers. Duties include protective security of high-ranking




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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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. 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 Jesús Salas Aguayo’s capture.

Gastelum Serrano (Sinaloa Cartel)

On Saturday April 11, 2015 Gastelum Serrano a leader of the Sinaloa 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 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 Assessment:

Monday May 04, 2015

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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 syndicates, criminals and/or drug trafficking activity. Human injury or death possible in this area.

HIGH THREAT: High-scale drugs syndicates, criminals and/or drug trafficking 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 syndicates, criminals and/or drug trafficking 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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Location: Mexico

Prepared: April 27th

, 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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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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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 non-essential 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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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 non-essential 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 non-essential 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.

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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.

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2015/04/manta-threats-of-vengance-for-4-zetas.html

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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_Chilapa-policia_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.

http://www.milenio.com/policia/enfrentamiento_Chilapa_Guerrero-violencia_Chilapa-policia_muerto_Chilapa_0_503949784.html

http://www.milenio.com/policia/enfrentamiento_Chilapa_Guerrero-violencia_Chilapa-policia_muerto_Chilapa_0_503949784.html

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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.

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/

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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

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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 shoot-outs 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.

http://www.insightcrime.org/news-briefs/gulf-cartel-violence-reminiscent-of-mexico-drug-war-peak

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Altamira, Mexico: Weeks Violence Halting The City To A Standstill

FAM WEEKLY SITREP® Assessed Location: US-Mexico border … WEEKLY SITREP® FOCUSED ON THE US-MEXICO...

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