Friday, September 30, 2011

AZMEX POLICY 30-9-11 Border Governor's Conf.

AZMEX POLICY 30 SEP 2011

Note: of U.S. only governor of NM was there, and rep for governor of
CA, and believe some staffers from AZ and TX.

Agree to combat arms trafficking
Details Posted on Friday, September 30, 2011 6:40 Written by Editor

http://www.diariodelyaqui.mx/portal/secciones/principal/3883-acuerdan-
combatir-trafico-de-armas

ENSENADA, B.C.

Stopping the arms trade and improve criminal information exchange
systems are tasks we continue to push to improve security along the
border with the United States, said the governor of Sonora, Guillermo
Padres during the work of the Border Governors Conference XXIX .

It is vital, said the president Sonoran advance on these issues of
utmost importance to citizens on both sides of the border, it raised
the need to improve collaboration with their U.S. counterparts.

They stated, too, the need for efficient mechanisms are implemented
in the exchange of mutual information so that binational centers
receive the biometric data of people released or repatriated.

As part of this meeting taking place in Ensenada, Baja California,
the governors of the 10 border states made a commitment to give
continuity to the agreements reached in the 13 items to evaluate at
the next meeting in Santa Fe in 2012.

In the previous joint statement, the leaders urged participants to
federal governments of both countries to label specific resources for
the development of border crossings and agreements to streamline the
inspection time.

GOVERNOR Padres SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

On the issue of economic development, the Sonora governor stressed
the need to continue promoting the aerospace, software technologies
and the promotion of the main tourist destinations of beach that has
the entity.

"For us it is important, within the subject binational aerospace,
automotive theme, software technologies and the issue of tourism that
have been raised in these meetings," he said.

Also spoke of the need to substantially improve the infrastructure of
border crossings in order to streamline the movement of goods and
people.

"We must strengthen our border crossings and, the infrastructure and
the services provided."

A very Sonoran breakfast

The second day of work of the 29th Border Governors began with a very
Sonoran breakfast to the participating delegations, beef machaca with
eggs, coffee, orange juice and sweet bread.

Here were announced agreements of the 13 technical working groups
that worked over 8 months where they held 40 meetings to follow up on
issues of common interest.

Advances in Working Groups

Agriculture

To promote greater cooperation in agricultural and livestock activities.

More control of plant diseases and invasive species.

Water

Promote desalination of seawater.

Reuse of treated water.

Artificial recharge of aquifers.

Science and technology, economic development

Increase mobility network and knowledge transfer.

Promote competition binational science and technology support.

Address need for better paid jobs.

To promote competitive clusters.

Promoting regional centers of small and medium enterprises.

Education

Promotion of second language teaching.

Increase the exchange of teachers and students.

Encourage the use of information technology.

Exchange of best practices and successful projects from both sides of
the border.

Emergency and Civil Protection

Enrich Strategic Plan Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Response.

Operation approval Binational Center drills on both sides of the border.

Energy

Identify and plan for renewable energy projects.

Promote best practices in renewable energy.

Increase the use of alternative fuels.

Logistics and border crossings

Alleviate waiting times at border crossings.

Coordinate customs inspection processes with a common agenda.

Convene the IP to set priorities for a common agenda.

Conduct study of current operation of border crossings to improve its
operation.

Environment

Proper management of scrap tires and electronic waste.

Ask the Bank of North America grant funds for environmental
infrastructure projects through new proposed criteria of each entity.

Border Security

Promote the exchange of criminal information.

Combating trafficking in weapons, explosives and human trafficking.

Promote Binational Center for the exchange of information and database.

Adopt recommendations of the "Multistate Binational Study on
Legislation and Collaboration in Human Trafficking" prepared by the
Center for Transborder Studies at the University of Arizona.

Health

Dealing with a preventive approach to obesity and overweight among
children and teenagers from both sides of the border.

Convene Summit to assess obesity in Mexico and the United States.

Tourism

Promote best practices to streamline border crossings.

Improve the knowledge and dissemination of potential, opportunities
and promoting tourism segments.

Wildlife

Perform bi-national workshop for training and technical approval of
management and conservation of wildlife.

Promote and regulate sustainable management of wildlife.

WE MUST WORK TO GENERATE MORE DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTHERN BORDER: Padres

Sonora has been a promoter and promoter of cross-border development,
for it is committed to participate actively in the issues that the
Conference of Governors was in this city related to economic
development, border crossings and border security, said the governor
Guillermo Padres.

In its participation at the close of the work of this twenty-ninth
edition of the 2011 Border Governors Conference, spoke to promote
sustainable public policies that create opportunities and better jobs
for all.

"We will continue working for the citizens of this region of the
United States and Mexico that is so important to our regional
economies," he said.

He stressed that Sonora is doing its part in this, and is now not
only more secure institution's northern border, but that it works to
implement the new model of Credible Police.

"I am pleased to say that not only are the safest institution in
northern Mexico border, it is the institution where I first go into
operation the new Police Credible model promoted by the Government of
the Republic in each of its entities (states). "

Baja California Gov. Jose Guadalupe Osuna Millan, closed work to
publicize the final statement of the Border Governors Conference in
security issues, border crossings and economic development issues
that marked this year's agenda XXIX.

CALL FOR GREATER CONTROL OF ARMS SALES TO THE UNITED STATES

Border Governors agreed to ask the U.S. government exert more control
over the sale of firearms to citizens through records to locate
massive purchases that in a given time could enter Mexico.

The governors of Sonora, Guillermo Padres; Baja California, Jose
Guadalupe Millan; and Chihuahua, Cesar Duarte, agreed on the need to
review and record multiple purchases in order to have control.

Padres Elias acknowledged that the measure is not popular among U.S.
citizens, however, said he will insist that those firearms retailers
register multiple purchases.

For her part, Ann Knight, representing the Governor of California,
said they have all the willingness to collaborate and cooperate with
their Mexican counterparts to achieve a more prosperous region and a
better quality of life for its inhabitants.

"We are willing to cooperate with our partners in Mexico in the
trafficking of weapons and people, to urge our federal government so
we can work together on this serious problem," he said.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In this issue, the governors of the 10 states of the northern border
agreed to encourage explicit policies to support micro, small and
medium enterprises to reduce unemployment in the northern border
states, the product of the southern migration pressures .

Also progress in promoting binational strategic cluster development
with an emphasis on activities for suppliers to exploit the
competitive potential of the area.

BOTH NATIONS HAVE COMMITMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Sarukhan

On behalf of the Federal Government, Ambassador of Mexico in the
United States, Arturo Sarukhan, stated that both countries are
intrinsically linked to each other hence the need to continue
dialogue and seek solutions to common problems.

"Both nations have commitments and responsibilities in our 3 000 km
of border," Mexican diplomat stressed.

0


Acuerdan combatir tráfico de armas
Detalles Publicado en Viernes, 30 Septiembre 2011 06:40 Escrito
por Redacción

http://www.diariodelyaqui.mx/portal/secciones/principal/3883-acuerdan-
combatir-trafico-de-armas

ENSENADA, B.C.

Frenar el tráfico de armas y mejorar los sistemas de intercambio de
información criminalística son tareas que debemos seguir impulsando
para mejorar la seguridad en la frontera con Estados Unidos, aseguró
el gobernador de Sonora, Guillermo Padrés, durante los trabajos de la
XXIX Reunión de Gobernadores Fronterizos.

Es vital, destacó el mandatario sonorense, avanzar en estos temas de
suma importancia para los ciudadanos de ambos lados de la frontera,
por ello planteó la necesidad de mejorar la colaboración con sus
contrapartes de Estados Unidos.

Plantearon, también, la necesidad para que se instrumenten mecanismos
eficientes en el intercambio de información recíproca, a fin de que
los centros binacionales reciban los datos biométricos de personas
excarceladas y o repatriadas.

En el marco de esta reunión que se desarrolla en Ensenada, Baja
California, los gobernadores de las 10 entidades fronterizas hicieron
el compromiso de darle continuidad a los acuerdos tomados en las 13
mesas para evaluarlos en la próxima reunión en Santa Fe en 2012.

En la declaración conjunta previa, los mandatarios participantes
exhortaron a los gobiernos federales de ambos países a etiquetar
recursos específicos para el desarrollo de cruces fronterizos y
acuerdos para eficientar los tiempos de revisión.

BUSCA GOBERNADOR PADRÉS FORTALECER DESARROLLO ECONÓMICO

En el tema de desarrollo económico, el gobernador de Sonora resaltó
la necesidad de seguir impulsando los sectores aeroespaciales,
tecnologías del software así como la promoción turística de los
principales destinos de playa que tiene la Entidad.

"Para nosotros es importante, dentro del trabajo binacional el tema
aeroespacial, el tema automotriz, las tecnologías del software y el
tema del turismo que hemos venido planteando en estas reuniones",
precisó.

Igualmente habló de la necesidad de mejorar sustancialmente la
infraestructura de los cruces fronterizos a fin de hacer más
eficiente el cruce de mercancías y personas.

"Debemos fortalecer nuestras puertas fronterizas, la infraestructura
de las mismas así como los servicios que se prestan".

DESAYUNO MUY SONORENSE

El segundo día de trabajos de la 29 edición de Gobernadores
Fronterizos inició con un desayuno muy sonorense para las
delegaciones participantes; carne de machaca con huevo, café, jugo de
naranja y pan de dulce.

Aquí se dieron a conocer los acuerdos de las 13 mesas técnicas que
trabajaron a lo largo de 8 meses donde sostuvieron 40 reuniones de
trabajo para el seguimiento de los temas de interés común.

Avances en Mesas de Trabajo

Agricultura

Fomentar mayor cooperación en actividades agrícolas y ganaderas.

Mayor control de enfermedades en plantas y especies invasivas.

Agua

Impulsar desalación de agua de mar.

Reuso de aguas tratadas.

Recarga artificial de acuíferos.

Ciencia y tecnología, desarrollo económico

Incrementar red de movilidad y transferencia de conocimiento.

Promover concurso binacional para apoyo a ciencia y tecnología.

Atender necesidad de empleos mejor remunerados.

Impulsar clústeres competitivos.

Fomentar centros regionales de pequeñas y medianas empresas.

Educación

Impulso a enseñanza de segunda lengua.

Incrementar el intercambio de profesores y estudiantes.

Fomentar el uso de tecnologías de la información.

Intercambio de prácticas y proyectos exitosos de ambos lados de la
frontera.

Emergencia y protección civil

Enriquecer Plan Estratégico de Mitigación de Riesgos y Respuestas de
Emergencias.

Homologación de Centro de Operación Binacional en Simulacros de ambos
lados de la frontera.

Energía

Identificar y planear proyectos de energía renovables.

Promover mejores prácticas de energías renovables.

Incrementar el uso de combustibles alternativos.

Logística y cruces fronterizos

Mitigar tiempos de espera en cruces fronterizos.

Coordinar procesos de inspección aduanal con una agenda común.

Convocar a la IP a definir prioridades para una agenda común.

Realizar estudio de funcionamiento actual de cruces fronterizos para
mejorar su operación.

Medio ambiente

Manejo adecuado de llantas de desecho y de residuos electrónicos.

Solicitar al Banco de América del Norte fondos a subsidio para
proyectos de infraestructura ambiental mediante nuevos criterios a
propuesta de cada Entidad.

Seguridad fronteriza

Fomentar el intercambio de información criminal.

Combatir el tráfico de armas, explosivos y trata de personas.

Impulsar Centro Binacional para el intercambio de información y base
de datos.

Adoptar recomendaciones del "Estudio Binacional Multiestatal sobre
Legislación y Colaboración en la Trata de Personas", elaborado por el
Centro de Estudios Transfronterizos de la Universidad de Arizona.

Salud

Enfrentar con enfoque preventivo la obesidad y sobrepeso infantil y
en adolecentes de ambos lados de la frontera.

Convocar a Cumbre para evaluar obesidad entre México y EU.

Turismo

Impulsar mejores prácticas para agilizar cruces fronterizos.

Mejorar el conocimiento y difusión de potencialidades, oportunidades
y segmentos en la promoción turística.

Vida silvestre

Realizar taller binacional para capacitación y homologación de
técnicos en manejo y conservación de vida silvestre.

Promover y regular el manejo sustentable de la vida silvestre.

DEBEMOS TRABAJAR PARA GENERAR MÁS DESARROLLO EN LA FRONTERA NORTE:
PADRÉS

Sonora ha sido un promotor e impulsor del desarrollo transfronterizo,
por ello asume el compromiso de participar activamente en los temas
que la Conferencia de Gobernadores acordó en esta ciudad relativos al
desarrollo económico, los cruces fronterizos y la seguridad
fronteriza, destacó el gobernador Guillermo Padrés.

En su participación en la clausura de los trabajos de esta vigésima
novena edición de la Conferencia de Gobernadores Fronterizos 2011, se
pronunció promover políticas públicas sustentables que generen
oportunidades y mejores empleos para todos.

"Continuaremos trabajando a favor de los ciudadanos de toda esta
región de Estados Unidos y México que es tan importante para nuestras
economías regionales", aseveró.

Destacó que Sonora está haciendo su parte en este tema, y es hoy en
día no sólo la Entidad más segura de la frontera norte, sino que ya
trabaja para implementar el nuevo modelo de Policía Acreditable.

"Me complace decir que no sólo somos la Entidad más segura de la
frontera norte de México, sino que es la Entidad donde por primera
vez entrará en operación el nuevo modelo de la Policía Acreditable
impulsado por el Gobierno de la República en cada una de sus entidades".

El gobernador de Baja California, José Guadalupe Osuna Millán,
clausuró los trabajos dando a conocer la declaración final de esta
Conferencia de Gobernadores Fronterizos en los temas de seguridad,
cruces fronterizos y desarrollo económico temas que marcaron la
agenda de esta edición XXIX.

PIDEN MAYOR CONTROL DE VENTA DE ARMAS A ESTADOS UNIDOS

Gobernadores fronterizos acordaron solicitar al Gobierno de Estados
Unidos ejerza un mayor control en la venta de armas de fuego a sus
ciudadanos a través de registros para poder ubicar compras masivas
que en un momento dado pudieran ingresarse a México.

Los gobernadores, de Sonora, Guillermo Padrés; de Baja California,
José Guadalupe Millán; y de Chihuahua, César Duarte, coincidieron en
la necesidad revisar y registrar las compras múltiples para poder
tener un control.

Padrés Elías reconoció que la medida no es popular entre los
ciudadanos estadounidenses, sin embargo, dijo que insistirán para que
las armerías registren a quienes hacen compras múltiples.

Por su parte, Ann Caballero, representante del Gobierno de
California, dijo que tienen toda la disposición de colaborar y
cooperar con sus homólogos mexicanos para lograr una región más
próspera y una mejor calidad de vida para sus habitantes.

"Estamos dispuesto a cooperar con nuestros socios de México en el
tráfico de armas y de personas, exhortar a nuestro Gobierno Federal
para que podamos juntos colaborar en este problema tan serio", subrayó.

DESARROLLO ECONÓMICO

En este tema, los gobernadores de las 10 entidades de la frontera
norte acordaron estimular políticas explícitas de apoyo a las micro,
pequeñas y medianas empresas con el fin de abatir el desempleo de los
estados de la frontera norte, producto de las presiones migratorias
del sur.

Igualmente avanzar en la promoción de clústeres estratégicos
binacionales con énfasis en el desarrollo de las actividades de
proveeduría que permitan aprovechar el potencial competitivo de la zona.

AMBAS NACIONES TENEMOS COMPROMISOS Y RESPONSABILIDADES: SARUKHÁN

En nombre del Gobierno Federal, el embajador de México en Estados
Unidos, Arturo Sarukhán, estableció que ambos países están
intrínsecamente ligados uno del otro de ahí la necesidad de seguir
dialogando y buscando soluciones de problemas comunes.

"Ambas naciones tenemos compromisos y responsabilidades en nuestros 3
mil Km de frontera", resaltó el diplomático mexicano.

0

Thursday, September 29, 2011

AZ Pot & guns

AZ POT & GUNS

Note: this going out to AZMEX list as most are gunnies.
thx

ATF: Illegal to sell guns to med marijuana users By MATT VOLZ
(September 28th, 2011 @ 3:27pm) Associated Press
http://www.ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20110928/ATF:-
Illegal-to-sell-guns-to-med-marijuana-users/

HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Firearms dealers in states that allow medical
marijuana can't sell guns or ammunition to registered users of the
drug, a policy that marijuana and gun-rights groups say denies Second
Amendment rights to individuals who are following state law.

Federal law already makes it illegal for someone to possess a gun if
he or she is "an unlawful user of, or addicted to" marijuana or other
controlled substances. A Sept. 21 letter from the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, issued in response to numerous
inquiries from gun dealers, clarifies that medical marijuana patients
are included in that definition.

"There are no exceptions in federal law for marijuana purportedly
used for medicinal purposes, even if such use is sanctioned by state
law," said the letter by Arthur Herbert, the ATF's assistant director
for enforcement programs and services.

Federal firearm licensees, or FFLs, can't sell a gun to someone who
answers "yes" when a required form asks whether the buyer is a
controlled substance user. Last week's letter also says that licensed
dealers can't sell a gun or ammunition if they have "reasonable cause
to believe" the buyer is using a controlled substance.

That includes if the buyer presents a medical marijuana card as
identification, or if the buyer talks about drug use, having a
medical marijuana card or a recent drug conviction, ATF spokesman
Drew Wade said Wednesday.

But there are no new obligations for gun dealers outlined in the
letter, Wade said.
"We received lots of queries from the industry from various states of
how to deal with state legislation and the federal law," he said.
"It's our responsibility to provide advice and guidance."

The clash between state and federal drug laws has led to lawsuits and
criminal cases in some of the 16 states that have legalized medical
marijuana use.

Officials in two Oregon counties have said they'll appeal to the U.S.
Supreme Court after state judges said sheriffs couldn't deny
concealed handgun licenses for medical marijuana patients.

The Oregon Court of Appeals and the Oregon Supreme Court said the
state law that authorizes concealed handgun permits is separate from
the federal law that outlaws gun possession by drug users, and the
state gun law doesn't address medical marijuana use.

Federal authorities also raided dozens of medical marijuana
operations across Montana this spring, chilling a once-booming pot
industry and leading to sweeping changes in Montana law.

The Department of Justice followed up with a warning letter to
political leaders in many states that federal prosecutors will pursue
marijuana distributors but not individual patients who are following
state law.

The letter the ATF sent to gun dealers last week was first reported
by Lee Newspapers of Montana.

Pro-marijuana and gun groups said the policy clarification amounts to
rescinding the gun rights for the thousands of people licensed to use
medical marijuana laws. And it appears to contradict a 2009
Department of Justice memo that said the Obama administration would
not pursue prosecution of individual medical marijuana users who obey
state laws.

Besides that, the government is putting an additional burden on gun
dealers to police their customers, said Montana Shooting Sports
Association Gary Marbut.
"Their business is to be merchants, not to be cops. Unfortunately,
the federal licensing scheme complicates that," Marbut said. "It
sounds as if the (ATF) is expecting them to drift further into the
cop role."

Wade said both the 2009 memo and last week's letter were approved by
the Justice Department and he does not believe there is a
contradiction in the two messages. He also that the dealers are in a
good position to help prevent firearms from getting into the wrong
hands.
"The FFLs aren't cops but they are at the front line of protecting
America from criminals or people who are prohibited from possessing
firearms," Wade said.

A salesman at one licensed firearms dealer, Montana Outdoor Sports in
Helena, said he doesn't expect much to change as a result of the
letter because it's largely up to the buyer to reveal whether he or
she is a medical marijuana user.
"Who's going to say yes to that?" asked Damon Peters, a sales
associate for the store and a licensed hunting guide. "A lot of
users of medical marijuana aren't really shooting sports enthusiasts,
anyway. I think we may see a sale or two lost, but I don't see
anything dramatic that's going to affect us," he said.

AZMEX EXTRA 29-9-11

AZMEX EXTRA 29 SEP 2011

Note: for those who may have missed them.

Babeu: ATF agents accomplices to murder in gun program
by KTAR.com (September 29th, 2011 @ 8:04am)
http://www.ktar.com/6/1457001/Babeu-ATF-agents-accomplices-to-murder

PHOENIX -- Federal agents who allowed weapons into the hands of
Mexican drug cartels are accomplices to murder, according to Pinal
County Sheriff Paul Babeu.

Babeu spoke with CNN's Anderson Cooper Wednesday night about the
"Fast and Furious" weapons program conducted by the U.S. Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The program filtered weapons purchased
in the United States into Mexico, where they were to be tracked.
However, Babeu said there was no tracking mechanism and that the
weapons have been used in more than 200 murders.

Three of the guns, Babeu said, were found at the scene where Border
Patrol Agent Brian Terry was killed last December in a shootout north
of Nogales.
"I'm fearful that not just my deputies, but other officers, citizens
in America, we are going to be facing the barrels of guns that have
been put in the hands of the most violent criminals in North America
and who's going to be held accountable?" Babeu told Cooper.

When asked if he believed ATF agents have been accomplices to murder,
Babeu replied, "Absolutely," and added, "Now, that's one step away
from Eric Holder (U.S. attorney general). This is his Department of
Justice and there are people who have lost their lives."

Babeu said the U.S. put guns into the hands of cartels working to
topple Mexico's government.

The sheriff said "Operation Fast and Furious" made no sense at all.
He said it was patterned after the concept of sometimes letting
drugs, cash, people go and watching a crime in progress to see where
it leads.

But, he said using the concept with weapons "is pure insanity."
"It's never been done before -- to give weapons like this. Their idea
was to track the weapons. There was no tracking mechanism. Now, all
these weapons are nowhere to be found and for years this will haunt
the conscience of America rightly," Babeu said.

Watch Babeu's interview with Anderson Cooper 360.


Gunrunning Informant Used Taxpayer Money to Buy Drugs, Possibly Guns,
Lawmakers Allege
By William Lajeunesse
Published September 29, 2011
| FoxNews.com
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/09/28/gunrunning-informant-used-
taxpayer-money-to-buy-drugs-possibly-guns-lawmakers/

Congressional investigators are confronting the Justice Department
about evidence they say indicates an FBI informant used U.S. taxpayer
money not only to buy drugs but also possibly to buy guns for the
Sinaloa cartel.
Those facts apparently were known by the FBI and DEA as early as 2009
but not passed on to key people in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives, which went on to spent millions of dollars
and thousands of man hours trying to identify that informant and
others gun traffickers like him through the controversial Operation
Fast and Furious.

The informant first received at least $3,500 in official law
enforcement funds as payment for illegal narcotics, according to a
letter Tuesday to Attorney General Eric Holder from Rep. Darrell Issa
and Sen. Charles Grassley. Issa and Grassley, who don't elaborate on
the nature of that payment, say the informant then became the
"financier" for a firearms trafficking ring while cooperating with
the FBI and receiving "additional payments as a confidential informant."
Click here to read the letter.
The informant, identified only as "CI#1," was allegedly buying guns
in January 2010 from Manuel Celis-Acosta, the Phoenix man considered
the main target of Operation Fast and Furious, which began about the
same time. It was intended to follow guns purchased by so-called
"straw buyers" in the United States to the traffickers who were
selling them to the cartels in Mexico.
Fast and Furious came under intense scrutiny after it was revealed
that U.S. authorities let illicit sales proceed but then lost track
of hundreds of the guns, some of which ended up at the scenes of
violent crimes, including the killing of a U.S. border agent.
Issa and Grassley, both Republicans, asked Holder to tell Congress
how much the Department of Justice paid the informant, when he became
an informant and how much the informant spent buying guns for the
cartels.
"If ATF had known in January 2010, as the DEA and the FBI apparently
knew, that the straw purchasing ring was procuring weapons for CI #1,
then Operation Fast and Furious may have ended 10 months sooner than
it did," the lawmakers wrote in their letter. "This would have
prevented hundreds of assault type weapons from being illegally straw
purchased on behalf of Mexican drug cartels."
The lawmakers, citing confidential sources, said the informant
regularly traded information for money with Jim Roberts, the DEA's
agent-in-charge in Juarez, Mexico. The letter also for the first time
names higher-ups within the Justice Department who knew Celis-Acosta
was moving "heavy-duty firearms" to the Mexican cartels.
"Sources have indicated that this information was communicated to
numerous senior people in the (DOJ) Criminal Division, including
Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer and several of his top
deputies, including Jason Weinstein, Kenneth Blanco and John Keeney,"
the letter says.
As for the frequent criticism that the ATF unnecessarily prolonged
Operation Fast and Furious, the letter says the agency knew by July
2010 that Celis-Acosta had crossed the U.S.-Mexican border 15 times,
but chose not to arrest him, even though those crossings -- and the
hundreds of guns ATF agents witnessed him receiving -- constituted
probable cause.
Grassley and Issa have requested Holder turn over the requested
documents by Oct. 4. So far, the Justice Department has provided just
12 documents over the last month, according to a Grassley spokesman.


Dan con el primer cargamento de armas de Rápido y Furioso en EU
Al menos 40 rifles de asalto AK-47 estaban almacenados en El Paso,
Texas, para ser enviadas a México, aseguró la ATF
Notimex
http://www.excelsior.com.mx/index.php?
m=nota&id_nota=771568&seccion=global&cat=21

EU le debe a México explicación por Rápido y Furioso, reprocha la PGR
LOS ANGELES, 29 de septiembre.- Un cargamento de 40 armas y chalecos
antibalas descubierto en El Paso, Texas, en enero de 2010, formaba
parte de aquellas cuya pista se evaporó en el fallido operativo
'Rápido y Furioso', revelaron documentos oficiales difundidos hoy
aquí por el diario Los Angeles Times.

Datos contenidos en reportes de la ATF y testimonios en corte
obtenidos por el periódico señalaron que esas armas estaban
almacenadas para ser enviadas a México y serían el primer registro de
las armas pérdidas.

Según un documento de ATF citado por el diario, Christopher Sean
Steward compró un cargamento compuesto por 40 rifles de asalto AK-47
el 24 de diciembre de 2009, de la tienda Lone Wolf Trading Co. En
Glendale, un suburbio de Phoenix.

El cargamento formó parte de las 290 armas de fuego que compró
Steward, un delincuente que ya había sido condenado por posesión de
drogas, abundó la versión del rotativo.

Según correos electrónicos de la ATF y una declaración jurada
obtenida de un tribunal federal en El Paso, agentes que daban
seguimiento al tráfico de drogas fueron detrás de un auto sospechoso
en El Paso, Texas, en 2010.

La versión apuntó que los agentes siguieron el auto hasta que fue
estacionado en una residencia el 13 de enero de 2010.

El conductor fue identificado como Alberto Sandoval y al revisar el
vehículo la policía encontró las armas y otros dispositivos.

Un correo electrónico de Oscar B. Flores, agente especial de ATF en
El Paso, indicó que Sandoval le dijo a las autoridades que lo
interrogaron que le pagaron mil dólares por almacenarlas.

'Las armas de fuego serían guardadas en la residencia hasta que
pudieran ser transportados a México', admitió Sandoval, siempre según
la versión publicada por el rotativo angelino.

Más mensajes de correo electrónico que discutieron la detención de
Sandoval y la recuperación de las armas fueron enviados a Washington
y al director de la ATF, reportó el Times.

Sandoval fue acusado y declarado culpable de cargos de posesión de
armas de fuego en mayo de 2010 en un tribunal federal de distrito en
El Paso, Texas.

En enero pasado, Steward y otros 19 fueron acusados en el único caso
criminal derivado de 'Rápido y Furioso'.

El fallido operativo fue orquestado en 2009 por la Oficina Federal de
Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (ATF, por sus siglas en
inglés) con el fin de rastrear miles de armas que terminaron en manos
del crimen organizado en México.

El operativo fracasó luego de que las propias autoridades que lo
iniciaron en armerías de Phoenix (Arizona) perdieron la pista de las
armas.

akag
2011-09-29 15:15:00

AZMEX POLICY 2 29-9-11

AZMEX POLICY 2 29 SEP 2011

Note: "Agreements"?

Sue the United States armories, the Governor proposes to Duarte in
the Border Governors Meeting XXIX-Mexico
http://www.arrobajuarez.com/

The state governor, Cesar Duarte Jaquez (Chih) urged border
governors together to engage in a civil lawsuit against the U.S. gun
shops, especially those importing arms from China and Russia, which
break the law to sell them in Mexico.
The call was made in the context of the XXIX Meeting of the
Governors' Conference-Mexico Border, held in the city of Ensenada,
Baja California.
Cesar Duarte noted that there is not a lawsuit against the U.S.
government and go to the civil courts to require to offset the
damage to state officials and their families have been affected by
these weapons, in many cases where lives have been lost.


Published: 29/09/2011 16:05 By: Laura Durán lduran@frontera.info
The border states have good relations: Padres
http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/
29092011/544818.aspx

TIJUANA, Baja California (PH)
The 10 border states have a good relationship with each other and
there is a desire to build a fruitful dialogue, said Guillermo Padrés
Elías, governor of Sonora.

The governor said that besides the geographical coincidence there is
a story of competition and a dynamic regional economy. This has
helped the region to grow together and is today an example of
cooperation. "Today our society demands responsive government which
has a promising future for all."

Economic development as it is one of the cornerstones which must be
secured with sustainable public policies. "Competitiveness is a
factor that distinguishes us."

Sonora's governor said the streamlining of border crossings is an
issue that matters to all participants. "The state of Sonora has
been a promoter and supporter of both cross-border relationship
gobiemro as private initiative," he said.

Although independent efforts need to be strengthened through joint
efforts.


Published: 29/09/2011 15:52 By: Laura Durán lduran@frontera.info
Rates Duarte Jakes the meeting as "constructive experience"
http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/
29092011/544814.aspx

ENSENADA, Baja California (PH)
As a constructive experience to solve old challenges on both sides of
the border called the event the governor of Chihuahua César Duarte
Jakes in drawing the conclusions of the workshops.

The Chihuahua governor said the problems that are shared should be
converted into strategic alliances complement of both sides of the
border.
The problem of drug and weapons is a delicate situation at the
border, so the governors' meeting is important because it will solve
this problem source.
"In Chihuahua we are making every effort" to leave behind the stigma
of a condition associated with violence, Duarte said Jakes.

The governor said he was satisfied and committed to the agreements.


Published: 29/09/2011 14:18 By: Ana Cecilia Ramirez
aramirez@frontera.info
Call Sonora the border state most secure
http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/
29092011/544798.aspx

Governor Guillermo Padrès Elìas assumed that Sonora is the most
secure border Mexico, and this is based on collaboration and
coordination with all levels of government in Mexico and U.S.

TIJUANA, Baja California (PH)
Father Elias Guillermo assumed that Sonora is the most secure border
Mexico, and this is based on collaboration and coordination with all
levels of government in Mexico and U.S.

The Governor of Sonora, during his participation in the Border
Governors meeting in the city of Ensenada, Baja California, are
working with the Federation, with the Mexican Army and Navy to
continue providing security to Sonora.

"There are many versions of a cartel coming and another going, to me
everyone is equal, to Sonora all those who violate the law are the
same regardless of who is assigned in Sonora we seek to give more
security to citizens and that is why we are the safest border state
of Mexico, "he reiterated.

However, he noted that the issue of arms trafficking is very
important to address and control, so to the U.S. representatives who
attended the meeting, I made the request to have a log when
purchasing weapons repeatedly in the U.S. gun shops.

Although the issue of gun control is unpopular in the United States,
asked the governors and officials who represented them to be
supporting the administration of President Barack Obama to make these
controls.

Another situation that matters is that they provide information
people deported to know if it is determined prior to reenter the
country and if some have some outstanding arrest warrant.

By the U.S. representatives said that there was openness in relation
to this issue.


publish: 09/29/2011 10:57 By: SUN
Mexico needs to other countries in crime-fighting: UN
The Organization of the United Nations (UN) said that only through
support from different countries, Mexico will succeed in facing the
struggle against organized crime.
http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Nacional/
29092011/544747.aspx

MEXICO, D.F. (SUN)
The Organization of the United Nations (UN) said that only through
support from different countries, Mexico will succeed in facing the
struggle against organized crime.

During his visit to Mexico City, Yury Fedotov, executive director of
the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, found that organized crime is a
threat to the region and worldwide. "Mexico needs more support from
outside, is the only way to deal with organized crime."

He said the legalization of drugs can bring a higher consumption and
instability, and said to be against this measure.

At a press conference, said that citizens pay a high price for
organized crime, so he expressed his condolences to the families who
have lost family members because of drugs.

He called for curbing the arms trade and to redouble efforts to
prevent them entering the country, because without the responsibility
of the various agreements, the problem will not stop.

Fedotov said that prosecuted the programs in the country, Mexico can
be a "champion" to tackle organized crime on the continent

AZMEX POLICY 29-9-11

AZMEX POLICY 29 SEP 2011

Note: Not good, too many opportunities missed. Governments on both
sides of border failing the people yet again. Would think they could
afford/hire scheduling staff? Don't skip over the Proceso piece by
Gil Olmos

Sep 29, 9:57 AM EDT
US-Mexico governors conference languishes
By ELLIOT SPAGAT
Associated Press
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/L/LT_BORDER_GOVERNORS_TXOL-?
SITE=TXMCA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

ENSENADA, Mexico (AP) -- New Mexico is again the only U.S. state that
sent its chief executive to an annual conference of governors from
the Mexican and U.S. states along the border, fueling questions about
whether the 30-year-old tradition has lost its way.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer canceled last year's gathering in Phoenix
after Mexico's border governors boycotted the event because she had
just signed a tough law against illegal immigration. The New Mexico
governor at the time, Bill Richardson, convened a meeting in Santa
Fe, but he was the only one of four U.S. border governors to show up.

Richardson was also the only U.S. governor at the 2009 conference in
Monterrey, Mexico.

"The governors are in a position to set the agenda for border issues,
but they haven't quite figured out how to do it," said Andrew Selee,
director of the Woodrow Wilson Center's Mexico Institute in
Washington. "This could be the one conference a year that everyone
who cares about the border has to be at. It hasn't become that."

Current New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez is the only U.S. governor at
the 29th meeting, which began late Wednesday and ends Thursday in the
Mexican port city of Ensenada, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south
of San Diego. Three of Mexico's six border governors attended the
opening ceremony at a vineyard in the rustic Valle de Guadalupe region.

Brewer backed out Tuesday, depriving the gathering of some potential
excitement after last year's fiasco. Her spokesman, Matthew Benson,
said she needed to catch up on state business after a 10-day trip to
China that ended Saturday.

The most important item on Brewer's schedule was a briefing Wednesday
on reforming the state Child Protective Services agency, Benson said.
He insisted that last year's meeting and the Mexican government's
opposition to Arizona's immigration law played no role in her
decision to stay home.

"There are a number of other new governors on both sides of the
border. She was looking forward to meeting some of those governors
and having a chance to sit down with them," Benson said.

California Gov. Jerry Brown considered going but is busy in
Sacramento reviewing hundreds of bills for his signature, said his
spokesman, Gil Duran.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is raising money ahead of Friday's filing
deadline for presidential campaign finance reports. He had
fundraisers in Tennessee on Wednesday and in Tennessee, North
Carolina and West Virginia on Thursday.

"Conversations about border issues between Texas and other states and
the federal government are ongoing whether or not someone is
attending border governors' conferences," said Perry spokeswoman Lucy
Nashed.

It's a far cry from 2008, when California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
drew all nine other border governors to Hollywood. Many posed for a
group photo dressed as characters from the "Terminator" movie.

The meetings have been forums for a host of shared opportunities and
challenges from trade and cross-border violence to water rights and
infrastructure needs since 1980, when the governors met in Ciudad
Juarez, Mexico. Up to 1,200 people came in the early 1990s, leading
to limits on attendance aimed at making the gatherings more intimate.

Part of the governors' challenge is that many decisions are made by
federal governments, a dilemma also facing border city mayors who
meet periodically to discuss issues like immigration and congested
border crossings. Only one U.S. mayor - Jerry Sanders of San Diego -
attended a meeting last year, and his city was the host. He left
after welcoming remarks.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon sent two senior Cabinet secretaries
to the opening ceremony, which ended in a fireworks display.
Governors from California, Arizona and three Mexican states sent
substitutes. Only Texas had no one represented on the dais.

Martinez, the first Latina governor in the United States, told the
wine-sipping crowd she was confident the meeting would be fruitful.

The venue alternates each year between the United States and Mexico.
Martinez hosts next year's conference in Albuquerque.


Note: long but interesting analysis. Is he right, or just confused?
Or other forces at work? If he is right, severe consequences for
both countries. The winner if any, will be a significant threat to
national security of both Mexico and the US. Don't think this was
the first appearance of the "matazetas". BTW, the CJNG seems to be
building on the business model somewhat successfully used locally by
the LFM/CT groups in Michoacan.

'The Matazetas' or co-governance of organized crime
GIL JOSE OLMOS
SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 • 5 COMMENTS
ANALYSIS
http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=282649

The first message of 'The Matazetas' on Youtube.
MEXICO CITY, Sept. 28 (approved) .- For over a year and a half, in
early 2010, to be precise, there were new cartels, La Resistencia y
Jalisco Nueva Generación, , after the arrest in October 2009, of
Oscar Nava Valencia, nephew of Luis Valencia, head of the cártel del
Milenio.

From this fact, the group that coordinated by El Lobo Valencia was
divided into two, which gave rise to the above associations, of which
the latter emerged as the new arm of the Sinaloa cartel, for
terminating Los Zetas in Veracruz.

Now considered a paramilitary group, and is compared with the
paramilitaries in Colombia, without taking into account that in that
country these groups were created by entrepreneurs and not for the
same cartel, as is the case of "The Matazetas" and even Los Zetas
themselves, when Osiel Cardenas created special security team.

The Jalisco Nueva Generación cartel (CJNG) is present in Colima,
Guanajuato, Jalisco and Veracruz now, which means that it has
agreements with other cartel that uses it as its executive arm to
grab a historically important place for the traffic of drugs.

According to official reports, CJNG was originally known as Los
Torcidos and founders are Nemesio Oseguera, El Mencho, and Martin
Arzola Ortega, El 53, who was arrested in July 2011 with Erick
Alcazar Jose Limon, El Nino, responsible for the transfer of money
and follow the activities of La Resistencia.

Since its inception, the CJNG raised a spirit of "justice" and
"nationalist" who has endorsed in his last two releases, which are
already identified as The Matazetas.

In one of it's first texts made the following statement: "Jalisco,
land of freedom and working people. Death to kidnappers and
extortionists. Here in Jalisco we will not allow other groups that
want to impose their famous "contributions". Businessmen, people in
government, civil servants, police officers of all forces and the
entire citizenry of the state of Jalisco. Do not worry! That while
the Jalisco cartel still here, we will not allow self-destruction of
our own state. "

Until September this year CJNG had a regional presence, focusing its
business on selling cocaine and marijuana, and fighting a fight with
Los Zetas through the plazas of Jalisco, Guadalajara and especially
outlying areas, and Aguascalientes.

However, it was in this month in which, apparently, made a new
alliance with La Resistencia, cartel de golfo and cartel de sinaloa
( the Resistance, the Gulf Cartel and the Sinaloa cartel ) to stop
Los Zetas, who have extended their from initial territory,
Tamaulipas, to the middle of country.
Transformed into the Matazetas, this armed group has taken a couple
of announcements over the Internet, which again is presented as a
group "Justice" and "nationalist", declaring a "people's army and of
the people" and ask not to ignore the "snares" on the outside, in the
name of God and of democracy", in clear reference to the U.S.
government.

This armed group with a clear profile of military and police, is the
clearest expression of the crisis of the Mexican state security, as
in fact is taking the role of prosecution and justice that the
authorities have not done. Although a clear difference: it will not
stop at the use of violence to kill their adversaries.

This, in itself serious, it deepens when we consider that the Zetas
have also been allied with the Tijuana cartel and a part of the
Beltran Leyva, forming the Alliance or the Company, which means more
fighting and killings.

The proximity of the federal election next year is another factor
that make it more severe and complicated the context of violence that
is coming and that means the highest level in this ill-conceived war
by Felipe Calderón: narco-terrorism.

Attacks on institutional venues, kidnappings of big business people,
attacks on candidates and political leaders, bombs in shopping malls
or public places, are part of the threats if we continue in the same
spiral of violence unleashed by the lack of firm government of Felipe
Calderon, who in five years of government legitimacy has been more
concerned with the use of the army and to protect allies and
corrupted by drug trafficking than in the care of the citizenry.

The Matazetas are the new players in this scenario of uncontrollable
war, and in this turbulent horizon, where it is almost impossible to
distinguish who is the authority to command: governments or organized
crime cartels that have taken charge of implementing justice and the
facts are showing that they are co-government.

El primer mensaje de 'Los Matazetas' en Youtube.
MÉXICO, D.F., 28 de septiembre (apro).- Desde hace más de año y
medio, principios de 2010, para ser precisos, surgieron los cárteles
La Resistencia y Jalisco Nueva Generación, luego de la detención, en
octubre de 2009, de Óscar Nava Valencia, sobrino de Luis Valencia,
cabeza del cártel del Milenio.

A partir de ese hecho, el grupo que coordinaba El Lobo Valencia se
dividió en dos, lo que dio origen a las agrupaciones arriba
mencionadas, de las cuales la segunda se erigió como el nuevo brazo
armado del cártel de Sinaloa, para terminar con Los Zetas en Veracruz.

Considerado ahora como un grupo paramilitar, ya se le compara con los
paramilitares de Colombia, sin tomar en cuenta que en aquel país esos
grupos fueron creados por empresarios y no por los mismos cárteles,
como es el caso de "Los Matazetas" e incluso los propios Zetas,
creados por Osiel Cárdenas como su equipo especial de seguridad.

El cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) tiene presencia en
Colima, Guanajuato, Jalisco y ahora Veracruz, lo que significa que ya
tiene acuerdos con otro cártel que lo usa como su brazo ejecutor para
apoderarse de una plaza históricamente importante para el tráfico de
las drogas.

De acuerdo con informes oficiales, al CJNG se le conoce originalmente
como Los Torcidos y sus líderes fundadores son Nemesio Oseguera, El
Mencho, y Martín Arzola Ortega, El 53, quien fue detenido en julio
del 2011 en compañía de Erick José Alcázar Limón, El Niño,
responsable del traslado de dinero y de seguir las actividades de La
Resistencia.

Desde sus inicios, el CJNG planteó un espíritu "justiciero" y
"nacionalista" que ha ratificado en sus últimos dos comunicados, en
los que ya se identifica como Los Matazetas.

En uno de sus primeros textos hizo el siguiente pronunciamiento:
"Jalisco, tierra de libertad y gente de trabajo. Muerte a los
secuestradores y extorsionadores. Aquí en Jalisco no permitiremos que
quieran entrar otros grupos que quieran imponer sus famosas cuotas.
Empresarios, gente del gobierno, funcionarios públicos, policías de
todas las corporaciones y la ciudadanía entera del estado de Jalisco.
¡No se preocupen! Que mientras el Cártel de Jalisco siga aquí, no
permitiremos la autodestrucción de nuestro propio estado".

Hasta septiembre de este año el CJNG tenía una presencia regional,
concentrando su negocio en la venta de cocaína y mariguana, y
librando una pelea con Los Zetas por las plazas de Jalisco, sobre
todo Guadalajara y su periferia, así como Aguascalientes.

Sin embargo, fue en este mes en el que, al parecer, hizo una nueva
alianza con La Resistencia, el cártel del Golfo y el cártel de
Sinaloa para acabar con Los Zetas, que han extendido su territorio
inicial, Tamaulipas, a la mitad del país.
Transformados en Los Matazetas, este grupo armado ha sacado un par de
comunicados a través de internet, en los que nuevamente se presenta
como un grupo "justiciero" y "nacionalista", al declararse como un
"ejército del pueblo y para el pueblo", y pedir que no se haga caso
de las "insidias" del exterior que, "a nombre de Dios y la
democracia", actúan en clara referencia al gobierno de Estados Unidos.

Esta agrupación armada, con un claro perfil militar y policiaco, es
la expresión más nítida de la crisis del Estado mexicano en materia
de seguridad, pues en los hechos está tomando el papel de persecución
y justicia que las autoridades no han realizado. Aunque con una clara
diferencia: no se detendrán en el uso de la violencia para asesinar a
sus adversarios.

Este hecho, de por sí grave, se profundiza más si tomamos en cuenta
que Los Zetas también se han aliado con los cárteles de Tijuana y una
parte de los Beltrán Leyva, formando La Alianza o La Compañía , lo
que significa que habrá más enfrentamientos y matanzas.

La proximidad de las elecciones federales del año entrante es otro de
los factores que hacen más grave y complicado el contexto de
violencia que se avecina y que significa el nivel más alto en esta
guerra mal planteada por Felipe Calderón: el narcoterrorismo.

Ataques a sedes institucionales, secuestros a grandes empresarios,
atentados a candidatos y dirigentes políticos, bombas en centros
comerciales o plazas públicas, son parte de las amenazas que se
ciernen si seguimos en la misma espiral de violencia desatada por la
falta de firmeza del gobierno de Felipe Calderón, que en estos cinco
años de gobierno se ha preocupado más por legitimarse mediante el uso
del Ejército y en proteger a sus aliados ya corrompidos por el
narcotráfico, que en el cuidado de la ciudadanía.

Los Matazetas son los nuevos protagonistas en este escenario de
guerra incontrolable, y en este horizonte turbulento, donde es casi
imposible distinguir quién es la autoridad que manda: los gobiernos o
los cárteles del crimen organizado que han tomado en sus manos la
aplicación de su justicia y en los hechos están demostrando que son
cogobierno.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

AZMEX I3 28-9-11

AZMEX I3 28 SEP 2011


ICE criminal immigrant roundup, 56 arrested in Ariz.
by KTAR.com (September 28th, 2011 @ 1:07pm)
http://www.ktar.com/6/1456623/ICE-criminal-immigrant-roundup-56-
arrested-in-Ariz

PHOENIX -- In response to pledges by the Obama administration to
deport criminal aliens and egregious immigration law violators, the
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Wednesday they
have arrested more than 2,900 criminal immigrants in the last week.

Of those, 56 were captured in Arizona. That number might seem low for
a state so close to the border of Mexico.

"Most of the illegal alien traffic that comes through Arizona, they
are headed other places [like] Los Angeles, Chicago [and] other
places on the east and west coast." Vinnie Picard with ICE said.

Of the arrests in Arizona, 46 of them were in the Phoenix area, with
another seven in Tucson. 38 of them had prior criminal convictions
for serious felonies.
"These are convicted criminals that have been around for awhile, in
some instances some of them from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s," Picard said.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio points out that all of these
people have already committed a crime by coming to the country
illegally.
"Arrest illegal immigrants no matter what the crime is, or even if
there is no crime they committed a crime by coming into our United
States of America," Arpaio said.

Nationally, at least 1,282 of the more than 2,900 arrested had
multiple criminal convictions, 42 were gang members and 151 were
convicted sex offenders.
"The presence of convicted criminal aliens in our communities is not
necessarily an indication that they are recent border crossers,"
Picard said. "Most of them have been here long enough to develop a
criminal history."

The arrests come just a month after Homeland Security Secretary Janet
Napolitano announced a stronger focus of enforcement efforts and
resources to the capture of serious criminals and to delay
deportation for most non-criminal immigrants posing no threat to
public or national security.

"This enforcement action highlights our dedication to improving
public safety by targeting criminal aliens who have no right to be in
Arizona victimizing our communities," said Katrina S. Kane, field
office director of ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations in Arizona.

Homeland Security has been widely criticized for using fingerprints
collected in local jails to identify and deport people arrested for
minor traffic offenses and other misdemeanors. Napolitano has
promised a case-by-case review of deportation cases to look for
serious criminals to deport.

4 more enter country illegally on Deming school bus

By Matt Robinson / Deming Headlight
Posted: 09/28/2011 07:34:23 AM MDT
http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_18994057?source=most_viewed

Four more illegal immigrants have entered Deming aboard a Deming
Public School's bus. The incident came a week after a Mexican
national was arrested for entering the country illegally and riding a
school bus to town.
Previous: Mexican national enters country illegally on Deming school bus
Ray Trejo, Jr., director of the DPS transportation office, said four
undocumented immigrants boarded a school bus Monday and rode to town.
Once in Deming, the school bus driver notified the school district
which in turn notified the Deming Police Department. The DPD
responded, according to Chief Michael Carillo, but turned the case
over to the U.S. Border Patrol because of the immigration issues.
"What we continually ask is they notify us from the port of entry if
there's any questions regarding students that aren't on their roster
or if there's any questions at all," Trejo said after expressing
disappointment the driver waited until the bus reached Deming to
notify the school district. "Well, I was under the impression they
had all got the message they are not to allow adults posing as
students onto the school buses."
The school district contracts with two local transportation firms M&T
Busing and Haynes Busing to handle picking up and dropping off
students. According to Trejo, "roughly" 450 to 500 students board the
buses at the Columbus Port of Entry on the U.S. side of the border.
The students are American citizens,
Advertisement

either by birth or other means, who live in Mexico.
"I'm totally disappointed," he said. "I am beating myself up because
when this is allowed to happen, we're jeopardizing all other students
on that school bus that are here coming to school for a legitimate
education, not to mention when they're dropped off here at school, we
just open the door for possibly anything."
He likened the school buses to classrooms, saying bus drivers should
be as aware of their passengers as a teacher is of his or her
students. He said the bus drivers have a roster of passengers with
photos.
"They're the first line of defense," he added.
He said there is no excuse for what happened, but did touch on the
more sophisticated methods undocumented immigrants are using to fool
the authorities. He described backpacks full of labeled notebooks and
Wildcat the district's mascot memorabilia.
A spokesman for the Border Patrol was unable to comment on the
incident, saying the agency is still collecting facts.
On Thursday, Sept. 15, an 18-year-old Mexican national was arrested
for riding the bus from the border to Deming.
Matt Robinson can be reached at mrobinson@demingheadlight.com

Note: blood pressure warning

Smuggler gets 5 years in rollover that killed 11 by Associated Press
(September 27th, 2011 @ 6:17pm)
http://www.ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20110927/
Smuggler-gets-5-years-in-rollover-that-killed-11/

PHOENIX - An immigrant smuggler has been sentenced to more than five
years in prison stemming from a rollover crash in southeastern
Arizona that killed 11 people ``stacked like wood'' inside.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said Tuesday that 37-year-old Oscar Garay-
Mariscal was sentenced Monday after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy
to transport immigrants for profit resulting in death.

Garay-Mariscal was in a sport-utility vehicle with dozens of illegal
immigrants and other smugglers in June 2009 when the driver lost
control on a remote southeastern Arizona highway east of Sonoita.

The vehicle rolled over numerous times and most everyone inside was
ejected, killing 10 illegal immigrants and one of the smugglers.

Three other smugglers involved in the incident already have been
sentenced to between four and six years in prison.

AZMEX WEAPONS SPECIAL 28-9-11

Note: The following should not be taken as legal advice, and is
always subject to error, court decisions, ad nauseam.

AZMEX WEAPONS SPECIAL 28 SEP 2011

Note: in relation to the lawsuit in Omaha, NE we have been asked by
several about AZ laws.
Relevant excerpts as follows. BTW, for the record on other related
issues, we have never opposed legal immigration, and a good number of
our members are immigrants.

Arizona laws 2011
Arizona does allow resident aliens (the "green card" 18 USC 922 (y) )
to purchase and possess firearms subject to same restrictions as
citizens.

ARS 13-3101.A.7.e (Prohibited possessor)
Note: this section was strongly opposed by usually anti firearms
rights democrats in state legislature

(e) Who is an undocumented alien or a nonimmigrant alien traveling
with or without documentation in this state for business or pleasure
or who is studying in this state and who maintains a foreign
residence abroad. This subdivision does not apply to:
(i) Nonimmigrant aliens who possess a valid hunting license or permit
that is lawfully issued by a state in the United States.
(ii) Nonimmigrant aliens who enter the United States to participate
in a competitive target shooting event or to display firearms at a
sports or hunting trade show that is sponsored by a national, state
or local firearms trade organization devoted to the competitive use
or other sporting use of firearms.
(iii) Certain diplomats.
(iv) Officials of foreign governments or distinguished foreign
visitors who are designated by the United States department of state.
(v) Persons who have received a waiver from the United States
attorney general.

ARS 13-3102 Misconduct involving weapons
13-3102.A.
4. Possessing a deadly weapon or prohibited weapon if such person is
a prohibited possessor; or
5. Selling or transferring a deadly weapon to a prohibited possessor; or
6. Defacing a deadly weapon; or
7. Possessing a defaced deadly weapon knowing the deadly weapon was
defaced; or

14. Supplying, selling or giving possession or control of a firearm
to another person if the person knows or has reason to know that the
other person would use the firearm in the commission of any felony; or
15. Using, possessing or exercising control over a deadly weapon in
furtherance of any act of terrorism as defined in section 13-2301 or
possessing or exercising control over a deadly weapon knowing or
having reason to know that it will be used to facilitate any act of
terrorism as defined in section 13-2301.

13-3106. Firearm purchase in other states
A person residing in this state, or a corporation or other business
entity maintaining a place of business in this state, may purchase or
otherwise obtain firearms anywhere in the United States if such
purchase or acquisition fully complies with the laws of this state
and the state in which the purchase or acquisition is made and the
purchaser and seller, prior to the sale or delivery for sale, have
complied with all the requirements of the federal gun control act of
1968, Public Law 90-618, section 922, subsection (c) and the Code of
Federal Regulations, volume 26, section 178.96, subsection (c).

13-3112 Concealed weapons
E. The department of public safety shall issue a permit to an
applicant who meets all of the following conditions:
1. Is a resident of this state or a United States citizen.
2. Is twenty-one years of age or older.
5. Is not unlawfully present in the United States.


Omaha sued over gun law aimed at legal immigrants
http://journalstar.com/ap/state/article_0654c548-74de-5440-b0b1-
c688114bcd04.html
By MARGERY A. BECK/The Associated Press | Posted: Tuesday, September
27, 2011 5:55 pm |

OMAHA — A Mexican national and two gun-rights organizations sued the
city of Omaha Tuesday over an ordinance prohibiting legal resident
immigrants who are not U.S. citizens from possessing handguns.
Armando Pliego Gonzalez, the Nebraska Firearms Owners Association and
the Second Amendment Foundation filed the lawsuit in U.S. District
Court in Nebraska. Gonzalez was given permanent resident alien status
in 2008, more than seven years after legally moving to the U.S., the
lawsuit says.
The lawsuit says he Gonzalez bought a gun after a break-in and
robbery at his home in 2010. But when he tried to register the gun
with the Omaha Police Department — as required by local law — he was
denied a registration permit because he is not a U.S. citizen.
"Omaha's prohibition on registration of handguns by non-citizens,
even those legally in the United States ... significantly limits
(Gonzalez's) ability to protect himself and his family in the event
of violence," the lawsuit says.
Possession of a handgun not registered with the Omaha Police
Department is a misdemeanor crime that can result in confiscation of
the gun, a fine and possible jail time.
The lawsuit claims the denial of the permit violates Gonzalez's
constitutional right to equal protection under the law and the right
to bear arms. It asks a judge to issue preliminary and permanent
injunctions to keep the Omaha law from being enforced and to declare
the citizenship requirement unconstitutional.
While Gonzalez can legally own a handgun under Nebraska law, the city
ordinance bans him from owning one in his home for self-defense, said
Andy Allen, president of the Nebraska Firearms Owners Association.
"For years, the NFOA has attempted to discuss with the city a number
of issues in Omaha's onerous firearms laws, but has been met by a
complete refusal to even open a dialog," Allen said. "This case
addresses the first of those issues, and we hope the city considers
taking measures to remove the burdensome restrictions on the
fundamental rights of its law-abiding population."
Omaha's law barring handgun permits for non-U.S. citizens has been on
the books since at least 1988, Allen said, and is unique in Nebraska.
But a similar lawsuit was filed earlier this year in Massachusetts by
a United Kingdom citizen and two gun rights groups claiming a state
law there barring legal immigrants from owning handguns is
unconstitutional.
A message left for Omaha City Attorney Paul Kratz was not immediately
returned.


Man behind illegal gun buys convicted in Texas
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/state&id=8369981

McALLEN, TX -- A federal jury in McAllen has convicted a local
business owner of arranging for others to purchase assault rifles for
him from gun stores.

The U.S. Attorney's office announced Tuesday that 48-year-old Manuel
Tijerina-Herrera, owner of Klub Infinity and a restaurant called El
Tiburon in McAllen, was convicted Monday evening on charges related
to a scheme in which he paid others to buy guns for him.

Prosecutors alleged that Tijerina-Herrera paid at least five other
people to buy guns. The conviction included three counts of aiding
and abetting the making of false statements on a gun buyer form and
two counts conspiracy to make false statements on that form.

So-called "straw purchases" are commonly used to get weapons to
Mexico's violent drug cartels.
Sentencing was scheduled for Dec. 29.

AZMEX SPECIAL 28-9-11

AZMEX SPECIAL 28 SEP 2011


Published: 28/09/2011 10:14: SUN
Chaos among agencies reveal weapons trafficking
http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Nacional/
28092011/544522.aspx

As research progresses U.S. Congress on the operation "Fast and
Furious", the lack of coordination between the agencies involved and
the mistakes become more evident.

MEXICO, D.F. (SUN)
As research progresses in the U.S. Congress on the operation "Fast
and Furious", the lack of coordination between the agencies involved
and the mistakes become more evident.

The last thing that came to light is the lack of communication
between federal agencies. And one of the main characters that the
Office of Arms Control (ATF) was identified as part of the operation
to a confidential informant of the United States Drug Enforcement
Agency (DEA) was also working with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation ( FBI).

CBS News reported on the Interagency chaos based on a new letter that
Congressmen Darrell Issa and Charles Grassley sent directly to the
Attorney General Eric Holder. Both lawmakers have led the proceedings
for months to determine who and what level authorized the plan "Fast
and Furious".

The letter details the failure of the DEA and FBI to share critical
information with the ATF that, according to Congress, had culminated
in the operation to at least 10 months earlier than expected.

According to the letter sent to Attorney General, as the ATF tried to
identify the financier behind Manuel Celis Acosta, leader of a circle
of arms trafficking, the DEA and the FBI already knew the identity of
the funder and to the confidential informant he had become .

In addition to the financier was allowed to continue buying arms from
Celis Acosta for a period of one year, without the ATF knew that the
man was already trying to identify a federal government informant.

Another point that touches the letter was that before this person was
adopted as a confidential informant, may have used up to 3,500 U.S.
dollars from taxpayers to finance weapons trafficking to Mexico.

Presumably the subject was unaware the money coming from the U.S.
government, while selling drugs to other confidential government
informants.


Publicada: 28/09/2011 10:14 Por: SUN
Revelan caos entre agencias en tráfico de armas
http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Nacional/
28092011/544522.aspx

Conforme avanzan las investigaciones del Congreso de Estados Unidos
sobre el operativo "Rápido y Furioso", la falta de coordinación entre
las agencias involucradas y los errores que cometieron se vuelven más
evidentes.

MÉXICO, D.F.(SUN)
Conforme avanzan las investigaciones del Congreso de Estados Unidos
sobre el operativo "Rápido y Furioso", la falta de coordinación entre
las agencias involucradas y los errores que cometieron se vuelven más
evidentes.

Lo último que salió a la luz es la falta de comunicación entre los
federales. Y es que uno de los principales personajes que la Oficina
para el Control de Armas (ATF) trataba de identificar como parte de
la operación a un informante confidencial de la Agencia Antidrogas de
EU (DEA) que colaboraba también con el Buró Federal de
Investigaciones (FBI).

La cadena CBS News dio cuenta del caos interagencias basado en una
nueva carta que los congresistas Charles Grassley y Darrell Issa
enviaron directamente al fiscal general Eric Holder. Ambos
legisladores han encabezado desde hace meses las diligencias para
determinar quiénes y a qué nivel autorizaron el plan "Rápido y Furioso".

La misiva detalla la falla de la DEA y el FBI en compartir
información crucial con la ATF que, según los congresistas, hubiera
culminado en el fin del operativo por lo menos 10 meses antes de lo
esperado.

Según la comunicación enviada al fiscal general, mientras la ATF
intentaba identificar al financiador detrás de Manuel Celis Acosta,
líder de un círculo de tráfico de armas, la DEA y el FBI ya conocían
la identidad de este financiador y hasta lo habían convertido en
informante confidencial.

Además al financiador se le permitió seguir comprando armas de Celis
Acosta por un periodo de un año, sin que la ATF supiera que el hombre
que intentaban identificar era ya un informante del gobierno federal.

Otro de los puntos que toca la carta fue que antes de que dicha
persona fuera adoptado como informante confidencial, pudo haber
utilizado hasta 3 mil 500 dólares de los contribuyentes para
financiar el tráfico de armas a México.

Presuntamente el sujeto recibió el dinero -sin saber que provenían
del gobierno de Estados Unidos- mientras vendía narcóticos a otros
informantes confidenciales del gobierno.

AZMEX EXTRA 28-9-11

AZMEX EXTRA 28 SEP 2011

Note: The primary question remains: What if Vicentillo is telling
the truth? Consequences?

VICENTILLO ENTITLED TO EXERCISE : JUDGE
Wednesday September 28, 2011
http://www.riodoce.com.mx/content/view/11016/1/

Vicentillo. Pending the trial
Chicago. The alleged drug dealer Jesus Zambada Niebla, arrested in
Chicago while awaiting a trial in February, is entitled to exercise
outdoors even if it means moving to another place of detention, the
judge decided the case.

Federal Judge Ruben Castillo ruled that Zambada, alias "Vicentillo"
entitled to "see daylight and fresh air" after 18 months of isolation
at the Metropolitan Detention Center.
"Mr. Zambada Niebla has not violated any rules " said the judge
during a hearing in which he said had read "carefully" the arguments
for and against the request of the detainee.

He also stressed that the alleged member of the Sinaloa Cartel "has
not cooperated with the government", which would reduce the risk of
an attempt on his life, one of the arguments of the prison director
to not let him go outside.

The judge also considered a risk Zambada Niebla might try to escape
from the roof of the establishment of 27 apartments located in the
heart of the city.

The correctional center's director, Catherine Linaweaver said last
week in a letter to the judge could not guarantee the safety of the
detainee if allowed to recreate five hours per week on top of the
center, which is the only place outdoors in prison.

In his opinion, Zambada Niebla could be an easy target for snipers or
even attempt an escape.

Castillo did not set limits to the Bureau of Prisons to ensure
compliance with its opinion, but urged prison authorities to find a
solution to the order, even if it means the transfer of detainees to
another facility.

The judge said the continued detention in isolation of the accused
before the trial can be configured as a possible violation of the
right to due process that will help.

Moreover, due to the complexity and compliance orders by the defense
evidence, including Mexican documents and witnesses, the judge
feared could not start the trial in February.
"I'm not blaming anyone, but we must take action because the limits
may be extended beyond February," Castillo said at the hearing.

The judge clarified that permission for Zambada Niebla can exercise
outdoors does not automatically extend to the rest of the prison
population.

Defense attorneys had asked the judge, prosecutor's opposition, which
improve prison conditions Zambada Niebla while awaiting trial
scheduled to begin on February 13 for drug trafficking and money
laundering in the United States.

"Vicentillo" risks a sentence of life imprisonment for the
importation of more than 100 tons of cocaine and heroin into the
United States and laundering 500 million dollars.

EFE


EL VICENTILLO TIENE DERECHO A EJERCITARSE: JUEZ
Redacción
Miércoles 28 de septiembre de 2011
http://www.riodoce.com.mx/content/view/11016/1/

Vicentillo. A la espera del juicio

Chicago. El presunto narcotraficante Jesús Zambada Niebla, detenido
en Chicago a la espera de un juicio en febrero, tiene derecho a
ejercitarse al aire libre aunque ello signifique su traslado a otro
centro de reclusión, resolvió el juez de la causa.

El juez federal Rubén Castillo dictaminó que Zambada, alias
"Vicentillo", tiene derecho a "ver la luz del día y respirar aire
puro" después de 18 meses de aislamiento en el Centro Metropolitano
de Detención.

"El señor Zambada Niebla no ha violado ninguna regla del
establecimiento", dijo el juez durante una audiencia en la que dijo
haber leído "cuidadosamente" los argumentos a favor y en contra del
pedido del detenido.

Subrayó asimismo que el presunto integrante del Cartel de Sinaloa "no
ha colaborado con el gobierno", lo que reduciría el riesgo de un
atentado contra su vida, uno de los argumentos de la directora del
penal para no dejarle salir al aire libre.

El juez tampoco considera un riesgo que Zambada Niebla pueda intentar
escapar del techo del establecimiento de 27 pisos ubicado en pleno
centro de la ciudad.

La directora del centro correccional, Catherine Linaweaver, dijo la
semana pasada en un escrito al juez que no podría garantizar la
seguridad del detenido si se le permitiera recrearse cinco horas por
semana en el techo del centro, que es el único lugar al aire libre en
la prisión.

En su opinión, Zambada Niebla podría ser un blanco fácil de
francotiradores o incluso intentar una fuga.

Castillo no fijó plazos al Buró de Prisiones para que se cumpla su
dictamen, pero instó a las autoridades carcelarias a que se busque
una solución al pedido, aunque ello signifique el traslado del
detenido a otro establecimiento.

Según el juez, la prolongada detención en aislamiento del acusado
antes del juicio puede configurarse como una posible violación del
derecho al debido proceso que le asiste.

Además, debido a la complejidad del proceso y al cumplimiento de los
pedidos de pruebas presentados por la defensa, que incluyen
documentos y testigos mexicanos, el juez teme que no se pueda
comenzar el juicio en febrero.

"No estoy culpando a nadie, pero hay que tomar medidas porque los
plazos pueden extenderse más allá de febrero", dijo Castillo en la
audiencia.

El juez aclaró que su autorización para que Zambada Niebla pueda
ejercitarse al aire libre no se extiende automáticamente al resto de
la población carcelaria.

Los abogados defensores habían pedido al juez, con oposición de la
fiscalía, que se mejoraran las condiciones carcelarias de Zambada
Niebla mientras aguarda el juicio programado para comenzar el 13 de
febrero por tráfico de drogas y lavado de dinero en Estados Unidos.

"Vicentillo" arriesga una condena de cadena perpetua por la
importación de más de 100 toneladas de cocaína y heroína a Estados
Unidos, y el lavado de unos 500 millones de dólares.

EFE

AZMEX UPDATE 28-9-11

AZMEX UPDATE 28 SEP 2011

Note: the uzi most likely Mex govt issue

Seized two vehicles after clashes in Meoqui, also a 'goat horn' and
Uzzi submachine gun
STAFF | September 27, 2011 | 10:57 pm
http://eldiariodechihuahua.mx/notas.php?f=2011/09/27/
&id=c1fd697e1d924d777c8ff9e8ca87c80a

AK 47 rifle, known popularly as "goat horn", an Israeli Uzzi
submachine gun, several magazines. chargers: 5 of .223 caliber, 4 of
7.62x39, one of 30-30(?) and a Super 38, two knives (one single edge
and a two-edged), handcuffs and a radio transmitter were found inside
one of the two vehicles insured Meoqui after a clash between elements
of the State Police and suspected assassins. This unit is a gray
Sentra while the second vehicle is a Toyota Rav-4 sand color which
featured multiple gunshot wounds.
The sedan was located on Sicomoro y Rio de San Pedro of the Villas
San Pedro subdivision in the aforementioned municipality while the
truck was found on a dirt road known as 'the bridge of death' on one
side of the federal highway.
In relation to the injured, the State Attorney's Office reported that
it was two police officers who remain in the regional hospital in
Ciudad Delicias, where they were transferred after injured in the clash.
It is noteworthy that minutes before 3 o'clock yesterday a group
ambushed an unit of the state police when they were conducting a raid
in the town of Meoqui, so that the facts reported to the appropriate
authorities in the capital, units State Police and the Mexican Army
moved into the scene.


Note: no spillover here, nope.

Sources: Fatal gunshots on McAllen expressway point to Gulf Cartel
September 27, 2011 8:41 PM
The Monitor
http://www.themonitor.com/articles/mcallen-55174-point-expressway.html

McALLEN — Fatal gunshots volleyed from one vehicle to another along
the expressway early Tuesday morning point to a power struggle within
the Gulf Cartel, sources familiar with the victim said.

McAllen police continue to investigate the apparent murder of Jorge
Zavala, 32, a Mission man slain as a volley of gunfire penetrated his
Ford Expedition about 2 a.m. Tuesday.

Zavala and a 22-year-old man fell victim to the gunfire when an
unknown shooter attacked their dark-colored SUV from a Chevrolet
Tahoe with oversized rims as they headed west past the Jackson Road
interchange.

Investigators believe the shots came from a semi-automatic rifle, but
would not confirm how many struck the victims. The gunfire caused
Zavala to lose control of the vehicle and crash along the expressway.

Police had no motive for the shooting as of Tuesday afternoon. But
two sources familiar with the situation said Zavala had ties to Gulf
Cartel members in Matamoros and Reynosa, which has shown signs of its
own internal power struggle in recent weeks.

THE ATTACK
Zavala and another man were riding home from the Tex-Mex Lounge strip
club, 2017 Owassa Road, Edinburg, when the shooting occurred, causing
their vehicle to lose control and crash, McAllen police Chief Victor
Rodriguez said.

Zavala died at the scene and the other man was transported to a local
hospital where he was listed in serious condition Tuesday evening.

Police refused to say how many times the victims were shot, but
preliminary autopsy results revealed that Zavala died from multiple
gunshot wounds — not the crash.

A female employee at Tex-Mex said Zavala had been at the bar with a
group of men. The suspected shooters were at the establishment, as
well, but the employee refused to comment any further.

Public records show Zavala has a criminal history that dates to his
youth. Offenses that date back to 1995 include arrests for burglary
of a vehicle, tampering with government records, driving while
intoxicated, theft of property, criminal mischief, failure to
identify a fugitive and evading arrest.

CARTEL TIES?
Investigators could not confirm a motive for Zavala's slaying Tuesday
afternoon. But sources familiar with Zavala say his death could be
part of a power struggle within the Gulf Cartel between two groups:
the Rojos and the Metros, which have engaged in several grenade
attacks in Matamoros and Reynosa in recent weeks.

Zavala had been a close associate of Gulf Cartel plaza boss Gregorio
"El Goyo" or "El Metro 2" Sauceda Gamboa, 44, who was arrested by
Mexican Federal Police in April 2009. He died of cancer while behind
bars, one source said.

That connection to the Metros has made headlines in recent weeks,
after a high-profile execution in Reynosa.

Samuel "Metro 3" Flores Borrego, 39, was found assassinated Sept. 2
alongside the body of a high-ranking Tamaulipas state policeman in
the bed of a pickup truck along the Reynosa-Matamoros highway.

A Mexican law enforcement source confirmed and photos showed the Gulf
Cartel kingpin and policeman's bodies stripped to their underwear
after they were severely beaten and shot in the head.

The execution brought the struggle between the Gulf Cartel's two
current enforcement groups to the forefront. Several sources have
said Flores' execution was part of the blood-soaked feud between the
Metros and Rojos.

A local law enforcement investigator unauthorized to speak publicly
said that same power struggle within the Gulf Cartel may explain
Zavala's slaying.

SIMILAR TECHNIQUE
The attack on Zavala followed a similar Gulf Cartel hit in
Brownsville last year.

That attack occurred in October 2010, when three Gulf Cartel hit men
drove alongside a gray Dodge pickup truck and opened fire, killing
Omar Castillo Flores and his bodyguard, Jose Guadalupe Lopez.

Castillo was the youngest brother of Alberto "Beto Fabe" Castillo,
who at the time was the Gulf Cartel's plaza boss in Matamoros. His
subordinates carried out the execution after Beto Fabe's younger
brother, Oscar "El Apache" Castillo Flores, took sides with the Gulf
Cartel's rival, the Zetas.

The eldest Castillo's execution cleared the way for El Apache to
carry out a slew of revenge attacks and assassinations throughout
Matamoros.

After the Gulf Cartel's enforcers killed most of El Apache's
supporters, he fled with his family to Brownsville, where he was
arrested by federal authorities and sent to prison after pleading
guilty to illegal re-entry.

The Zetas once worked as the Gulf Cartel's enforcement wing prior to
their widely publicized split in early 2010 that has left much of
northeastern Mexico awash in bloody street battles that have left an
unknown number dead.

The turf battle between the Zetas and the Gulf Cartel continues. But
what may come of the latest internal struggle within the Gulf remains
to be seen.

Hours after the murder of Zavala, grenade attacks were reported in
Reynosa, Rio Bravo and Ciudad Victoria, while an intense firefight
took place in Matamoros.


Note: still no lack of grenades it would seem.

Grenade attacks throughout Tamaulipas; shootouts reported
September 28, 2011 12:15 PM
The Monitor
http://www.themonitor.com/articles/rio-55175-one-attacks.html

One of the most violent days recently in northern Tamaulipas took
place Tuesday as one large firefight broke out in Matamoros, another
firefight took place in Rio Bravo, and various grenade attacks
occurred in Reynosa, Ciudad Victoria and Rio Bravo.

In Matamoros, fighting broke out about 5 p.m. near the intersection
of Cuauhtémoc Avenue and Calle Doce. Soon after, another fight broke
out along Calle Sexta near the intersection with Canales Avenue. The
fighting soon moved to the San Francisco neighborhood, where it
reportedly lasted close to 30 minutes. The fighting allegedly took
place between two groups of gunmen with Mexican authorities arriving
shortly after to make it a three-way fight.

As the fighting continued, gunmen set up road blocks along the city's
main streets to interfere with the deployment of Mexican troops.

Cameron County officials confirmed that Veterans International Bridge
was temporarily closed as a result of the situation in Matamoros.

The Twitter and Facebook account used by the City of Matamoros to
warn about violent incidents didn't issue any alerts. However the
U.S. Consulate in Matamoros issued a warning regarding the firefight.
"A gun battle that occurred on September 27, 2011 between the
approximate hours of 5:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.," the document stated.
"During that time heavy gunfire was reported in different locations
in Matamoros including the downtown area."

The warning advised U.S. citizens to avoid unnecessary travel within
the city.

Tamaulipas authorities issued a new release confirming the grenade
attacks and condemning all forms of violence.

RIO BRAVO
Official figures have not been released regarding the total number of
injured or dead, but officials confirmed two dead in the Rio Bravo
shootout.

The shootout came Tuesday afternoon about 3 p.m., shortly after a
group of men in an SUV threw a grenade at the Azteca movie theater
along Madero Avenue, seriously injuring one person. Soon after the
first attack, a second grenade was thrown at the Tamaulipas State
Police building along Independence Street; no injuries were reported.
The shootout took place shortly after the two attacks between Mexican
authorities and gunmen.

REYNOSA
About an hour later in Reynosa, three different grenade attacks were
reported without any injuries. One of the grenades was thrown at a
nightclub called Dubai along Seventh Street. A second device was
thrown at a hair salon next to Guadalupe Victoria Elementary School
in the Mil Cumbres Dos neighborhood.

The third grenade attack took place in the Casa Bella neighborhood.

The Twitter and Facebook account used by the Reynosa city government
to warn about violent incidents didn't issue any alerts but invited
the public to various cultural activities.

On Monday night, two different grenades went off one in the Gallo De
Oro bar in the Rodriguez neighborhood and another in the Cadillac Bar
in the downtown area. At the Gallo De Oro bar, one man by the name of
Enrique Valdez Martinez was killed by the blast and seven other
patrons were injured.

CIUDAD VICTORIA
In the state capital, Ciudad Victoria, two grenades were thrown at a
Federal Electric Commission warehouse along Luis Caballero Avenue,
causing damage to electronic equipment inside.


Note: will have to see if trend of very light sentences continues.

Straw purchasing ringleader convicted
September 27, 2011 10:31 PM
Ildefonso Ortiz
The Monitor
http://www.themonitor.com/articles/ringleader-55179-straw-convicted.html

McALLEN — A federal jury found a McAllen resident guilty of leading a
weapons purchasing and smuggling ring.

Manuel Tijerina Herrera, 48, owner of El Tiburon restaurant in
McAllen was convicted Monday afternoon after a three-day trial before
Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa.

In 2008, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives investigated four codefendants from Hidalgo County in
their early 20s who claimed to have bought firearms for themselves,
according to court records. But in fact, they'd bought them for
Tijerina, who had paid them $150 each after the weapons had been
delivered to his restaurant, records show.

Two years later, 19-year-old Jesse Gonzalez of San Juan purchased a
Bushmaster AR-15; agents followed Gonzalez to another business owned
by Tijerina, where Gonzalez put the rifle in Tijerina's truck. Agents
then saw Tijerina's son go with Gonzalez to Tijerina's home to stash
the weapon. At the house, agents seized the rifle and a 9 mm Beretta
with a barrel threaded to fit a silencer.

Tijerina was convicted on three charges of aiding and abetting the
making of false statements on an ATF form, conspiracy to make false
statements on an ATF form, and possession of a non-registered
silencer. Tijerina was arrested Friday for a pretrial violation and
will remain in custody until his sentencing Dec. 29.

Of Tijerina's codefendants — Aaron Aleman, 21, Priscilla Treviño, 21,
Gustavo Aleman, 22, and Schubby Ramirez, 21 — all but Ramirez have
pleaded guilty.

--

Ildefonso Ortiz covers law enforcement and general assignments for
The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4437.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

AZMEX SPECIAL 27-9-11

AZMEX SPECIAL 27 SEP 2011

Note: Drugs drugs drugs everywhere. The big sweep in valley seems
to have mostly picked up members of non latino minority group so
far. Not much in way of weapons noted so far. Group accused of drug
dealing, rip offs, home invasions, etc.

Massive Drug Sweep Across South Phoenix
Updated: Tuesday, 27 Sep 2011, 5:15 PM MST
Published : Tuesday, 27 Sep 2011, 11:05 AM MST
Adapted for the Web by
myFOXPhoenix.com Staff
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/local/phoenix/massive-drug-sweep-
across-south-phoenix-apx-09272011

PHOENIX - More than 300 officers from more than 10 agencies have
seized drugs and made 31 arrests in south Phoenix, Tempe and Avondale.

The extensive drug sweep early Tuesday, led by the Phoenix Police
Department, includes state agencies as well as the Drug Enforcement
Administration.

It's a highly unusual case. At a home in Tempe near Dorsey Lane and
Hermosa, hundreds of pairs of Nike Air Jordans -- all mens, size 11
-- were found. The basketball shoes are considered collectors items.

A vintage Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Camaro were also seized. Police
say the wheels and tires on the Camaro were each worth thousands of
dollars.

Something unusual and strange has been going on in that home and
police say this is just the tip of the iceberg. One officer told FOX
10's Steve Krafft that "Imelda Marcos didn't have this many shoes."
The widow of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos had over
1,000 pairs in her collection.

Elsewhere, police found a stash of cocaine hidden in a box of Ritz
crackers -- they also seized 125 pounds of marijuana and $160,000 in
cash.

The investigation began in the summer of 2009, when officers started
noticing connections between various drug dealers. With help from the
DEA, investigators tracked the vast network all over the valley.

One of those suspects is David Mosley, the alleged ringleader. He has
strong ties to Mexican cartels, police say. Attorney General Tom
Horne used the arrests to call for increased border security.

"It is not just an abstract problem on the border or a statistic. It
ends up affecting our own communities as we have seen right here in
Phoenix," said Horne.

Officers are hunting for the rest of the suspects. 71 people were
indicted, but not all have been located.
"I am proud to say that today what we did was take off the main
suppliers and sources of narcotics and illegal drugs into this city
and around the valley," said Phoenix Police Lt. Sean Connelly. "We
were amazed at the amount of communication and collaboration that
went on between these drug dealers."


Chandler woman arrested for drug smuggling
Associated Press | Posted: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 6:47 am |
Comments
http://azstarnet.com/news/state-and-regional/
article_c5baf757-3ebd-5f03-89a1-c69d7eae540c.html

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office says a Chandler woman has been
arrested on suspicion of attempting to smuggle both drugs and
suspected illegal immigrants.
Deputies conducting a traffic stop near Interstate 8 and Highway 84
near Casa Grande Monday pulled over an SUV and confiscated 300 pounds
of marijuana and detained several individuals that were suspected of
being in the United States illegally. Six people were turned over to
the U.S. Border Patrol.
Authorities say Carol Rivera is facing charges of conspiracy to
smuggling marijuana for sale and human smuggling.


$1.4 million in drugs seized near Winterhaven
September 26, 2011 5:26 PM
BY MARA KNAUB - SUN STAFF WRITER
http://www.yumasun.com/news/patrol-73286-border-vehicle.html

The U.S. Border Patrol seized $1.4 million in methamphetamine and
heroin hidden in a vehicle's engine compartment and spare tire Sunday.

The agents seized the drugs after a Border Patrol canine alerted to
the vehicle at the checkpoint on Interstate 8 near Winterhaven at
about 11:45 a.m.
The meth weighed about 42 pounds and the heroin more than 1.3 pounds,
agents reported.

The 42-year-old male suspect was driving a blue Jeep Cherokee. Border
Patrol has not released his name. The agents turned him over to the
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration along with the vehicle and
narcotics.

Mara Knaub can be reached at mknaub@yumasun.com or 539-6856.

Customs officer among six indicted on pot smuggling charges
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 20:53
http://www.svherald.com/content/news/2011/09/26/226089


TUCSON — A federal grand jury in Tucson has returned a 4-count
superseding indictment against U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Officer (CBPO) Luis Carlos Vasquez, 32; Victor Stuppi, 40; Jesus
Antonio Chavez-Bustamante, 25; and Karla Beatriz Prieto, 23, all of
Douglas; and Saul Lizarraga-Roldan, 37; and Marcos Abraham Sandoval-
Lizarraga, 22, both of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, for conspiracy to
possess with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent
to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to import marijuana and
importation of marijuana.
The indictment alleges that CBPO Vasquez conspired with the others
named in the indictment to import marijuana through the Douglas Port
of Entry (POE) while Vasquez was working an inspection lane. It is
also alleged that on June 17, while Vasquez was working an inspection
lane at the Douglas POE, he knowingly allowed 547 kilograms of
marijuana to pass through his inspection lane in a Chevrolet Avalanche.

"Law enforcement officials must be held to a higher standard of
conduct," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Ann Birmingham Scheel. "In the
rare and regrettable circumstance where a sworn officer crosses the
line into criminal conduct and violates their oath and the public's
trust, they will be brought to justice."
Vasquez was arrested on Friday, Sept. 23, and had his initial
appearance Monday in federal court in Tucson. Vasquez was released
pending trial on a $100,000 personal appearance bond. Stuppi has been
released on a $50,000 personal appearance bond, Prieto has been
released pending trial, Chavez-Bustamante and Lizarraga-Roldan have
been detained pending trial and Sandoval-Lizarraga remains at large.
"This indictment signifies a collaborative effort by the FBI's Border
Corruption Task Force," stated FBI Special Agent in Charge James L.
Turgal Jr., Phoenix Division. "When a law enforcement officer
participates in drug trafficking it taints the badge and memory of
all those in law enforcement who risk their lives every day to uphold
our laws and serve the public with trust and honor. The FBI,
alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively
pursue those responsible for corruption along the border and those
who violate the public's trust."
A conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute
marijuana carries a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment with a
mandatory minimum term of five years, a $5,000,000 fine or both.
possession with intent to distribute marijuana carries a maximum
penalty of 40 years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum term of
five years, a $5,000,000 fine or both. Conspiracy to import marijuana
carries a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment with a mandatory
minimum term of five years, a $5,000,000 fine or both.
Importation of marijuana carries a maximum penalty of 40 years
imprisonment with a mandatory minimum term of five years, a
$5,000,000 fine or both.
In determining an actual sentence, Judge David C. Bury will consult
the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing
ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in
determining a sentence.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with
criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is
presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury
that established guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by FBI-
Sierra Vista, ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, the FBI's
Southern Arizona Corruption Task Force, and the Douglas Police
Department. The prosecution is being handled by Joshua C. Mellor,
Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.

Ex-probation officer gets 14 years for giving info to drug smugglers
Comments 9
September 27, 2011 6:28 AM
Jared Taylor
The Monitor
http://www.themonitor.com/articles/sentenced-55130-officer-edinburg.html

BACKGROUND:
Earlier chapters in this story:
July 15, 2009: Prosecutors: Probation officer bribed by drug traffickers
Dec. 2, 2009: Probation officer admits to aiding drug traffickers

BROWNSVILLE — A federal judge sent a former probation officer to
prison after he admitted to accepting bribes from drug traffickers.

Edinburg resident Armando Mora, 38, was sentenced to 14 years in
federal prison after a hearing before U.S. District Judge Hilda Tagle
in Brownsville.

Mora admitted to accepting bribes and turning over confidential
information to members of an unnamed drug trafficking organization
while employed as a U.S. probation officer.

Federal investigators said the drug traffickers would turn over names
of potential drug load couriers to Mora, who would then examine the
prospective driver's criminal history and whether they had any active
arrest warrants.

The drug trafficking bosses would then decide whether they should
hire the prospective courier based on the information Mora provided.

Mora received a $5,000 bribe in July 2009 from one of the drug cartel
bosses in exchange for the sensitive information, prosecutors said.

The bribery scheme stretched between February and July 2009, when
agents seized more than 2 tons of marijuana and 500 pounds of cocaine
from the drivers hired with the information Mora provided.

Drug smugglers did not hire everyone screened by Mora. Three drivers
were dismissed by the smugglers after Mora said two candidates were
undercover agents and a third was giving information to the FBI.

Federal probation officers check criminal defendants' backgrounds and
provide pre-sentencing and bond recommendations to federal judges.
The probation officers' investigations often detail sensitive
information about the defendant's background and how he became
involved in crime.

Prosecutors, defense lawyers and the defendants have access to the
probation officers' reports even when sealed by the court. They are
not available to the general public for review.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Immigration and Customs
Enforcement.

Jared Taylor covers courts and general assignments for The Monitor.
He can be reached at (956) 683-4439.


Smugglers making hand-offs through bars of border fence

bundles of marijuana
Investigators think these thinly-shaped bundles of marijuana were
slipped through the bars of the new barrier. Photo/anta Cruz County
Metro Task Force
Posted: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 8:48 am
JB Miller For the Nogales International | 0 comments
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/smugglers-making-hand-offs-
through-bars-of-border-fence/article_68277168-
e920-11e0-8e81-001cc4c03286.html

In another change of tactics precipitated by the new Nogales border
fence, smugglers appear to be making narcotics hand-offs from Mexico
to the U.S. through the bars of the barrier, authorities say.
Lt. Gerry Castillo of the Santa Cruz County Metro Task Force said his
office is looking into a case that began in July when investigators
discovered a number of oddly shaped bundles of marijuana during a
seizure at an undisclosed location.
He said the investigators at first thought the 48 pounds of marijuana
that had been wrapped in thin tubular packages might be "tunnel
bundles." However, upon closer examination, they discovered that the
bundles were not dirty.
That's when investigators decided that the packages had likely been
passed through the fence, which features interconnected, concrete-
filled steel tubes with an approximately 4-inch open space between them.
"Boom-boom," is how Castillo described the suspected hand-offs, in
which someone on the Mexico side quickly hands a bundle to a person
on the U.S. side before taking off.
"We block them for awhile and they come up with another plan,"
Castillo said of the cat-and-mouse game between drug smugglers and
law enforcement.
Castillo said no arrests have been made in the ongoing investigation,
but authorities have identified three people of interest.
No change
The new $11.6-million, 2.8-mile border fence was completed this past
summer following a groundbreaking in March. At the time of
construction, Border Patrol officials said the taller, stronger, more
secure barrier would allow it to station fewer agents at the fence
and deploy more of them to outlying trouble spots.
However, Agent Eric Cantu, spokesman for the Border Patrol's Tucson
Sector, said there has been no change of staffing at the fence area.
He added that passing contraband through the fence is nothing new and
smugglers use "any method they can conceive of."
Cantu said blocking the space between the bars with material like
steel mesh would be unproductive because smugglers would just cut
through it.
"We have to be aware of all techniques currently used and try to
mitigate through the increase of infrastructure, manpower, and
technology and also through our cooperation with other law-
enforcement partners," Cantu said.

Identifican cuerpo de cazador desaparecido en Zacatecas
Fue encontrado en una fosa donde también se encontraban otros restos,
los que podrían ser de sus compañeros desaparecidos en el 2010

http://www.excelsior.com.mx/index.php?m=nota&id_nota=770823

LEÓN, Gto., 26 de septiembre.- El titular de la Procuraduría General
de Justicia del Estado (PGJE), Carlos Zamarripa Aguirre, informó que
ya fue identificado el cuerpo de uno de los cazadores leoneses
desaparecidos en Zacatecas en diciembre de 2010.

Indicó que la fiscalía estatal de Zacatecas les notificó que uno de
los cadáveres encontrados en fosas cercanas a donde se perdieron los
cazadores leoneses, se corroboró que correspondía a uno de los
guanajuatenses.

"El día de hoy tuve comunicación con el procurador de Zacatecas; me
informó que han corroborado unas muestras que nosotros le enviamos de
genética y ha sido confirmado que uno de los restos óseos que
encontraron pertenecía a uno de los cazadores", indicó.

Los restos fueron localizados en una fosa cercana a donde uno de los
sobrevivientes del grupo de cazadores señaló que estuvieron
secuestrados.

El procurador señaló que "es muy probable que ahí vayan a estar los
demás".

Los cazadores leoneses eran integrantes del Club Cinegético Casa,
Tiro y Pesca "Aldama", que tiene sus oficinas en la colonia El
Coecillo, en la Zona Piel. Todos se dedican a la venta de calzado.

La PGJE informó que los desaparecidos son Ernesto Cordero Anguiano,
de 37 años de edad, quien es militar retirado; su hermano Diego
Cordero Anguiano, de 47; su sobrino Juan Diego Cordero Valdivia, de
22, y Alan Josué Bocanegra López, de 19.

Asimismo, Sergio Sánchez Pérez, de 32; Mario Alberto Reyes, de 26;
José Javier Martínez, de 46, y Héctor González Cervantes, de 37.

La familia de los desaparecidos refirió ante la fiscalía estatal que
el grupo de comerciantes de calzado iba frecuentemente de cacería a
los estados de Guanajuato, Jalisco y Zacatecas.

También solicitaron que la investigación fuera atraída por la
Procuraduría General de la República (PGR).

jgm
2011-09-26 22:20:00


Aseguran militares siete millones de pesos a un automovilista
Delfino Martínez Rivera, "El Demonio", fue detenido en Coahuila por
delincuencia organizada y lavado de dinero

http://www.excelsior.com.mx/index.php?m=nota&id_nota=770688

MONCLOVA, Coah., 26 de septiembre.- Personal de la Secretaria de la
Defensa Nacional (Sedena) logró el aseguramiento de casi siete
millones de pesos y la detención de un sujeto identificado como
Delfino Martínez Rivera, alias "El Demonio", por su probable
responsabilidad en delitos de delincuencia organizada y operaciones
con recursos de procedencia ilícita.

Los Militares, del Décimo Primer Batallón de Infantería, al realizar
un operativo de inspección sobre la Avenida del bulevar Estadio cruce
con República de Chile, en la colonia Guadalupe, de la ciudad de
Monclova, Coahuila, notaron la presencia de un vehículo, Nissan
Platina, color rojo, sin placas de circulación, conducido por
Martínez Rivera, quien al notar la presencia de los uniformados
intento darse a la fuga.

Finalmente fue sometido cuadras más adelante, en la cajuela de la
unidad fueron localizados una maleta de color negro y una bolsa de
mano que contenían diversos paquetes de billetes, que tenían escrito
con marcador negro diversas cantidades que al sumarse arrojaron la
cantidad de 6 millones de 907 mil 155 pesos.

También le fueron decomisadas una computadora y una impresora HP; Un
juego de placas de circulación del estado de Nuevo León y 14 paquetes
de sobres.

Por lo anterior la dependencia puso a disposición del Ministerio
Público Federal al detenido, al vehículo y la cantidad asegurada para
iniciar la indagatoria y ejercer la acción penal respectiva.

jgm

2011-09-26 13:50:00