The Border Patrol has made significant progress in dealing with cartels at the border. As a result, the Sinaloa cartel has issued a number of threats against the US Border Patrol. Because of a behavioral shift, the cartel is making more direct threats against the Border Patrol. This has increased the border defense’s awareness and defense.
Cartel Power Struggles and Violence
The arrests of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López have caused internal conflict within the Sinaloa cartel. Leadership voids have resulted in younger factions competing for control of critical trafficking routes into the United States. These routes are critical to the cartels’ drug operations, raising tensions and threats as they compete for control.
These developments have an impact on American soil in addition to Mexico. A recent directive allows cartel members to open fire on American law enforcement, indicating an unprecedented level of hostility. This marks a significant departure from the cartel’s previous strategy of refraining from violence against US authorities in order to avoid retaliation.
Sinaloa Cartel leaders permit members to shoot at US Border Patrol agents: report
Border Patrol agents in western Texas were warned they may come under cartel gunfire as Sinaloa Cartel leaders permit members to shoot at the US officers after its cofounder’s July arrest,… pic.twitter.com/l8eaQNIX2S
— Melissa Hallman (@dotconnectinga) October 21, 2024
The Impact on U.S. Border Patrol
Following these threats, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued warnings to border agents. El Paso, a major trafficking hub, is especially vulnerable. An internal memo described a shift in the cartel’s behavior following the arrests, emphasizing the importance of not underestimating cartel members’ potential use of deadly force.
“The No. 1 reason they fight for these plazas is because these plazas are the corridors to enter the United States,” stated Victor Avila, emphasizing the strategic importance of these areas. These corridors are the heart of multiple states’ borders, including Texas and Arizona.
In recent weeks, military-grade weapons were discovered near the US border, raising significant alarm among authorities. Former President Donald Trump suggested a military response, recognizing that the cartel’s growing power and wealth endangered national security.
NewsNation has learned drug cartels based in Mexico gave their members permission to shoot U.S. Border Patrol members. Correspondent @AliBradleyTV reports on an alert that went out to Border Patrol agents in El Paso, Texas, detailing the latest threat: https://t.co/wr8JtMHVei pic.twitter.com/HVaSGjlbtp
— NewsNation (@NewsNation) October 17, 2024
Violence Spills Over in Mexico
Internal dissension has resulted in over 190 deaths in Sinaloa, as violence has risen dramatically. Cartel blockades in Culiacán have prompted searches of drivers’ phones for rival contacts, which have frequently resulted in violent confrontations. High-profile kidnappings, such as that of a crime reporter in September, highlight the region’s deteriorating public security and human rights.
“Far from predicting a quick conclusion to this conflict, as the days go by it is observed that public security, respect for human rights, productive activities, the economy and socio-emotional health are decomposing more and more,” expressed Miguel Calderón, shedding light on the ongoing situation’s impact.
The arrests of senior cartel figures set off a chain reaction, emboldening factions to take extreme measures in their struggle for supremacy. As the U.S. strengthens its defense strategies, Mexico grapples with escalating violence and instability affecting its citizens’ livelihoods.
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