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Michael Webster: Investigative Reporter may 1, 2008 8:00 PM PDT The overwhelming influence and power of drug cartels in Mexico, the Mexican organizations trafficking in drugs and criminal gangs in Mexico and the United States. They have emerged in recent years, as the most dangerous and politically influential drug traffickers in the Western Hemisphere, if not the world. The Mexican cartels existed for some time, they have increasingly dominated by the disappearance of the cartels of Medellin and Cali in Colombia and came to the U.S. illegally Market for drugs and other criminal enterprises. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, Mexican cartels are “ predominant smugglers, transporters and distributors of cocaine, marijuana, Heroin and methamphetamine produced in Mexico, the United States “and” extend their control over the distribution of these drugs in areas controlled by Colombia and the Dominican criminal groups, and now everyone thinks the United States. In addition to drug trafficking cartels have been linked to the illegal trade in exotic weapons, terrorists and These products are subsequently laundered through seemingly legitimate local Companies. . Cartels, criminal gangs who work for them have been involved in kidnappings and Military-style training camp have indicated that, on the border with the United States FBI Director Robert Mueller described U.S. ties as “more organized, more violent and more widespread than ever before. “The Justice Department It is estimated that approximately 30,000 gangs with over 800,000 members U.S. Mueller believes these violent gangs represent a growing threat to security and the safety of Americans. As this reporter has documented drug cartels are ordering decapitations in Mexico of a cartel enemies, including the state and municipal police officers. Many of these victims were blindfolded and hooded before being shot dead. Other types of violence to murder victims were: physical fatigue, torture, or the body dumped Strangulation street or lot torture against, tooth removal, appendix removal, death by torture, was shot in the head and / or multiple photos on the head and body. Other tactics such as the top of the head and / or face fully or partially wrapped with duct tape or other head like envelopes or blind folds. Body, often through the alternate “Pozole” method to dispose of. The pozole is where the body may nevertheless in a barrel of 55 gallons and gas, battery acid and other corrosive chemicals terrible live stuff. The theory is that they think it is easer body have May and this is still very difficult to identify at a later date by the authorities. Many were beheaded with or without written messages on bodies or vehicles. Restrictive methods of torture and brutal murder. On 6 September 2006, masked gunmen in a nightclub in the Michoacan, fired guns into the air and rolled five severed heads of the people on the dance floor. The gunmen left a sign among the severed heads that read: ”The family does not kill for money. It is not to kill women. It is not to kill innocent People, only those who deserve to die. Know what the divine justice. “ Sensitive alarming report, the Government of the United Mexican States on violence By using this terrible and terrifying tactics the Cartels send a chilling message to Mexican President Felipe Calderon Administration by adopting methods made notorious intimidation by terrorist groups in the Middle East. Dozens of people have been decapitated in Mexico so far this year, with heads stuck on fence posts, found in trash bags and heads are thrown onto a nightclub dance floor for everyone. Kidnapped dozens of U.S. citizens as hostages and their captors in Mexico and in many cases still unsolved killing. Moreover, new cases of disappearances and abductions were not published for ransom continue, no high alert was issued to protect Americans against this world class violence. Many hostages in the prisons, where poor like metal cages in houses to be safe. Intelligence officials in the United States show that human smuggling has become another Component activities of drug cartels. “This is of particular importance in a post 9 / 11 Environment and time in history when the United States are more concerned than ever to secure its borders. As an American, abducted, imprisoned and killed in Mexico Mexican cartels have also increased their relationships with prison and street gangs in the To facilitate the United States, drugs, murders and abductions in the United States. For example, gangs including the Latin Kings and Mara Salvatrucha (MS13), El Paso gang Barrio Azteca, and many other known and unknown. Federal authorities point to the Mexican drug cartels who are ultimately responsible for border violence by cemented ties to street and prison gangs like Barrio Azteca on the American side. Azteca and other U.S. gangs retail drugs that they get from Mexican cartels and Mexican gangs. Mexican gangs run their own distribution networks in the United States, and they produce most of the methamphetamine used north of the border. They have even bypassed the Colombians several times to buy cocaine directly from producers in Bolivia, Peru, and Afghanistan itself. These same gangs often work as cartel replacement or execution on the American side of the border. Intelligence suggests Los Zetas have recruited members of various gangs at different times, including El Paso gang Barrio Azteca, Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, MS-13 and Hermanos Pistoleros Latinos to further their criminal endeavors. Many members of violent street gangs are actively involved in other crimes such as rape, Robbery and murder. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement found that about half of the band members were arrested violent criminal histories, with arrests and convictions for crimes such as theft, assault, rape and murder. This Figure are only those whose criminal histories are known. Over 90 -13 Percent of U.S. MS members are foreign-born illegal immigrants and depend on the Texas-Mexico smuggling corridor to support their criminal activities. MS-13 Members are in a variety of other types of crimes are involved, including rape, Murder and extortion. FBI Director Robert Mueller described U.S. ties as “more organized, more violent and more widespread than ever before. “The Justice Department It is estimated that approximately 30,000 gangs with over 800,000 members U. S. Dangerous Mexican Cartel Gangs The American told Drug Enforcement Administration, that drug cartels, Mexico current operating state on the borders of our country are much more demanding and more dangerous than other groups of organized crime in American law enforcement authorities History. In fact, these powerful drug cartels, and the smuggling of people and Bands use them, have immense control over the routes to the United States and remains a challenge for our efforts to make our borders. After the end of the El Paso County Sheriff Leo Samaniego, drug cartels operating along the South-west of the border United States is a country “in themselves” with intelligence capabilities, Weapons and communications equipment that challenges the Border Patrol, and local regulations Implementation. Sheriff Samaniego advised his deputies to “back off” if they are well armed individuals from cartels and other criminal organizations. Many of these sophisticated networks include placing spotters with high-powered and encrypted radio along smuggling routes past, smugglers and other Border Patrol Guide Police operations along the border. A Library of Congress on the Criminal Activity in Mexico describes working as a smuggler ”The technological arms race” with CBP and ice. Webb County Sheriff Rick Flores said he was disturbed by the level of To own resources the cartels and criminal organizations and disadvantages of the use of local laws Performance of the finding that the cartels, using rocket-propelled grenades … auto assault Weapons and “level four bulletproof vests and Kevlar helmets similar to what the United States military purposes be used. Some local officials to take steps to protect their employees from these Weapons. The sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas Sheriff has prohibited the deputies to patrol his section on the banks of the Rio Grande River because of the Threat of violence from the cartels. Along the border with Mexico, the United States, the drug cartels as organized criminal groups a strong presence in key strategic areas from Brownsville to San Diego It includes dozens of ports of entry and has a large motorway connections throughout the country. This allows the organized crime groups with access to across America. These smuggling routes start in South America through Panama, Honderous, Guatemala and Mexico, and then expand the frontier border with the ocean Sea and further north to Alaska. Federal authorities point to the Mexican drug cartels, which ultimately cost Threshold of violence, as he cemented this relationship with street gangs and prison as Barrio Azteca on the south side of U.. Azteca and other U.S. gangs retail drugs that they receive from the Mexican cartels and Mexican gangs. Mexican gangs run their own distribution networks in the United States, and they produce most of the methamphetamine used north of the border. They have even Bypassing the Colombians several times to buy directly from the producers of cocaine in Bolivia, Peru and even Afghanistan. These same gangs often work as cartel surrogates or executor U. on the south side of the border. Intelligence suggests Los Zetas have hired members different bands at different times, including El Paso gang Barrio Azteca, Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, MS-13 and Hermanos Pistoleros Latinos continue their criminal endeavors. Dangerous Mexican Cartel Gangs The region of southern Texas alone has about 625 miles from the border area – an area of 20.963 square miles and is bordered by three different Mexican states. Within that area 11-ports of entry, which includes 15 international bridges. Directly across the cities Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo and El Paso are large Mexican cities, each with a population 600,000 to 1,500,000. Trains from Central America and Mexico on their way to U.S. border with McAllen, Brownsville and El Paso interstate highway and home of his arteries To all points north. These trains, usually 90 to 160 cars in length, traveling in Central America America through Mexico are one form of transportation criminal enterprises use to In the United States with their illegal smuggling of people, and others. Each year, thousands illegal immigrants cling to the sides and tops of cars for the journey north. El Paso-Ciudad Juarez corridor in west Texas also serves as a gateway for drugs destined major metropolitan areas of the United States. Mexican drug cartels transport significant quantities of methamphetamine and heroin in Mexico, marijuana, and produces Importation of cocaine through the port of El Paso input with major east-west and north-south – Interstate highways. As already mentioned, these routes provide the Mexican cartels with Transportation routes for distribution of drugs across the United States. Drug cartels obtain warehouses in El Paso and surrounding store locations and run ads in newspapers and on the Internet to recruit drivers from the surrounding environment, to transport drugs to various Destinations in the United States. According to the Federal Government in the Alpine area is largely rural and sparsely populated and includes Big Bend corridor, a transshipment route for drugs entering the U.S. from the Northeast Mexico. The drug cartels maintain command elements and control in the north, in the Midland-Odessa area and in border towns in the south in Presidio and Redford. The Laredo port of entry is 2 busiest and 2nd traversed land Port of Entry at the most Southwest of excluding El Paso / Juarez ports of entry. The Port of Laredo handles approximately 6,000 commercial vehicles per day. Forty percent of all Mexican exports cross in Laredo, Texas, where Interstate 35 is a direct link to Dallas and then in United States. U.S. Border Patrol Chief John Montoya describes this Port of Entry “as a” key Penetration the United States. “ ”This is a gateway city, not only in Mexico but in the United States.” The same conditions that make the Laredo Port of Entry so attractive to legitimate trade also the ideal place for illicit drug and human smuggling. Cartels lawn violent struggle for control of smuggling corridors rotating Nuevo Laredo, San Diego. The nearby towns, near the Mexican border, entry are the most important start of smuggling into the United States. These two cities along our border with Mexico, where much of the violence and drugs Activity of the Agreement is in progress. Violence is because the big drug cartels are Now fighting for control of the coveted corridors into the United States known as ”Plaza”. The product Plaza through the big cities with large road networks, in which foreign terrorists and can be drugs, before they take place in other regions of the United States. Control This corridor leads to control of all smuggling. All criminal organizations that will be passed through these established safe places the United States is a tax to the cartel that controls the space. The Sinaloa cartel began the domination of the Gulf Cartel Southwest coveted Challenge Texas corridor following the arrest of the head of the Gulf cartel, Osiel Cardenas, March 2003. In prison, Arellano Felix, leader of the Tijuana cartel, and Cardenas, an alliance Disadvantages of Sinaloa and its ally the Juarez cartel. Accordingly, the cartels are now largely aligned into two blocks, some argue that the Gulf Cartel and others who support Sinaloa cartel. It is these two blocks that are involved in the massive and violent turf Wars that are carried out in northern Mexico To protect and expand their criminal cartels, Mexican drug-habit very developed intelligence networks on both sides of the border and have hired private armies Lead to enforcement actions. For example, the head of the Gulf Cartel Cardenas dealing a group of former elite military soldiers known as “Los Zetas.” The Zetas are unique among drug enforcer gangs in her work as a “private army under the Orders of the Gulf Cartel Cardenas, had for the first time a drug lord’s own Paramilitaries. “The Zetas are relevant to the domination of the Gulf Cartel Drug trafficking in Mexico and have struggled a great deal to keep the cartel’s influence in the northern cities after the arrest of Cardenas. The activities of the Zetas “are not limited to the defense Country of the Gulf cartel in northern Mexico. The paramilitary force is also estimated Control of smuggling routes along the eastern half of the US-Mexico border and perhaps other as well. The Zetas have emerged as a serious threat to public safety on both sides of the U. S. Mexican border. They are well funded and well equipped and have shown Ready to shoot, torture and kill employees of law enforcement or cartel and rival gangs Members on both sides of the border. Representatives of the Federal Law of the opinion that Zetas Among the companies most dangerous criminals in the North and South America. Reports indicate that while the Zetas were originally composed of members of the Mexican The Special Forces soldiers, they include federal, state and local police Personnel and civilians. Moreover, according to U.S. intelligence officials, Zetas are recruiting former Guatemalan special forces military personnel known Kaibiles and announced the members of the notorious cross border gangs as Mara, including violence Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). They are known as “Los Zetas known After the enforcement of federal laws, these heinous acts was the massacre of between rival gangs. Beheadings are becoming increasingly common in many areas Mexico where cartels and gangs battle for control of lucrative smuggling corridors. The heads are publicly displayed for the purpose of intimidation. Another brutal means of torture and death is as guiso. ” This practice is Place a person in a 55 gallon drum, usually dead, but not always, and pouring various flammable liquids on the body and the fire ignited. A variant of this method is Placing a tire around the neck of a person, burning, burning victims alive. The The remains are dumped on the roadside as a message to the consideration of the intersection Cartels. To torture, the ruthless methods employed by these cartels, and kill their Competitors are not that different techniques used by Al Qaeda and other terrorists Organizations. This level of brutality is particularly troubling as the cartels are executed this vicious circle, killing only a stone’s throw from U.S. soil. Sometimes, violence and intimidation is captured on video. In 2005, a video was anonymously delivered, the Dallas Morning News showing four men, handcuffed and struck against a background of black plastic, describes the offscreen Examining their work as cartel assassins. The men were members of the Zetas. The Video ends when one of the Zetas in the head at close range by a shot off – Camera sensor. Law enforcement authorities have never found the body of the murdered Zeta or three other people, dead or alive. Representatives of the Law of the United States are beaten by the strength and determination of these Criminals. Have] In the words of one official, who enforce the law: “They [the Zetas, the Texas-Mexico border wire. “For example, in 2005, just six hours after taking the oath as police chief of Nuevo Laredo, Alejandro Dominguez was killed. He fell announced Antitrust authorities. He had killed more than 50 times. Mid-September 2006, a group of 25 people in Nuevo Laredo in a local hotel with visas acquired Trip to the U. S. for the work. The Zetas mistakenly thought the workers were from a Rival cartel and kidnapped and tortured. The workers were released when the Cartels realized their mistake. U.S. authorities charged with implementing federal law in Mexico said, Police failed to emergency calls for help that were made during the Incident. The violence spread to neighboring countries of Mexico also shares a border Nuevo Leon with the United States, which assumes that one of the safest States and home to some of the richest families in Mexico, saw the killing of three policemen to top Officials have against the drug cartels. In September 2006, two The police chiefs were killed as the top crime investigator. In the past two years, six The journalists who were on drug trafficking along the border also killed. The Zetas have entrenched themselves completely at the border of Mexico and the United States increased in 1200 with hundreds of others in a support network throughout Mexico. In one example of the capabilities of Zeta, a shootout on 22 September 2006 at Nuevo Laredo between the Zetas and an assassination target lasted approximately 40 minutes. The shootout included bazookas and grenades and killed about five reports Zetas and injured approximately five others. To defend, in response to this aggressive effort by the Zetas and control parts Mexico and the border with the United States has the Sinaloa cartel’s own heavilyarmed Enforcer gang, Los Negros. “The group is similar to the Zetas. Los Negros, attempting to wrest control of the Zetas to local police in Nuevo Laredo are believed to be responsible for the increasing violence there. After Webb County Sheriff Rick Flores, cartels of the war and the escalation of violence caused by these paramilitary border Enforcers sparked a great human Excerpt from Nuevo Laredo into Laredo, Texas. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have faced a growing link between Mexican drug cartels, illegal alien smuggling rings and gangs in the United States. The smuggling of people who can run along the southwestern border with not moving their human cargo through drug cartel controlled corridors without paying a fee. 35 typical Mexican illegal alien now pays approximately $ 1,200 to $ 2,500. For foreign may be different than in Mexico, that is the price is often significantly higher countries, including attractiveness of cartels. Foreign nationals and terrorist financing, are also charged an exorbitant Coolers up anywhere from $ 45,000 to $ 100 € 000 per person. In fact, it is estimated that human smuggling through Mexico into the United States makes billions every year Dollars into criminal hands. Under the control of U.S. law, there is great incentive for the drug cartels Diversify their criminal activities on the trade in people smuggling. Of man Smuggling may predominate as the lucrative illegal drug trade and the benefits Risks for the cartels. There are several reasons. Law enforcement deals Do not hide with a different type of commodity – drugs are capable as men are. Consequently, smugglers can transport large numbers of illegal immigrants across the border to take a while with some success. In addition, the prosecution of human trafficking are very low. In general, groups illegal immigrants trying to be addressed not to identify the smugglers cross the border Group. For smugglers, identified and recorded, most are simply returned in their country of origin. So it is a revolving door for smugglers. As unlikely that the smugglers will be prosecuted, he or she can go for a voluntary withdrawal, lack of opt criminal penalties and smuggle again. As smugglers charge anywhere from $ 2,000 to $ 60,000 abroad, and face little or no consequences if caught, the man Smuggling is a much less risky than drug trafficking. Representatives of the federal report also shows that cartels are increasingly not just engaged in the business of smuggling humans, they are also active coordination with existing networks of human smuggling, with a diversion in order to protect their costs. It is not uncommon for cartels to facilitate the crossing of more than fifty illegal immigrants US-Mexican border to the Border Patrol, resources diverted from an area where they intend to transporting large quantities of drugs across. Criminal organizations are indeed extremely advanced, well equipped and very adaptable to enforcement measures mobilized against them. In January 2006, ICE Agents and police officers and ATF agents in Laredo seized a department huge weapons caches in Laredo, Texas. Authorities confiscated two completed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) materials for the production of thirty-three other military Style grenades, twenty-six elements in the shell dissolves large quantities of AK-47 and AR-15 assault Rifles, 1280 pounds of ammunition, silencers, mounting kits, machine guns, 300 primers, Bullet-proof vests, police scanners, sniper scopes, narcotics and cash. These attacks illustrate the level of violence along the border, including Nuevo Laredo, Juarez and Tijuana area. Many in law enforcement believe that personnel, resources and technologies from the United States used Law enforcement must be strengthened to fight against cartels, the highly organized and sophisticated. These criminal enterprises have seemingly unlimited money to purchase the most advanced Technology and weaponry. The cartels are able to break the encryption on both Border Patrol stations and sheriff’s deputies. Lookouts for the cartels, using military quality equipment, are placed at strategic points on the American side of the border monitor the movements of U.S. law enforcement. In response, the cartels then move their Charge accordingly. The cartels use automatic assault weapons, bazookas, grenades Launchers and improvised explosive devices. There have been issued but Border Patrol agents of the United States. Beretta caliber 40 Not all illegal aliens are crossing into the United States to find work. Enforcement Officials say there are people who cross the border who are forced to leave their country of origin because of their criminal activities. These dangerous criminals Run from the law in other countries and seek refuge in the United States. For So we know that many agents of the cartels in Mexico actually live in the United States. The information that the forces of multiple services under these To avoid criminals in our communities and they come to the United States Ability to capture in Mexico. The Violent Crimes Institute conducted a 12 months detailed investigation of illegal immigrants have sexual crimes and murder committed during the period from January 1999 to April 2006. This study clearly shows that the United States there is a dangerous threat against sexual assault Predators who cross the borders of the United States illegally. The Institute analyzed 1,500 cases in depth, including serial rapes, serial murders, sexual Murder and child molestation committed to by illegal immigrants. Reports of police, public Documents were interviews with police and media accounts included. The perpetrators were The hotel is located thirty-six States, with most perpetrators were in the states with the situation the largest number of illegal immigrants. California was ranked first, followed by Texas, Arizona, New Jersey, New York and Florida. Based on an estimated population of illegal immigrants, 12000000, and the fact that young Men make most of this population than the general population of the United States, the Institute U. S. S. S. ” Since S. The ” ” ” ” He ” ” ” Country.