Tuesday, September 27, 2016

AZMEX UPDATE 27-9-16

AZMEX UPDATE 27 SEP 2016



Authorities: Arizona border strike task force succeeding so far
BY KATHY CLINE |
September 26, 2016 @ 8:37 am

http://ktar.com/story/1289522/arizona-border-strike-task-force-succeeding-so-far/

PHOEINX — Arizona's border strike task force is doing well, said authorities.

The specialized unit that combats border crime, human trafficking and drug cartels, recently added more manpower, thanks to state support.

"We've added 36 positions to the unit, and we are … out making traffic stops on suspicious activity," Col. Frank Milstead, who heads the Department of Public Safety, said.

The team debuted a year ago. Between September 2015 and June 2016, it seized 17,070 pounds of marijuana, 92 pounds of heroin and 667 pounds of methamphetamine.

From July 1 to Aug. 31 of this year, seized marijuana was 1,665 pounds. The team snagged 28 pounds of heroin and 135 pounds of methamphetamine.

"If we can't get the federal government to do the things we would like them to do, [Gov. Doug Ducey] wanted to make sure he was able to do something that he could control," Milstead said.

Recently, the state approved thousands of dollars for deputies from Cochise and Pima counties to join the force.

Cochise received $375,000 and Pima $225,000.

Santa Cruz and Yuma counties are not sending deputies to the force because of financial constraints.

end



Note: estimated 5,000 Haitians crowd shelters in Tijuana, story in english at link:

http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/articulo/english/2016/09/24/arrival-haitians-seeking-asylum-saturates-shelters-tijuana

More:
http://www.frontera.info/Columnas/DetalleColumnas/945747-Pareceres-Rosario-Marinez.html

end



Note: Meanwhile way down south.

Armed group attacks INM truck; They were 25 foreigners
The incident took place around 13:00 in the village of El Mezquite, in Santiago Ixtaltepec, Oaxaca

27/09/2016 16:59 CARLOS QUIROZ
Photo: Cuartoscuro
http://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/2016/09/27/1119320

MEXICO CITY.

The National Migration Institute (INM), a agency of the Ministry of the Interior (Interior Ministry), announced that on Monday September 26 in Santiago Ixtaltepec, Oaxaca, an alleged criminal group stopped with firearms an official vehicle of this organization with the purpose of taking 25 foreigners and the alleged smuggler who had been detained by federal immigration agents after an operation and Verification Control in the region.

During the operation, performed around 13:00 hours on Monday in the town of El Mezquite, elements of the National Migration Institute detected a red pickup truck carrying a group of migrants, the driver with intent to evade the authority, increased speed to escape.

According to the preliminary investigation FED / OAXACA / MR / 1289/2016 initiated by these facts in the Attorney General's Office, it states that federal immigration agents overtook the truck and moved to foreigners and the driver to the INM vehicle unit; however, it was intercepted by five suspects who were traveling on five motorcycles, shooting on several occasions with guns at the official vehicle, in order to take 25 foreigners of different nationalities and the smuggler who accompanied them, resulting injured two federal immigration agents, one bullet wound in one arm and another a blow to the head with the butt of a gun, "explained the INM.

It also reported that following a request for assistance from the elements of the National Migration Institute, the Mexican Army, the Federal and State Police aided the affected staff, giving them at all times security and support for the injured were taken to a hospital.

JCP

end

AZMEX EXTRA 27-9-16

AZMEX EXTRA 27 SEP 2016


ARMY SEIZES WEAPONS AND DRUGS
IN THE COLONIA EL RASTRO IN TWO ABANDONED CARS
27 / Sep / 2016
JC Vasquez

http://www.nuevodia.com.mx/Nota.aspx?p=18656

New Day / Nogales, Sonora

Drugs and weapons were located by members of the Department of Defense during surveillance patrols in various sectors of the city, including the colony El Rastro, the seizures were in two cars in an apparent state of abandonment, one had been reported stolen.

Through a press release, the Secretariat of National Defense, announced that it was long guns, handguns, magazines and several hundred rounds of ammunition and more than a hundred kilos of drugs.

In total there were 13 firearms eight rifles and five handguns, about 1,400 cartridges, 59 magazines, and 166 kilos of marijuana .

The drug was located within 16 packages in the vehicles, which were in apparent state of abandonment during yesterday morning in the El Rastro and its surroundings.

One of the cars is a Ford, F350, with a theft report from three months ago, and there was hid two rifles, a pistol, four magazines, and packets of drugs, in the other vehicle, found six guns rifles, four pistols, plus 55 magazines and more than 1,400 cartridges.

The weapons, drugs and vehicles were turned over to the Attorney General's Office to continue with the relevant legal procedures, but the assurance was conducted with the participation of police elements of other organizations.

END

Monday, September 26, 2016

AZMEX SPECIAL 26-9-16

Note: Chihuahua election. for those interested:

State Legislature declares Javier Corral Governor
Sep 26, 2016 | Author: antonio_hernandez |
http://www.elfronterizo.com.mx/article/declara-congreso-javier-corral-gobernador
Monday, September 26, 2016 - 13:21

The Legislature LXIV issued the declaration of Javier Corral Jurado, who was elected as Governor of the Free and Sovereign State of Chihuahua, for the period from 4 October 2016 to September 7, 2021 ; derived from the notifications sent by the Electoral Tribunal of Judicial Power of the Federation and the State Electoral Tribunal, in relation to the statements that were issued in favor of the outcome of the electoral process against the lawsuit promoted by the PRI .

He was the deputy of the PAN, Ana Gomez Licon who read the opinion of decree of the board of policy coordination in which it informs about the electoral process from June 5 in which elected Javier Corral as governor of the state, to the relief of appeals by the PRI to the upper Chamber of the Federal Electoral Tribunal, to take protest meeting on October 4 by the 65th legislature.

Members unanimously approved the declaration of validity of the election of Javier Corral as constitutional governor of the state, that was protested legally, he will take place on 4 October at the Convention Center Chihuahua, the day has been determined the start of the work of the next legislature.

With this the electoral process in relation to the governorship is completed and formally in the constitutional decree for the start of the work of the next administration of 4 years and 8 months.

By:
antonio_hernandez

Thursday, September 22, 2016

AZMEX UPDATE 22-9-16

AZMEX UPDATE 22 SEP 2016


2 counties to get state funding for deputies for border unit

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AZ_BORDER_STRIKE_FORCE_COUNTIES_AZOL-?SITE=AZCAS&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

PHOENIX (AP) -- The state plans to provide two counties with partial funding for sheriff's deputies to work on Arizona's new border strike force and those counties and two others would also get money to pay for costs stemming from border-related crime.

A Department of Public Safety plan endorsed by a legislative oversight committee Wednesday will provide Cochise County with $375,000 for five deputies and Pima County with $225,000 for three deputies.

DPS Director Frank Milstead told the committee in a Sept. 14 letter that Santa Cruz and Yuma counties aren't participating because they cannot provide the require 25 percent match.

The state also plans to provide $125,000 grants to each of the four border counties for prosecution and jail expenses stemming from drug trafficking, human smuggling, illegal immigration and other border-related crimes.

END



Note: Driving south? Be Aware. Photo at link.

OBJECTS LEFT ON THE ROAD TO FORCE STOPPING AND ENABLE ASSAULT
22 / Sep / 2016
Drafting
Nuevo Dia / Imuris, Sonora

http://www.nuevodia.com.mx/Nota.aspx?p=18449

Police and Civil Protection authorities trying toprevent the presence of metal objects on federal and state highways, that are used to force stopping and expose motorists to assault.

Harmless fruits like oranges or apples can draw the attention of drivers and who try to crush them, but result in a blowout or flat tire or tires having spikes / nails inside.

So far they are seen in the region, but the objects described have been found in some other area.

"It is better to be wary of any object seen in the asphalt and avoid with great caution, but without reducing speed too much" recommend police forces at local and state level.

END



Give 27 weapons to police
22 / Sep / 2016 - 7:48 a.m.
The delivery of weapons to the mayor of Navojoa was by the Secretary of Public Security in Sonora
By: Katia Lemus

http://tribuna.com.mx/nota.php?n=22299

Navojoa, Sonora.- As part of the actions taken by the Ministry of Public Security to strengthen the Municipal Police, the head of the federal agency, Adolfo Garcia Morales, gave the mayor of Navojoa, Raul Silva Vela, 27 prieto beretta weapons and ammunition.

The Municipal Commissioner of Public Safety, Valentin Gamez Granados, confirmed the delivery of weapons that have long been assigned, but were not issued.

These weapons were assigned to elements that are already trained to protect citizens and especially to reduce the factors of crime and crime in the city.

end



Note: about 20 miles NE of Hermosillo

Ministry of Health confirmed three cases of Zika in Sonora
Details Published on Thursday September 22, 2016,
Written by Editorial / The Journal
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=79000

Zika three cases were confirmed in the municipality of San Miguel de Horcasitas, same found set and controlled by the Ministry of Health, where measures and intensified fumigation, the Health Secretary Gilberto Ungson Beltran said.

(rest of the story at link - in Spanish)

end

AZMEX UPDATE 21-9-16

AZMEX UPDATE 21 SEP 2016

Note: the PRI also has a long history of being very anti church. Several photos, etc. at link.
A long unpleasant read.
From the good folks at Borderland Beat. http://www.borderlandbeat.com
thx



Dozens of Catholic Priests murdered under Calderon-EPN administration
by Lucio for Borderland Beat- this is a republished post from March 2015-see post of today of two priest murdered this week by using this link

Mexico is the most dangerous nation for priests in the world

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2016/09/dozens-of-catholic-priests-murdered.html

Catholic Priests, are among the bravest drug war heroes of Mexico, and they are being killed at an escalating and appalling rate. Few are reporting the full story, or are reporting the numbers inaccurately, including the Catholic Church.

The fact that Mexico is one of the most dangerous places on earth for reporters is well known, what is far less written about is the violence perpetrated against Catholic Priests.

Mexico is officially now the most dangerous place on earth for Catholic Priests. While long in the top group of most dangerous places for priests, Mexico is now its leader. For the sixth consecutive year, Mexico tops the list in murders and disappearances of Catholic priests in Latin America.

What must be established, murders and kidnappings of priests receive little attention outside regional reporting hubs. It is a perplexing, how a story of dozens of priests being murdered by cartels during 2 administrations goes unrecognized, or for example, a story about 5 priests being killed in November–December of 2013 in Tamaulipas and Veracruz, is but a tiny blip on the media radar.

Inaccuracy of numbers
It must be pointed out, that priests are kidnapped, often from churches or rectories, but the "disappearance" never budges from being labeled as such, to being counted as "killed" or "dead", unless there is a body. Those kidnapped and not found, are not recorded on a drug war casualty list.

In fairness, neither is any other group of people, which renders summations weak and without merit.

Nonetheless, the point being, as the title of this post says; ' "dozens" of priests killed during the Calderon-Peña Administrations', astonishing in of itself, still is an accurate tally.

Then there is misreporting, much like municipalities are known to ascribe to, in attempting to lower the rate of violence.

For example, with four days remaining in 2012, in the state of Michoacán, padre Santiago Álvarez Figueroa, vanished. Although he had received dozens of death threats leading up to his disappearance, Authorities were quick to discount he had fallen prey to organized crime, instead this story was offered, "we think he was in an automobile accident", this was reported by Jesus Reyes Garcia of the governor's office, who later revised the version when the vehicle of the priest was not found and parishioners rejected the account.

What is known, Father Santiago, 27, had just finished celebrating Mass in the tiny town of Jacona, he entered his car and headed home to his hometown of Paredones. He called one of the nuns, advising he was on his way back home.
He never arrived.

Reyes is now incarcerated for collusion with organized crime, he was temporary governor while Governor Fausto Vallejo Figueroa was in the U.S. getting a new liver. Vallejo Figueroa resigned on the heels of the controversy of his son's arrest. His son known as 'El Gerber', was arrested after a Tutateca video of him with the Caballeros Templarios leader surfaced.

Santiago's body was never found. He is not listed as murdered, he is with the other priests in perpetual limbo on the "disappeared" list. His Bakersfield, California, family, has no doubt he was murdered by organized crime, most likely the culprits are Caballeros Templarios.

Torture, including rape prior to murder

Organized crime killings of priests are particularly brutal.

The recovered bodies of priests depict odious, barbaric torture and killing. Decapitation, dismemberment, incineration, strangulation, drowning, torture and rape are the methods used against priests in additional to the "conventional" killing methods of gunshot, or stabbings.

Take the case of Padre John Ssenyondo of Chilapa, Guerrero. The Ugandan priest loved his adopted country of Mexico, and wanted better for its people. He had lived in Guerrero for 5 years, preaching to the most impoverished if Mexican populous. And by all accounts his parishioners loved the outgoing priest with the quick wide smile.

But they also worried about his safety. For his sermons had become strong and firm against organized crime. Many think that was his downfall.

In April of 2014, Padre John disappeared while traveling back from conducting mass (service) in the mountains of Guerrero. His disappearance went almost without notice, if not for the discovery of a mass grave.

The Catholic Church was quiet about the case, the regional rector of the cathedral, Javier Casarrubias Carballido, never commented on the missing Priest.

Parishioners spoke among themselves, a persistent rumor was that a cartel leader asked the priest to baptize his child, and the request was denied. That scenario seems unlikely, since in the Catholic religion, the sins of the father would be deemed irrelevant to the child.

The other scenario is the more likely of the two, the priest would not heed to warnings to halt sermons against organized crime. He had begun drawing the link of local officials and organized crime.

A mass grave was discovered in the outskirts of Chilapa, Chilapa is about 30 miles east of Chilpancingo, the state capital.

The remains of Padre John were among the 13 bodies buried in a mass narco fosa. The bodies were decapitated and dismembered, and incomplete. Padre John's skull and various other bones were discovered, he was identified by dental records.

Why are priest targeted?

Long held rumors of priests ingratiating themselves towards organized crime groups for financial gain, benefiting their parishes, is persistent, but inaccurate. That would be the exception not the norm. Organized crime regards priests as the enemy. The following lists a few of the reasons why.

Sermons: outspoken priests, who preaching against organized crime, and the collusion of government officials and police. Organized crime groups prefer to remain under the radar, and feel threatened by those who may encourage an organized backlash against their activities. Same can be said about municipal governments and police.

Assisting Economic Migrants: Migrants, mostly from Central America, are highly exploited by cartels, and are at the core of narco occupational diversification. For example the sex trade, kidnapping, extortion, human trafficking, and forcible recruitment into cartel work including becoming sicarios (hitmen). Those who shelter migrants and advocate for migrant issues, interrupt business, resulting in bottom line impact. Catholic clergy are the operators of 95% of migrant shelters. They are also their greatest advocacy group, in and out of Mexico.

Who can ever forget the images of 72 migrants slaughtered in Tamaulipas in 2010? 72 human beings, executed for the crime of refusing recruitment into the Los Zetas cartel.

Throughout Mexico Catholic Priests create a safe haven for migrants. Priests provide migrants shelter, assistance, medical care and other forms of care. Cartels consider this an intrusion into their source of revenue. Priests who run the migrant shelters such as Casa Migrante's are constantly being threatened.

Catholic based Rehab Centers:Alcohol and drug rehab centers have become fewer in number than two years ago. There were a string of attacks by cartels, resulting in the destruction of centers or mass killings of inhabitants. 19 killed in a Chihuahua rehab in photo at left.

Cartels exploit the centers, extorting and forcibly recruit sicarios and drug traffickers, often death threats are realized when a rehab group resists. Others are killed for failing to pay for drugs or betraying a dealer.

Supporting Autodefensa Movements: Autodefensa groups are organized as a union consisting of 13 states. Some priests are targeted because of their support of these groups, or direct involvement.
Refusing requests: In the narco world, it is notable that there are large groups of Santería followers. Although the religious based cult is syncretized with Catholicism and Mesoamerican, it is strictly condemned by the religion. Small "Santeria Chapels" are erected that seem to pop up overnight, that "honor" the Santeria offshoot Nuestra Señora de la Santa Muerte.

While there are millions of good people, often the marginalized people of society, which practice the "religion", with no intention to harm others. It is organized crime that have taken it to a sinister level, thinking that Santa Muerte will protect them from harm or imprisonment while they conduct criminality, including murder.

This Santa Muerte chapel was bulldozed in Allende

This Acuña chapel was destroyed in 2013

In 2013, Tamaulipas and Veracruz priests began receiving demands that Catholic altars in churches feature statues of Santa Muerte. Going further that masses be said in honor of Santa Muerte. Parishioners say It is because of the refusals that some priests disappeared.

Extortion: Cartels treat priests/churches no differently than any other business in Mexico, they too are victims of extortion.

Three padres in the cross-hairs
Mexican priests are as a group vulnerable to attack, but there are priests that are standouts in the field of danger.

Gregorio Lopez, better known as 'Padre Goyo' Michoacán

Padre Goyo, is arguably the most outspoken priest in Mexico today. Of the 7 Apatzingán Michoacán priests whose life have been threaten in 2014, he tops the list of most reviled by organized crime, and corrupt government, both municipal, state and federal.

A champion of the autodefensa movement, he was directly involved with the group. The bullet proof vest wearing priest is a close friend and ally to the imprisoned autodefensa leader and social activist, Dr Manuel Mireles.

In 2014, Goyo's brother, "Luis Jerónimo", was kidnapped by the Caballeros Templarios, with a message for his priest brother….. CT kidnappers sent a warning to Goyo, to back off his involvement in the AD movement, and foremost, no further complaints about their activity and conflicts to the press and on the pulpit. For his part, if anything Goyo stepped up his game, on speech tours of the US and contacting U.S. government officials about the run-away violence and corruption.

Recently, Padre Goyo appeared before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and met with New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, on the last leg of his US tour,
"We in Mexico, are terrorized and are governed by organized crime," he charged.
Luis Jerónimo, 39, was released after a few days of captivity and then decided to leave Mexico and appeared before the immigration authorities at the border crossing of San Ysidro, California to seek asylum.

However, instead, the immigrant was sent to a detention center , where he remained for nearly a year without being granted bail and exposed to immediate deportation.

"It is inhuman what they did with this immigrant is a clear example of what happens when it is not well known law that confers asylum. He was a perfect candidate for his release in a few weeks and with a minimum bond "said Alex Galvez, immigration attorney who secured the release of Jerome.

Bishop Raul Vera López -Coahuila
Vera López is an avowed advocate for human rights and social justice. He is another priest who sets aside his personal safety in favor of expressing his views against abuse of power, corruption, absence of the rule of law and violations of human rights. He is an advocate for the marginalized people of Mexico, bucking the Vatican, he publicly welcomed gays into the parish.

He opposes the fact that, although Mexico is not really a poor country, more than half of its 110 million people live below the poverty line. He stresses they also increasingly live in fear. Waves of murders and violence have followed in the wake of criminal cartels' brutal warfare to control the cartel drug trade.

He has traveled to D.C. to speak about cartel violence, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and corruption of Mexico. He has also demanded investigations into the thousands of migrants who have gone missing while passing through the state of Coahuila and clamored for a DNA database to identify bodies.

He and Padre Goyo traveled to D.C. to the Human Rights Commission to report of the Iguala abuses and murders, a year before the now famous attacks in September on students by police.

He operates one of the largest migrant shelters in Mexico. It is located in his home base of Saltillo, the capital of Coahuila. Borderland Beat administrator Chivis Martinez has assisted the shelter since the murder of 72 migrants of Tamaulipas. She reports the shelter is exceptional, temporarily housing over 100 migrants.

While padre Goyo toured the U.S. his friend Bishop Vera traveled to Berlin. In Berlin, outspoken bishop of Saltillo, presented a petition of 7,500 names to the German interior minister, asking for the suspension of negotiations over a security accord between Germany and Mexico.

The accord would facilitate collaboration in the fight against organized crime. The bishop says that any additional force given to Mexican police would be used against citizens.
"It won't be used against organized crime because organized crime and the government are very good friends. They have an understanding between them. Ayotzinapa demonstrated that."
The heavily awarded priest was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.


Padre Alejandro Solalinde Guerra
In 2007 Solalinde founded the shelter "Hermanos en el Camino" in Ciudad Ixtepec, Oaxaca, whose mission is to provide a safe shelter for migrants and to offer them food, medical and and legal aid.

Since then he has been a target of both corrupt local government and cartels.

Padre Solalinde has been arrested and imprisoned for his work with migrants. Cartels send death threats to him on a regular basis, ordering him to cease speaking about migrant abuses and sheltering migrants. Solalinde says there are over 100,000 migrants that have disappeared since the beginning of the Mexican drug war.

"Ma'am, tell the governor that it shall only be over my dead body…"

The priest recalls the harassment during the government of PRI governor, Ulises Ruiz, and how he resisted the persecution:
"Ulises Ruiz was behind a mega business using migrants. Two municipal presidents in Ixtepec wanted to make a business with the arrival of the immigrants through kidnappings, extortion, etc.
But I was in their way. I was and am a hindrance for the PRI. I have not allowed it, nor am I going to allow it, even at the cost of them doing a number of things to me, they even were going to kill me.
"I confronted Ulises Ruiz, not personally, because I don't have the displeasure of knowing him, but in Washington he sent a spokesperson and there in the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights on March 20th, 2010. I said to the rapporteur, 'The governor Ulises Ruiz, the only thing he asks for is the closing of the shelter or, failing that, he asks that it is placed on the other side of the bridge."
At the moment Solalinde intervened and asked some key questions:
"Why are they want to get rid of it? Perhaps it is a problem for the businesses that the governor wants so he can exploit the migrants, to kidnap them and do all of that to them? Ma'am, tell the governor that it shall only be over my dead body. I explained to Rodrigo Escobar, the rapporteur, about the ruthless zone of exploitation and slavery and human trafficking they want to set up. That's why the situation is getting worse. Now Ixtepec has changed parties. It is with the PRD, it no longer attacks us and it has had goodwill while approaching us."
In May of 2012 Padre Solalinde left Mexico in exile for two months, this after a near kidnapping and an undisclosed specific threat.

He is also a supporter of Dr. Mireles and is a co-member of "Yo soy autodefensa".

Padre Solalinde visits abandoned migrants deported from the U.S. but far from Central American homes.
The U.S. mostly deports central Americans just over the south border and orders them to walk into Mexico, Tijuana is filled with displaced
migrants. With no resources, constant threats, they are sitting ducks, men and women lost in limbo.

Tamaulipas and Veracruz 5-6 priests kidnapped/killed in 2 months

In the last months of 2013, at least 5 priests were taken and all presumed dead in southern Tamaulipas.

Carlos Ornelas Puga, (left) was kidnapped on November 3rd. He was taken at gunpoint, from a parish in the municipality of Jiménez, although he belonged to the diocese of Ciudad Victoria. The Catholic Church did not confirm this for over a week.

On November 29, 2013 priests Hipólito Villalobos Lima and Nicolas de la Cruz Martinez were executed in the parish of San Cristóbal de Ixhuatlán de Madero, Veracruz.

In December two additional priests vanished in Tamaulipas, "In recent days two other priests disappeared from Ciudad Victoria," said the church source who asked to remain anonymous.

The murdered victim was identified as Guillermo Amaro Caésar, who died from a beating by suspected members of organized crime using bats. However, state authorities downplayed version, says the priest was victim of an 'assault".

Also in December 2013 another priest beating, who belongs to the parish of the Good Shepherd was also reported. It is presumed that he refused to officiate a Mass requested by organized crime to be held in the church and dedicated to Santa Muerte.

The authorities of the Catholic Church and the state government are dilatory or have not given information regarding the attacks against priests.


Also in 2013.

February: Bishop José Flores Preciado, in the Temple of Christ del Rey, in the city of Colima, Colima. The 83 year old was beaten to death.The day after the killing, Bishop Jose Luis Amezcua Melgoza revealed that 30 of the of the 123 priests of Colima, had been the victims of attempted extortion, including himself.

July: Father Ignacio Cortés Álvarez, "Nachito" was the priest in charge of the parish, "María Auxiliadora" in Ensenada, Baja California. The priest had suffered over 2 dozen stab wounds. His killers found the priest in the rectory living room, where the murder took place. Ensenada is one of the most violent cities in BC.

In 2014 Guerrero lost three priests

September- José Ascensión Acuña Osorio
November-John Ssenyondo
December- Gregorio López Gorostieta

The not so solid numbers in the cartel war against Mexican Catholic priests

Numbers are all over the place. To achieve the greatest accuracy in numbers requires researching

regional newspapers and media. Often it is only there that a story will appear. Then there is the issue of kidnapped priests whose body are never found, of never making the killed list.

In effect, if the skull of padre John Ssenyondo had not been found in October, he would still be on the missing list. The fact that the Church has been reluctant to confirm or report kidnappings of priests only compounds the problem, and gives greater protection to cartels.

For the record, this is more or less the 'Official' accounting for the Calderon and EPN administrations. On face value it is horrific enough, but nowhere near depicting the factual numbers or the complete story of, the cartel war against Mexican Catholic priests.

During the Felipe Calderon administration:

12 priests murdered
162 recorded threats against priests in one year
1000 extortion crimes against priests
During the Enrique Peña Nieto administration there have been 10 priests murdered
Noticeably missing are numbers of missing or disappeared priests.

States with the greatest number of crime against priests

Most of these states are in southern Mexico, where the most marginalized peoples live. The impoverished, indigenous, darker skinned Mexicans who are prejudiced against, including the government who traditionally suppresses people of the south, and denies southern inhabitants basic resources afforded citizens in other regions.

Guerrero
Jalisco
Oaxaca
Veracruz
Michoacán
Hidalgo
Puebla
Aguascalientes
Federal District (DF/Mexico City)
Chihuahua
Coahuila
Borderland Beat Reporter Lucio Posted at 2:01 PM

end



AN BANDERAZO A FUERZA RURAL
NUEVA CORPORACIÓN EN NL
21/Sep/2016
Reforma

http://www.nuevodia.com.mx/Nota.aspx?p=18399

Miércoles 21 | Monterrey, NL

El gobernador Jaime Rodríguez dio en Montemorelos el banderazo de salida a la nueva Policía Rural.

Con el nombre de Fuerza Rural, la nueva corporación está integrada por 280 elementos que estarán desplegados en siete grupos por diferentes regiones del estado.

El secretario de Seguridad Pública, Cuauhtémoc Antúnez, dijo que la dependencia tiene una capacitación especial y combatirán delitos propios de la zona rural, como robo de ganado, tala ilegal y caza furtiva.

"Esta corporación brindará seguridad pública, vigilancia y protección regional en caminos y carreteras estatales, vías primarias vecinales y municipales, zonas rurales, áreas de recreo y turísticas, así como las instalaciones estratégicas del Gobierno del Estado", expuso.

END




?????
Cero tolerancia a 'coyotes': Infonavit
Detalles Publicado el Miercoles 21 de Septiembre de 2016,
Escrito por Redacción

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=78939

Cd. de México.

Trabajan Infonavit y PGR para prevenir malas prácticas y castigar "coyotaje"..
Con el objetivo de proteger a los derechohabientes, el Infonavit informó que trabaja con la Unidad Especializada en la Investigación de Delitos en contra de Derechos de Autor y de la Propiedad Industrial, de la Procuraduría General de la República, para prevenir y combatir cualquier intento de "coyotaje" de supuestos asesores financieros, en el programa Mejoravit.
Si bien, a menos de dos meses de haber relanzado el programa de Mejoravit, no existen denuncias por prácticas indebidas, el Infonavit ha emprendido una estrategia proactiva de investigación, con la PGR, para combatir de raíz el fenómeno del "coyotaje".
Es importante mencionar que cada anuncio no autorizado y publicado en redes sociales respecto a la supuesta "asesoría financiera" para la obtención del crédito Mejoravit, está siendo investigado; hasta el momento, hay 18 casos identificados en Facebook y Twitter, en los que se ha usado el signo distintivo "Infonavit", los cuáles han arrojado ya direcciones y números telefónicos.

END


Teme por su vida tercera víctima de secuestradores
Detalles Publicado el Miercoles 21 de Septiembre de 2016,
Escrito por Cesar Barragan / El Diario
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=78938

Nogales.

Una tercera víctima de la banda de secuestradores puestos en libertad por un juez penal teme por su seguridad y desconfía del proceder de las autoridades.
Uno de los afectados, de 30 años de edad, y quien interpuso en su momento su denuncia, señaló conocer a un tercer afectado por estos sujetos que se dedicaban a privar de la libertad a sus víctimas para luego despojarlas de sus pertenencias, pero éste no ha interpuesto su denuncia pues teme por su seguridad y hasta ya abandonó su trabajo, además de desconfiar del actuar de las autoridades.
El joven declarante manifestó sentirse indignado con el proceder del titular del Juzgado Oral de lo Penal por haber liberado a los dos sujetos que identifica como quienes lo privaron de su libertad.
"Cuando me enteré que habían sido detenidos vine, identifiqué el auto y a los delincuentes y me recomendaron poner denuncia en la Agencia Primera del Ministerio Público.
"No me trataron muy bien al llegar, una mujer se notaba molesta y me decía que me apurara porque no tenía tiempo, pero ya que me pasaron con las autoridades ya fueron amables, sin embargo no sirvió de nada pues a las horas me enteré que un juez los había dejado en libertad", expresó. La víctima señaló sentir temor por su persona y su familia ya que los secuestradores tienen sus pertenencias con credenciales donde aparece su dirección.
"No puedo comprender porqué los dejaron libres, cómo una decisión del juez solo sirva para proteger a los delincuentes y sirva para poner más en peligro a quienes fuimos víctimas.
"Siento temor y ahora no tengo tranquilidad, ni puedo andar solo por las calles, pero también necesito que se haga justicia y por eso estoy aquí ratificando la denuncia", indicó
Otra víctima, de 23 años de edad, señaló que fue citado ante el MP para ser orientado sobre la impugnación que se hará a la resolución que dictó el Juez Ramón Cordova Barraza, quien negó en dos ocasiones la orden de aprehensión a los inculpados y derivó en la libertad de éstos.
Se dio a conocer que entre las pertenencias que traían los secuestradores hoy libres, se encontraban algunos objetos propiedad de sus víctimas, mismos que fueron identificados plenamente por ellos.
Los afectados señalaron que están haciendo todo lo posible por la vía legal, ahora se suman otras denuncias contra los mismos secuestradores y esperan que ahora sí el juez actúe en favor de los afectados y no de los criminales que andan causando terror en las calles.

END

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

AZMEX UPDATE2 17-9-16

AZMEX UPDATE2 17 SEP 2016

Note: Chart at link. Unknown as to how many are actually "children".


Unaccompanied children apprehensions reach highest point of 2016
KRISTIAN HERNANDEZ | STAFF WRITER 22 hrs ago (0)

http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/unaccompanied-children-apprehensions-reach-highest-point-of/article_0677b25e-7c30-11e6-8b3c-2f3875b8be4e.html

UAC Table August 2016
Courtesy of cbp.gov
Immigration Overload

Detainees walk in a line at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing facility, Wednesday, June 18, 2014, in Brownsville. More than 60,000 unaccompanied children who have entered the country illegally this past year.

McALLEN—More unaccompanied children were apprehended in the Rio Grande Valley than any other month this year, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

In August CBP agents apprehended 5,198 unaccompanied children in the RGV sector, which encompasses more than 34,000 square miles in South Texas.

This area continues to be the busiest border crossing for unaccompanied children with about 63 percent of the total apprehensions across the entire southwest border, according to CBP data.

These sector numbers are 18 percent lower than at the same time in 2014, when the surge of unaccompanied minors in this region drew nationwide attention.

Total apprehensions across the U.S.-Mexico border are also the highest this August than they've been in the last five years with more than 37,000 people caught.


An average of 200 migrants have been arriving to the Sacred Heart Immigrant Respite Center each day after they are released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the downtown McAllen area. The city sent out a news release Thursday asking for donations and volunteers.

Check back for more details.
khernandez@themonitor.com
(News Release in its entirety)

For Immediate Release
September 15, 2016
Contact: Xochitl Mora, Director, Public Information Office
O: (956) 681-1202 / M: (956) 662-9269 / E: xmora@mcallen.net
Sacred Heart Respite Center seeks donations
McAllen- With more than 200 people arriving each day, the Sacred Heart Respite Center is in need of donations and volunteers.

Donations needed include: deodorant for both male and female, towels, men's pants sizes 28-34, shoes of all sizes, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Volunteers are needed on a daily basis for a variety of tasks.

Who: Respite Center at Sacred Heart Church
What: Volunteers and donations needed
When: Open from: 8 am to 8 pm-- need volunteers today and all this week
Where: 306 South 16th Street, McAllen, Texas 78501

Park in fenced area - look for tan tents and enter through red double doors
For additional information, please call: (956) 897-3949.

END

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

AZMEX SPECIAL 20-9-16

AZMEX SPECIAL 20 SEP 2016

Comment: Many are questioning the "mistakenly".
thx


More than 800 immigrants mistakenly granted citizenship

ALICIA A. CALDWELL September 19, 2016

https://www.yahoo.com/news/more-800-immigrants-mistakenly-granted-citizenship-130452164--politics.html

FILE - In this June 5, 2015 file photo, a view of the Homeland Security Department headquarters in Washington. The U.S. government has mistakenly granted citizenship to at least 858 immigrants who had pending deportation orders from countries of concern to national security or with high rates of immigration fraud, according to an internal Homeland Security audit released Monday, Sept. 19, 2016. The Homeland Security Department's inspector general found that the immigrants used different names or birthdates to apply for citizenship with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and such discrepancies weren't caught because their fingerprints were missing from government databases. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)


WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government has mistakenly granted citizenship to at least 858 immigrants from countries of concern to national security or with high rates of immigration fraud who had pending deportation orders, according to an internal Homeland Security audit released Monday.

The Homeland Security Department's inspector general found that the immigrants used different names or birthdates to apply for citizenship with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and such discrepancies weren't caught because their fingerprints were missing from government databases.

The report does not identify any of the immigrants by name, but Inspector General John Roth's auditors said they were all from "special interest countries" — those that present a national security concern for the United States — or neighboring countries with high rates of immigration fraud. The report did not identify those countries.

In an emailed statement, the Department of Homeland Security said the findings reflect what has long been a problem for immigration officials — old paper-based records containing fingerprint information that can't be searched electronically. DHS says immigration officials are in the process of uploading these files and that officials will review "every file" identified as a case of possible fraud.

Roth's report said fingerprints are missing from federal databases for as many as 315,000 immigrants with final deportation orders or who are fugitive criminals. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not reviewed about 148,000 of those immigrants' files to add fingerprints to the digital record.

The gap was created because older, paper records were never added to fingerprint databases created by both the now-defunct Immigration and Naturalization Service and the FBI in the 1990s. ICE, the DHS agency responsible for finding and deporting immigrants living in the country illegally, didn't consistently add digital fingerprint records of immigrants whom agents encountered until 2010.

The government has known about the information gap and its impact on naturalization decisions since at least 2008 when a Customs and Border Protection official identified 206 immigrants who used a different name or other biographical information to gain citizenship or other immigration benefits, though few cases have been investigated.

Roth's report said federal prosecutors have accepted two criminal cases that led to the immigrants being stripped of their citizenship. But prosecutors declined another 26 cases. ICE is investigating 32 other cases after closing 90 investigations.

ICE officials told auditors that the agency hadn't pursued many of these cases in the past because federal prosecutors "generally did not accept immigration benefits fraud cases." ICE said the Justice Department has now agreed to focus on cases involving people who have acquired security clearances, jobs of public trust or other security credentials.


Mistakenly awarding citizenship to someone ordered deported can have serious consequences because U.S. citizens can typically apply for and receive security clearances or take security-sensitive jobs.

At least three of the immigrants-turned-citizens were able to acquire aviation or transportation worker credentials, granting them access to secure areas in airports or maritime facilities and vessels. Their credentials were revoked after they were identified as having been granted citizenship improperly, Roth said in his report.

A fourth person is now a law enforcement officer.


Roth recommended that all of the outstanding cases be reviewed and fingerprints in those cases be added to the government's database and that immigration enforcement officials create a system to evaluate each of the cases of immigrants who were improperly granted citizenship. DHS officials agreed with the recommendations and said the agency is working to implement the changes.

___END



Note: Despite the disinformation of the media and politicians, it is about illegal immigration.
Bringing in "refugees" from islamic areas is another separate issue. Mostly computer "english".
Mexico "multicultural"?
thx


Peña Nieto defends the need to protect migrants
Speaking at the summit on refugees and migrants said 'no barriers to stop the movement of people'
EFE 09/19/2016 11:21

http://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/2016/09/19/1117686

Speaking at the summit on refugees and migrants said 'no barriers to stop the movement of people'. Notimex Photo Archive

President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, today defended the need to protect migrants and recalled that "history shows that there are no barriers to stop the movement of people".

Not natural nor artificial. For each river there has always been a bridge, for each obstacle has always been a way, "Pena Nieto said in his speech at the summit on refugees and migrants held at the United Nations.

The Mexican president defended the positive role of migrants in the cultures of the countries they come and stressed that the international community must improve their situation.

We have a slope with them that we must all take commitment, because migration represents not only the past and present of mankind, but also its future, "he said.

Peña Nieto focused his speech on migration and stressed the positive nature of population movements, which throughout history have spread traditions, ideas, knowledge, technological advances and values ​​around the world.

Migrants will symbolize the force that has advanced humanity "defended, stressing that" the movement is an essential part of the human being ".

Peña Nieto recalled that his country is "origin, transit, destination and return of people" and is "proud mestizo, multicultural and diverse" result of multiple migrations throughout history.

The Mexicans firmly believe that miscegenation is the future and destiny of humanity, "he said.

Peña Nieto, the "historic" meeting on refugees and migrants who now hosts the UN demonstrates that "attitudes" are changing.

We must put migrants with their rights, dignity and well-being in the center of the global dialogue, "he said.

Looking ahead to the negotiation of global agreements on migrants and refugees to take place in the coming years, Peña Nieto argued that it should be considered a focus on human rights established obligations for States and responsibility between countries of origin, transit and destination.

He also said that those documents should recognize the contributions of migrants to help eradicate intolerance, prejudice and racism and strengthen the capacities of States to assist those who arrive at their borders, among other things.

As anticipated, Mexico has offered to host a preparatory international meeting in 2017 and "will continue to work for migrants as agents of change and development is recognized".

* bb
end



EPN calls to banish hate speech against migrants
By: Taken Network | 09.19.2016 9:34
MEXICO CITY (Posta)

http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Nacional/19092016/1129366-EPN-pide-desterrar-discursos-de-odio-contra-migrantes.html

President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, today made a call from the UN headquarters in New York, to banish hate speech and discrimination against migrants and asked to be the subject of migration the center of the global dialogue.

Mexico is actively participating in multilateral fora to finalize in 2018 the Global Pact for safe and orderly migration and refugee Global Compact.

During the plenary session to address movements of migrants and refugees, Peña Nieto listed seven points which, in consideration of Mexico said should be considered as the beginning of such agreements, the main "human rights approach".

He said other points is the existence of shared responsibility between countries of origin, transit, destination and return to ensure the safety of migrants.

Peña Nieto also requested to address social inclusion approach that eradicates intolerance and hate speech; - also there must be greater international cooperation, governance frameworks that provide transit alternatives and consider climate change and natural phenomena as causes of migration.

He recalled that "migration does not represent only the past and present of mankind, but also its future."

Therefore he reiterated the importance of migrants as agents of change and development, which demanded that human rights are guaranteed and hate speech and discrimination against banished.

end





House of Migrant Women in Agua Prieta receives donations
Details Published on Monday September 19, 2016,
Written by Robin Beltran

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=78806

Agua Prieta.

Every two months a US foundation supports a shelter administered by the DIF.
The charity organization Fundación de Corazones Bendecidos gave support to local DIF shelter known as the House of Migrant Women, which was received by Mrs. Luz Aideé Llanes Rodriguez de Rubalcava .

In addition, this group of altruists made a valuable donation of material for cleaning the Municipal Velatorio, in what is the first time to extend its support to other institutions.

The president of DIF reported that this time the Blessed Heart Foundation gave the House of Migrant Women a swing set, where the children of women attending can play and have fun.
He stressed that also made donations of food, clothing and hygiene kits to be delivered to the people who are there.

"The DIF of Agua Prieta want to thank the Blessing Heart Foundation for the support every two months gives the House Migrant Women" said Mrs. Aideé de Rubalcava.
In all things delivered she added, a series of articles intended for cleaning Municipal Velatorio.
"We are very grateful to you because in addition to support the needs of the House of Migrant Women also support us with cleaning materials for the Velatorio of DIF" he said.

end

AZMEX UPDATE 18-9-16

AZMEX UPDATE 18 SEP 2016



Free border forum in Tucson aims to dig beneath surface issues
Arizona Daily Star Updated 4 hrs ago

http://tucson.com/news/local/border/free-border-forum-in-tucson-aims-to-dig-beneath-surface/article_6dbbb137-5aca-55a4-88df-752b05b54a39.html

Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star

Four journalists who work along the border will be part of the Voices from the Border forum at Fox Tucson Theatre on Sept. 29.

A free forum later this month will focus on life along the U.S.–Mexico border.

The Sept. 29 event, sponsored by Arizona Public Media and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, is designed to be a live, interactive event and will feature four journalists who work along the border.

Organizers aim to take the discussion beyond the often-debated topics of drug violence and illegal immigration. For example, panelists will discuss such issues as U.S.-Mexico trade relations and initiatives, as well as the ways political and cultural perceptions vary north and south of the border.

The journalists also will discuss Donald Trump's and Hillary Clinton's positions on border and immigration issues — and how those positions could impact business, trade and life along the border.


Panelists include:

Javier Garza: The longtime Mexican journalist has worked extensively to protect reporters working in Mexico, who are often targeted by drug cartels. Garza is a Knight International Journalism Fellow in Mexico.

Nancy Montoya: Arizona Public Media's border reporter has 35 years experience in broadcast news in the United States and Latin America. With the Gadsden Purchase in 1854, her family's ranch went from being in Mexico to being in the United States almost overnight.

Curt Prendergast: The Arizona Daily Star's border reporter has lived in South America and covered the border for the residents of Santa Cruz County from 2012 to 2015 as a reporter for the Nogales International.

Fernanda Santos: The Phoenix bureau chief for The New York Times hails from Brazil and is the author of "Latinos in the United States: A Resource Guide for Journalists."

Moderating the panel will be Maria Hinojosa, anchor and executive producer of the long-running weekly NPR show, "Latino USA."

The event is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance. (See accompanying box.)


If you go
Voices from the Border forum
When: Sep. 29, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre
Price: Free
How to get tickets: Advance tickets are required. Reserve yours at http://tucne.ws/d1f
For more information, call Arizona Public Media at 520-621-5828.



END

Friday, September 16, 2016

AZMEX EXTRA 16-9-16

AZMEX EXTRA 16 SEP 2016

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY


Authorities looking for armed narcotics smugglers
Seth Pines
2:07 PM, Sep 16, 2016

http://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/deputies-looking-for-armed-narcotics-smugglers

COCHISE COUNTY, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - Authorities are searching for armed narcotics smugglers in the Brown Canyon area of the Huachuca Mountains, according to a news release from the Cochise County Sheriff's Office.

Border Patrol agents assigned to the Brian A. Terry Patrol Station intercepted armed narcotics smugglers in the area.

Deputies say the suspects absconded but authorities seized approximately 72 pounds of marijuana, an AK-style assault rifle and a Colt handgun.

An active search for the suspects is ongoing, in collaboration with the Tucson Sector Special Operations Group and the Cochise County Sheriff's Office.

end



Arsenal found in Villa Sonora
Details Published on Wednesday September 14, 2016,
Written by Arturo González

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=78613

Nogales.

Police elements of the three levels of government safeguard two domiciles in Colonia Villa Sonora, carried out the raids in both homes that are on the calle Condor number 70 and Calle Las Palomas number 55, where they found an arsenal of cartridges, magazines and drugs.

The first steps were taken around 21:30 and ended at 23:50 hours where they succeeded in securing six rifle magazines and three magazines for handguns, seizure of a 30-30 firearm was also achieved, a box of 20 cartridges 9 mm, six bags of cartridges of different calibers, about 50, two 20 round boxes of cartridges of different calibers, and about hundred rounds of 7.62x51 caliber.

In that same address also the seizure of different essential chemicals for making synthetic drug and a container of material containing a solid granular, apparently 'crystal' .

Around 23:10 hours was performed the other search at home in calle Condor, number 70, of the colony Villa Sonora, same that ended at 01:00 pm yesterday, where they managed the seizure of various chemicals, two containers containing a white powder, apparently cocaine, 71 magazines of 7.62x39 mm caliber.

Also twelve magazines for 20 gauge, fifty 22 caliber cartridges, forty cartridges of caliber 7.62x39 mm, twenty cartridges caliber 10 mm, four 308 mm caliber cartridges and five cartridges 7.62x51 caliber .

It is worth mentioning that all was taken to the offices of the Attorney General's Office (PGR), available to the First Agency of the Public Ministry of the Federation.

end



Note: photo at link. If photo is accurate, a SBR before or after coming to Mex?

PEI catches pair of gunmen during operation
Details Published on Thursday September 15, 2016,
Written by Editorial Staff
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=78653

Empalme, Sonora

They confiscated an assault rifle and three firearms of various calibres and drugs.

two people were arrested in flagrante delicto, by agents of the PEI, in possession of four guns, ammunition and drugs.
Elements of Operational Base, State Police Investigator (PEI) had support staff of the Preventive State Police Public Safety (PESP).

The action was at 20:40 hours Monday on the road Guaymas-Empalme Libramiento, at the the Ladrilleras colony.
They detected , a red 2005 Volkswagen Jetta , where two men were showing nervousness.
In investigating, PEI agents observed immediately weapons with the car's occupants, so they proceeded to arrest them.
At that time members of the PESP passed by, who conduct tours of crime prevention, which supported the action.
The men were identified as Jose Luis, 32, and Peter, 34, who brought four weapons , three handguns and one long gun, supplied with rounds of ammunition.

A Bushmaster .223-caliber rifle with 23 rounds of ammunition, a pistol Pietro Beretta 9mm fourteen shots in its magazine and a 9 mm Ruger with eight cartridges.

END

Thursday, September 15, 2016

AZMEX POLICY 15-9-16

AZMEX POLICY 15 SEP 2016


Challengers of Arizona's controversial SB 1070 immigration law end lawsuit
ASSOCIATED PRESS | September 15, 2016 @ 2:11 pm
http://ktar.com/story/1273377/challengers-of-arizonas-controversial-sb-1070-immigration-law-end-lawsuit/

PHOENIX — A coalition of civil rights groups said Thursday it has agreed to end its challenge of Arizona's 2010 immigration law in a deal in which the state issued guidelines on how police are to enforce the statute's most contentious section.

"We have succeeded by keeping the key provisions of SB 1070 in place," Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said in a press release. "Our goal while negotiating this settlement was to find a common sense solution that protects Arizona taxpayers while helping our great state move forward."

An agreement to end the last of seven challenges to the law will be filed later in the day.

The deal centers on the law's requirement that officers question the immigration status of people suspected of being in the country illegally.

While the courts barred enforcement of other sections of the law, the questioning requirement was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, despite racial profiling concerns raised by critics.

A draft version of the guidelines includes requirement that officers document the reasons for their suspicion that a person is here illegally.

The Los Angeles Times reported the state of Arizona will also pay $1.4 million in attorneys' fees to the plaintiffs.

END


Settlement Reached in SB 1070 Lawsuit
For Immediate Release: September 15, 2016
Contact: Mia Garcia (602) 339-5895 or Mia.Garcia@azag.gov
https://www.azag.gov/press-release/settlement-reached-sb-1070-lawsuit

Settlement Reached in SB 1070 Lawsuit

PHOENIX – Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced today the State of Arizona has reached a settlement in a lawsuit challenging SB 1070. The settlement keeps in place a key provision of SB 1070 section 2(b) which allows Arizona law enforcement to check the immigration status of those suspected of being in the country illegally. Under the settlement, all Plaintiffs and Defendants in Valle Del Sol vs. Whiting, agreed to dismiss their appeals.

"We have succeeded by keeping the key provisions of SB 1070 in place," said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. "Our goal while negotiating this settlement was to find a common sense solution that protects Arizona taxpayers while helping our great state move forward."

In September 2015, U.S. District Court Judge Susan R. Bolton granted Arizona's request for summary judgment and dismissed six of seven of the Plaintiffs claims in Valle del Sol v. Whiting. Judge Bolton also upheld section 2(b) which allows officers, while enforcing other laws, to question the immigration status of those suspected of being in the country illegally. The ACLU and other plaintiffs appealed the U.S. District's Court decision. Both parties have agreed to dismiss their appeals.

Under the settlement, an Informal Attorney General Opinion will be issued providing guidance and clarity to Arizona law enforcement agencies and officers on how to comply with the key provision of SB 1070 section 2(b). The U.S. Supreme Court (link is external) also upheld section 2(b). The informal opinion memorializes the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Supreme Court rulings. The Plaintiffs also agreed to reduce their attorneys fees to $1.4 million dollars.

The final terms of the settlement are currently pending court approval.

https://www.azag.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09-15%20Doc%201297%20Joint%20Case%20Disposition.pdf

https://www.azag.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09-15%20Doc%201297-3%20%5BProposed%5D%20Order%20Approving%20Parties%27%20Joint%20Case%20Disposition.pdf

END

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

AZMEX UPDATE 13-9-16

AZMEX UPDATE 13 SEP 2016


Haitian and African arrivals continue in Mexicali
Posted by Garna Mejia Date: September 13, 2016
in: Arizona / California State News,

http://kyma.com/haitian-and-african-arrivals-continue-in-mexicali/

CALEXICO, Calif. – The Calexico Port of Entry continues to see an increase of Africans and Haitians. Authorities are trying to figure out what is causing so many to leave their home countries.

Among those, is Loikesma Pierre. It has been nearly two years since she left her home in Haiti.
"I have my two children and would like to give them a better education," said Pierre.

Pierre says she first flew to Brazil then went through Peru to Central America. In Nicaragua she says she was robbed and beaten. She says women were often raped, even by police.
"Nicaragua was bad, really bad. There I suffered a lot. I lost my money and I went through a lot there," Pierre says.

Jean, another member of the group that arrived on Sunday, says his experience was similar in Nicaragua.
" I know a lot of people that are in Costa Rica right now. They can't cross because things are so bad in Nicaragua," Jean said.

Pierre Hardol says he left his family in Congo nearly five months ago. Hardol says he flew from Congo to Chile and then made his way to Colombia where he says many of his travelling companions perished in the jungle from snake bites or soldier attacks.

Hardol and Pierre both say they entered Mexico through the small town of Tapachula in the Mexican state of Chiapas. There they say Mexican immigration officials handed them a humanitarian permit that allows them to stay in the country for 20 days.

According to the Mexican newspaper, El Universal, immigration officials registered 424 Africans arriving in Tapachula during a two day period in late August.

Pierre says she has been treated well since arriving in Mexicali, but says her ultimate destination is the United States. "For now, I'm just waiting. I went through all of it, through all those countries to make it there, the United States," said Pierre.

KYMA reached out to Customs and Border Protection who declined to comment on the matter but stated in a press release that they have, "seen in uptick in the number of cases of Haitians arriving to the ports of entry in Calexico." They say these individuals are being processed on a case by case basis.

end


Also: More coverage in Spanish: http://www.lacronica.com/Home.html#Principal

Hundreds from Haiti and African countries seek political asylum in Calexico
Posted by Roy Dorantes
Date: September 10, 2016
http://www.kyma.com/hundreds-from-haiti-and-african-countries-seek-political-asylum-in-calexico/

CALEXICO, Calif. – Several hundred people coming from Haiti and various African countries are seeking political asylum in the United States at the Calexico port of entry. Twenty-six year-old Maxell Calixton from Haiti said he just wants a better tomorrow.
"I would like to go United States because I would like to have a better life," Calixton said. "We need some help," Calixton said.

They've been waiting for days in line in the heat just to get a chance to be interviewed by U.S. Immigration Services. "The situation is very, very bad to cross the line," Calixton said.

Mexican officials who didn't want to be identified said close to 200 of them arrived on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday there were more than two dozen at the port of entry. Many others are in shelters across Mexicali, waiting to see if they will get political asylum. Officials said they're expecting hundreds more to arrive in the coming weeks.

Calixton said their situation is desperate.
"If there's a person who can help me just do it right now because I got three days here," Calixton said.
He said he's willing to endure the waiting and the heat if it means a chance to make his dreams come true. "I want to work and I want to finish my university. If I cross the line, I enter to United States, everything is possible," Calixton said.

There is still no word yet on whether political asylum will be granted or not. The influx of refugees jammed the Calexico port of entry Friday and could continue to affect wait times for pedestrians trying to enter the United States.

end



PFP confiscates 5 million dollars in drugs are 170 kilos of crystal.
Tribuna de San Luis
September 10, 2016
By Fredy Mejia

http://www.oem.com.mx/tribunadesanluis/notas/n4278418.htm

Elements of the Federal-division Regional Security Police during a operation carried out on the Sonoyta-San Luis, road at kilometer 68 arrested the driver of a white Peterbilt tractor-trailer located within a pallet, 170 kg of "glass" a value on the black market in the United States for 5 million dollars (80 million pesos).

Therefore the driver José Ernesto "N", 29 was secured and transferred to this city for presentation at the Public Ministry of the Federation, where he will get his legal status.

José Ernesto is from Navolato, Sinaloa and at the time of the interception explained that he was only his way to Tijuana carrying a load of pallets.

This happened at 14.00 pm on Friday.

The officials made the routine interception to check the documentation, but being interviewing José Ernesto, was very nervous, for which he was asked to come down for inspection.

At the time of inspecting the cargo they noticed something strange in some, so later discovered the 270 blocks containing 170 kilograms of methamphetamine-like substance.

This gave notice to the Public Ministry of the Federation .

END


More: Five tons of pot in TJ, in Spanish: http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Policiaca/13092016/1127404-PGR-asegura-mas-de-cinco-toneladas-de-mariguana.html

end

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

AZMEX SPECIAL 10-9-16

AZMEX SPECIAL 10 SEP 2016


Note: Like Chicago, a culture of corruption. From the good folks at Borderland Beat.
http://www.borderlandbeat.com
Several charts, photos, etc. at link.
Thx


78,109 executed during Peña Nieto's term
Posted by DD republished from Zeta
Translated by Borderland Beat reader "Jaqui" who translated the story and sent it to BB.

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2016/09/78109-executed-during-pena-nietos-term.html

By Jesse Lara Bermudez

The Federal Government has not only failed in its strategy against violence in the country, the proceeds of crime and drug trafficking also continues and its effort to conceal information about the damage and blood letting continues unabated.

The willful deaths so far in six years of Enrique Peña Nieto's term ( less than four years) are incalculable. There is a feeble -and refutable- attempt by the Federal Government for counting the numbers as one of the leading causes of deaths in the country. Alone, official figures from the Interior Ministry are scandalous: 63,816 court records are related to violent deaths so far during this PRI government. Of course, it was not a relevant topic in the Fourth Presidential Report. Despite the possibility of establishing a number of victims for the crime of homicide, Mexico is far from knowing precisely the number of lives lost as a result of violence and insecurity.

The government covers up the obvious, the violence and the absence of a plan to combat crime, promote security or seek justice. If the three completed years (2013, 2014 and 2015) in which Peña Nieto leads the government, on average, every year 21,199 intentional homicides have been accounted for. However, the country of death was not reflected in the Fourth Report of the Government of Peña. To hide and disguise the atmosphere of war and the loss of the rule of law does not prevent the bloody reality that shakes the country.

The dead are more than numbers.

Research conducted for weeks by ZETA tallies the number: 78, 109 intentional homicides during PRI government. These numbers are the result of the number of casualties recorded by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the approved reports of entities, consultations with prosecutors or state prosecution offices and some references of the Executive Secretariat of the National System of Public Security, Secretariat of Interior.

However, the figure could be higher. The uncertainty of the exact amount is born mainly by the number of missing persons, homicides that are wrongfully classified as suicides in several states, and the lack of authority in some areas dominated by armed groups, where executions are committed without the presence of police forces or the possibility of justice to come.

The more than 78,000 documented intentional homicides are perhaps only part of the face of death and crime that the government intends not to recognize. In this note , is the list of those executed with a firearm or knife wounds during the peñista mandate. As shown, the most violent states based on the highest number of executed are: State of Mexico, Guerrero, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Sinaloa, Mexico City, Michoacan, Veracruz and Tamaulipas.

If we consider only so far in 2016, from January to July (at the close of this work it was not yet completed in August), the ten entities with the most executed as follows:

1 : State of Mexico, 1,326
2 : Guerrero, 1,267
3 : Chihuahua, 771
4 : Jalisco
5 : 723 Sinaloa
6 : 698 Baja California
7 :660 (of which 490 were committed in Tijuana)
8 : Mexico City , 654
9 : Michoacan , 643
10 : Veracruz , 606
11: Tamaulipas 605 .

Doing the same exercise, but proportional to its population, ie, the rate of intentional homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, the five states with more violence per capita are:

1 : Colima, 45.94 per hundred thousand inhabitants
2: Guerrero, 35.31
3 : Sinaloa, 20.10
4 : Baja California, 17.17
5 : Morelos, 16.98

Bloodied country, made-up numbers.

Regarding Morelos, Alberto Capella Ibarra, Commissioner of Public Security, said in an interview that the data that the Unified Command are " virtually the same " to those registered by the National Executive Secretary of the SEGOB, because "there is already a statistical system that is fed month to month. We are transparent and handle what is ".

One explanation of the Commission is not in vain, but the distrust of official versions is more than normal. For example, figures that the Executive Secretary of the National System of Public Security of the Interior Ministry has documented since 1997 refer to the "crime rate", that is, the inquiries from murders and not the number of victims, although lately he has begun to generate this job.

Showing the above mentioned sample of the figures -both of official crime rate between SEGOB and the handling of the data concerning homicide deaths of INEGI.

In 2013, the Secretary reported the incidence of 18 ,332, while INEGI realized 23, 063 victims. The same in 2014, when the first documented 15, 653 and the second 20,010 . 2015 was no exception: 17,028 cases by SEGOB and 20, 525 by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography.

Dr. Hiram Sanchez Beltran is a researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles who published an article in January 2016 on the impact of homicides in the life expectancy of Mexicans.

The academic states :
"The problem we have in Mexico with the murder rate is that there is a constant struggle to know if the information (official) is appropriate and whether they are codifying well, or are masking information."

However, the current reality is that in the country "the impact on life expectancy is much lower than it should be, because we know that there are deaths that are classified differently, even though they were actually murders".

When comparing the findings of the study with the current situation, Beltran Sanchez observes how violence went from being focused in some states-most in the north- to a more widespread geographic distribution. "When we talk about the murders as an epidemic we refer to how this pattern is changing. If we look at the latest information, the data shows that the violence has spread virtually throughout the country. "

For example, in 2010, entities / states such as Colima and Zacatecas have figures that were so low that they were not even considered among the states with the highest figures. " Now, Colima has a higher rate than Guerrero" he says.

Hence, the expert refers to the importance of obtaining more accurate information to learn about the phenomenon and stop it.

Ismael Urzua Camelo, a former assistant attorney in Aguascalientes and former official of the SEGOB, also knows the exact numbers are difficult to know. But the "deductions" are much easier.

Above all , from the element of " the findings that PGR has made about organized crime in an entity or region, are reflected in terms of homicide. If there are many findings , about 15 or 20 done by organized crime, we suppose there to be an increase in homicides " he says.

The now adviser to the Senate asks the question: "Why do the killings remain static, at their level, if there is a lot of organized crime? Because what happens is that crime kills and relatives and /or family are scared to death, they no longer complain, they do not want to know anything. "

Besides that "when someone was wounded then dies, the authority does not update the information, the investigation itself, yes, but the statistics do not reflect an updated high," he concludes.

Peña, wrong and foolish.

Roel Santiago, director of the civic organization Semaphore , says crime increased 17% in intentional homicides in the first half of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, and it is a result of disputes between the cartels. However, the consultant who created the mechanism for measuring crime rate, which is qualified with green, yellow or red, depending on the security situation in the country and in each entity, also seen in the use of police forces to combat drugs, is the background of the problem.

" The current administration does not want to adopt a change in drug policy for fear of paying the price in 2018, and continues to suffer the political cost of insecurity throughout Mexico," he said.

In an interview with this Semanario, the specialist points out that while in 2015 Semaphore information - fed at the time by Lantia Consultants - indicated an average of 677 executions by organized crime per month , by July 2016 , 1,080 homicides were related with organized crime.

"In the first half of the year, 56 percent of homicides in Mexico were executions of organized crime, but there are states where this figure is above 80 percent, as Guerrero, Colima and Tamaulipas" he says.

Roel relates the constant increases in crime rates in those states with the presence of two to four criminal groups in competition for the plaza.

A report from the firm specializing in security , Stratfor , entitled " The Cartels in Mexico Erode in 2016 ", projected to continue the trend of fragmentation of the cartels, some of which have been maintained for over 20 years.

Such divisions occur within the same criminal organizations, mainly the Sinaloa Cartel, Los Zetas and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). "No criminal group will remain immune to decentralization and reduction," says the report.

It is precisely in the strategy to combat drug trafficking, where Santiago Roel sees the main problem with the Mexican government, as the drug policy "gives market power to the mafias, this leads us not only to high impact violence , but high impact corruption where the authorities could collapse with silver or lead, "he says.

" After more than nine years with this strategy of increasing violence in the war against drugs, when all indicators are pathetically negative, why so stubbornly stay in a strategy that does not work? Neither protects us from consumption (drugs ) or achieves peace, "he exclaims through his phone.

The dead will never be counted.

In different states, those killed will never even go past the desktop of an authority. Chiapas is one of the states that has been rated as the safest by the National Security Council, however, it is far from it.

Pepe Gallegos, editor of The Herald , explains that in recent years, "drug trafficking and treatment of people continue to invade the crime pages and /or red notes of major newspapers, who discreetly have tried to minimize the facts for fear of reprisals from different cartels ", thanks to the absence of authority.

The journalist cites some cases, such as Ocozocoautla de Espinoza, "a place where there is present an armed group called the Cartel de los Sapos, where there has appeared corpses in out of the way places , some of them even collected by the government."

One more. In Chamula there was talk of a clash where there were at least seven killed in a firefight, but the same indigenous inhabitants did not let the police or justice departments enter .

The clearest example , he continues , was that of a woman who allegedly committed suicide by putting her head in a bag of nylon with a tie and then threw herself to a cistern, where she was found; that same day the body of another person was found with signs of torture, mutilation and burned arms in a tourist place ".

Something similar happened in the state capital a couple of weeks ago. A businessman with bars and clubs , in addition to a car repair shop, was found dead in his car, but according to the state attorney general this was another suicide.

A statement from the PGJE of Chiapas confirmed the man's death was caused by a tourniquet to strangle himself by the neck with a rope and a screwdriver.

Drug trafficking and its consequences, the omission of a government without strategy and unrealistic figures make for a country sinking in drug trafficking, violence and corruption .

Borderland Beat Reporter Unknown Posted at 8:01 PM

end

Monday, September 12, 2016

AZMEX EXTRA 10-9-16

AZMEX EXTRA 10 SEP 2016

Note: photo at link.

Border Patrol Seizes Weapon Cache, Arrests 4
Release Date: September 9, 2016

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/2016-09-09-000000/border-patrol-seizes-weapon-cache-arrests-4

OXNARD, Calif.—U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested three men and one woman at an Oxnard residence on Wednesday for their connection in the seizure of 13 high-powered firearms.

This seizure was the culmination of a Border Patrol investigation linked to a Ford F-150 pickup truck that agents suspected was involved in cross-border smuggling activity.

The agents were able to obtain a state search warrant for the residence in Oxnard, where the pickup truck was parked. The agents, along with law enforcement personnel from the Los Angeles, California Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team (LA CalMMET), served the warrant and seized 10 AR-15 assault rifles, one semiautomatic centerfire rifle, one shotgun, one .50 caliber rifle, numerous rounds of ammunition and $10,000 in illicit currency.

13 weapons were siezured by Border Patrol
13 powerful weapons were seized by Border Patrol agents.

"By taking these weapons off of the streets and out of the hands of the criminal element, our agents and partners made a tremendous contribution to the safety of our communities on both sides of the border," said Richard A. Barlow, Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector.

Upon discovering the weapons, agents arrested a 23-year-old woman, a 31-year-old man, a 23-year-old man, and a 35-year-old man, all of whom are Mexican nationals. The 31-year-old man was determined by agents to be illegally in the U.S.

The individuals were detained at a Ventura County jail and are facing charges for violating assault weapons laws. The cases are currently being reviewed by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance in corridors of egress away from our Nation's borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

END



Note: seems as there will not be names? Photos at link.

195 AZ fugitives arrested during "Operation Summer Burn"
Posted: Sep 10, 2016 8:58 AM MST
Updated: Sep 10, 2016 8:58 AM MST
By Phil Benson

http://www.azfamily.com/story/33063950/195-az-fugitives-arrested-during-operation-summer-burn

PHOENIX (KPHO/KTVK) -
Violent career criminals and gang members were targeted by the U.S. Marshals Service in Arizona during a two-month-long crackdown called "Operation Summer Burn."

As many as 195 fugitives were arrested in west Phoenix and central Chandler between July 12 and Sept. 2.

"This effort will assist law enforcement in preventing future crimes associated with a gang's criminal enterprise," the U.S. Marshals Service said.

Two of those arrested were wanted for homicide, 25 for sex offenses and sexual assault, 25 for aggravated assault, 85 for dangerous drug offenses, 16 for robbery, 17 for firearms-related offenses and 22 additional arrests for other violent crimes.

Law enforcement identified 48 of them as being a "member" or an "associate" to a criminal street gang.

In total, 22 firearms were seized, along with15.63 grams of cocaine, 65.79 grams of heroin, 686.44 grams of marijuana, 14.07 grams of methamphetamine and $13,400 in cash.

"Operation Summer Burn 2016 was an enforcement initiative designed to target and reduce gang activity and violent crime in the heart of Phoenix," said U.S. Marshal David Gonzales.
"The arrest of 195 fugitives demonstrates the successful outcome of a focused effort to arrest violent offenders and reduce future crime victims," he added.

Gonzales said organized street gangs continue to be a major problem.

"The U.S. Marshals Service, working with our state and local partners, will continue to make them a high priority in our enforcement efforts," he said.

Operation Summer Burn was a collaborative effort with the Phoenix Police Department, Glendale Police Department, Chandler Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Maricopa County Adult Probation, Maricopa County Attorney's Office, Arizona Department of Corrections and Surprise Police Department.


end

AZMEX UPDATE 9-9-16

AZMEX UPDATE 9 SEP 2016


Note: 11 years?

Posted: Sep 07, 2016 11:17 PM MST
Updated: Sep 07, 2016 11:30 PM MST
Convicted Murderer arrested after crossing border
Written By Adrian Gurrola

http://www.kvoa.com/story/33045140/convicted-murderer-arrested-for-crossing-border

Tucson Sector Border Patrol Agents arrested Francisco Javier Rosas-Molina who they say illegally crossed the US/Mexico border, Sunday.
He served 11-years in prison, for killing border agent, Jorge Salomon-Martinez in Mexico, back in 2003.
Prosecutors argued Rosas attacked him, because he was an agent.
The U.S. Attorney's Office is charging him with illegal re-entry.

END


More:
Felon re-arrested by Tucson Sector Border Patrol
Wednesday, September 7th 2016, 4:31 pm MST
Wednesday, September 7th 2016, 4:36 pm MST
By Elizabeth Walton, Digital Content Producer
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/33043549/felon-re-arrested-by-tucson-sector-border-patrol

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
On Sunday, Sept. 4, Border Patrol agents with the Tucson Sector arrested a man, identified as Francisco Javier Rosas-Molina, for illegally crossing into the U.S.

Rosas-Molina was previously convicted in Mexico for the 2003 murder of U.S. Border Patrol agent, Jorge Salomon-Martinez near Cananea, Sonora, Mexico. According to a recent release Salomon had been traveling off-duty when Rosas-Molina attacked him for being a BP agent. Rosas-Molina served 11 years in prison for the killing.

This is not the first time BP agents have arrested Rosas-Molina, in 2002 he was apprehended by the Cochise County Sheriff's Office for possession of marijuana for transport or sale. He served 108 days in county jail for that offense.

Rosas-Molina now faces prosecution by the U.S. Attorney's Office for illegal re-entry of an aggravated felon.

END



Mariposa port closed after shots fired incident
Nogales International Updated 15 hrs ago (0)
Jonathan Clark

http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/mariposa-port-closed-after-shots-fired-incident/article_fb33abac-760b-11e6-bbc6-cb6370d63e63.html

Law enforcement vehicles are parked in front of the southbound lanes at the Mariposa Port of Entry following a shooting incident Thursday afternoon.
Federal officers opened fire on a southbound vehicle at the Mariposa Port of Entry on Thursday afternoon after the driver allegedly swerved at them while trying to flee into Mexico.

The driver, whose identity was not immediately released, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a Tucson-area hospital, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a news release. A passenger, who was also not identified, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken into custody. No law enforcement officials were injured.

CBP said the driver was attempting to evade Border Patrol agents when he swerved his vehicle in an apparent attempt to hit officers working at the port. CBP officers and a Border Patrol agent fired their service weapons at the driver in response, the agency said.

The incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. and both the north- and southbound lanes at the port were closed in response. The northbound lanes soon reopened, but the southbound side was expected to remain closed to traffic for the remainder of the day.

In the immediate aftermath, members of the Mexican media stationed on the south side of the port were able to see a burgundy-colored pickup surrounded by yellow crime-scene tape off the roadway in tall grass on the west side of the facility. Its windshield and passenger-side windows had been shot out.

Meanwhile on the north side of the port, an array of marked and unmarked federal law enforcement vehicles blocked the southbound lanes while Nogales Police Department officers, stationed a few hundred feet away on State Route 189, detoured passenger vehicles away from the facility. A long line of commercial trucks – which can only cross into Mexico through the Mariposa port and could not be detoured through the Dennis DeConcini crossing downtown – snaked north along the highway.

The FBI, CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations are jointly investigating the incident, CBP said.

end



Consulate talks labor rights, job opportunities
AALIYAH MONTOYA | DOUGLAS DISPATCH 26 min ago 0
Consulate talks labor rights, job opportunities
Aaliyah Montoya/
Douglas Dispatch

http://www.douglasdispatch.com/features/consulate-talks-labor-rights-job-opportunities/article_728f6678-76a7-11e6-88ca-3bdcc3b61680.html

Sgt. Jose Duarte of the Douglas Police Department talks about local employment opportunities with residents, at the Consulate of Mexico.

Consulate talks labor rights, job opportunities
Aaliyah Montoya/Douglas Dispatch

Juan Moran, USCIS, talks about immigration services at the Consulate of Mexico's Labor Rights Seminar, held Sept. 1.

Representatives of ACT Call Center participate in the Consulate of Mexico's Labor Rights Job Fair, held Aug. 31.

In part of a nationwide effort to educate and assist communities in the field of labor rights, the Consulate of Mexico hosted a Labor Rights Week Seminar, on Sept. 1.

According to Consul, Jorge Ernesto Espejel Montes, all 50 Consulates of Mexico in the United States organize this event simultaneously.

The week kicked off with a well-attended job fair, held on Aug. 31.

Participating employers, ready-to-hire, included Arizona@Work, ACT Call Center, Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc., Subway, JCPenney, Veterans Services, the Douglas Police Department, Fiesta Canning, Tractor Supply, The City of Douglas, CPES, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Desarollo Economico of Agua Prieta.

Espejel noted that this event proved there are plenty of employment opportunities in this area, and throughout the county.

For more information on employers, visit Arizona@Work, located at 515 Seventh Street.

Thursday's seminar featured several guest speakers, including Lauri Owen, Cochise County Attorney's Office, who spoke about labor rights; Javier De Echavarri, OSHA, who described security measures at the workplace; Mary Day, Southern Arizona Legal Aid, gave information about U Visa/Vawa; Melissa Silva, University of Arizona South, promoted opportunities for students; Ruben Reyes, independent law firm, discussed worked permit opportunities for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Expanded DACA/DAPA; lastly, Mario Meruno, Arizona@Work, further explained the employment services that are available locally.

Other presenters included Juan Moran, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), who spoke about the importance of citizenship.

USCIS is now visiting Douglas every first and second Thursday of each month, bringing with them temporary protected status information and other citizenship services.

Appointments can be made at the Cochise County Government Center in Douglas, at 1012 G Avenue.

For more information, visit the Consulate of Mexico at 1324 G Avenue, or call (520) 364-3511.

"[This event] seeks to strengthen partnerships that currently exist between the consular network and federal and state labor authorities," said Espejel. "...co-nationals can visit [the Consulate] in case of any violation of their rights."

end