AZMEX SPECIAL 19 MAY 2017
Note: extensive video at link.
Given the corruption of the Obama regime, many of us locals believe Ashurst is right.
Thx
FOLLOW-UP: Border Patrol sticks to its guns, says Ivie shooting was not a cover-up
By: John Hook
POSTED:MAY 20 2017 11:24AM MST
UPDATED:MAY 20 2017 11:37AM MST
http://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/arizona-news/255939734-story
BISBEE, Ariz (KSAZ) - The FBI never released a report on the killing of a U.S. Border Patrol agent near Bisbee in 2012.
However, the agency determined the shooting was a case of friendly fire. The agent, Nicholas Ivie, opened fire on two border patrol agents approaching a hilltop from a different direction.
And one agent returned fire, killing Ivie. But some think Mexican drug smugglers were on that hilltop, and that a government cover-up blamed Ivie for what happened.
Now, the Border Patrol also doesn't want anyone to think Agent Nicholas Ivie is to blame for what happened that night. "Nick did nothing wrong and I want to be really clear about that," said Jeffrey D. Self, the Chief Patrol Agent of the El Paso Border Patrol Sector.
But on October 2, 2012, the night Nicholas Ivie was killed, Self was the Joint Field Commander for Arizona.
"It ended up being a horrific evidence of friendly fire blue on blue," said Self.
There is now a monument to Nick Ivie that stands on the hilltop where he was killed.
"They perceived each other as a deadly threat and they took the action that they deemed necessary for that threat and we lost Nick," said Self.
"But the fact is there were outlaws. There was some kind of catalyst that set gunfire off," said Ed Ashurst, an Arizona rancher and author.
Rancher and author, Ed Ashurst, believes Ivie was actually ambushed by drug smugglers. And he's not the only one. We spoke to one Border Patrol agent, anonymously, who believes Ivie would have never opened fire without good reason.
Ashurst also points to this Cochise County Sheriff's report which says the one Border Patrol agent not hurt says she saw three or four other people on the hill that night. "She heard multiple voices, Spanish-speaking individuals and she saw several bodies. Three or four walking south toward Mexico," said Ashurst.
"That report does exist, that interview did take place," said Self.
Self knows about the report, and he knows what the agent said just moments after the shooting. But he thinks people should take a look at all the evidence -- not just what a traumatized agent said just after the shooting.
"They are taking that one piece and drawing a conclusion -- there was some kind of conspiracy or cover-up as a result of this one report," said Self.
The alleged conspiracy has its roots in the 2012 al Qaeda attack on Benghazi, Libya.
The uproar over how that attack was handled by the White House led some to believe that the Ivie killing was really the result of a shootout with drug smugglers.
They believe the White House wanted it covered up after promising the country the border was secure.
"They did not want anybody to know there might be an armed outlaw north of the border," said Ashurst.
Not true, says the Border Patrol. Self says no one was pressured into a cover-up.
"I can tell you that would never happen. We would be screaming from the rooftops if anyone even approached us on that," said Self.
And that any suggestion that the Border Patrol blamed Ivie for what happened that night is just wrong.
"Nick Ivie is not responsible for what happened to him. Nick Ivie was a stellar agent. Nick Ivie exercised sound tactics in doing his job. Everybody who knew Nick knows that Nick was just a good, dedicated Border Patrol agent, dedicated father, dedicated husband. And paid the ultimate sacrifice and is an American Hero," said Self.
Chief Self says the two other Border Patrol agents were transferred after the shooting at their own request, and that Self's own transfer to El Paso had nothing to do with the Nicholas Ivie shooting investigation.
END
Monday, May 22, 2017
Friday, May 19, 2017
AZMEX UPDATE 18-5-17
AZMEX UPDATE 18 MAY 2017
Border Patrol ID's man shot at checkpoint near Tombstone
Arizona Daily Star May 18, 2017 Updated 22 min ago
http://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/border-patrol-id-s-man-shot-at-checkpoint-near-tombstone/article_95c8d9e1-2dbe-523f-9288-d55409533c58.html
Officials: Man shot at Tombstone Border Patrol checkpoint was subject of call
Courtesy US Border Patrol
A 76-year-old man was shot Wednesday after agents say his vehicle struck barriers and he fired at agents.
Authorities identified the man shot Wednesday at a Border Patrol checkpoint near Tombstone.
Gary Smith, a 76-year-old resident of Tombstone, shot at agents through the window of his Dodge Dakota after he crashed into barricades at the checkpoint, the Border Patrol said in a news release Thursday.
The two agents working the checkpoint returned fire and Smith was wounded in his left arm, the agency said. Smith was taken by helicopter from the checkpoint at the intersection of State Route 80 and State Route 82 to a Tucson hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. No agents were wounded.
The Cochise County Sheriff's Office said a woman called 911 to say her father had driven off, had medical issues and had guns and alcohol with him. A Border Patrol spokeswoman said the woman's father was the man involved in the checkpoint shootout.
The FBI is investigating the incident. FBI officials didn't immediately respond to a request for additional information.
END
Comment: Tillerson is correct. Jail for dopers. If they are in jail they can't steal your stuff. The gringo / gringa doper has a lot of Mexican blood on their hands. Just as the Obama people behind "Fast & Furious. Mexican Lives didn't Matter.
But not to forget, so many of Mexico's problems are the consequence of years of a Chicago style culture of corruption.
Gracias
Tillerson: US must deal with demand to stem drug violence
Matthew Lee, Ap Diplomatic Writer
Updated 1:01 pm, Thursday, May 18, 2017
http://www.lmtonline.com/news/politics/article/Tillerson-US-must-deal-with-demand-to-stem-drug-11156024.php?ipid=hppolitics
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two top Trump administration officials said Thursday that Americans' demand for illicit narcotics is fueling violence in Mexico and must be reduced if cross-border security issues are to be addressed.
Speaking after talks on combatting transnational crime with their Mexican counterparts, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly both said the United States bears significant responsibility for the problem. They said U.S. demand for opioids and other drugs is the prime driver of not only devastating overdose death tolls in the United States, but also of raging gang violence in Mexico.
"We Americans must own this problem," Tillerson told reporters. "It is ours."
He called for a comprehensive campaign against domestic drug addiction combined with stepped-up intelligence and information sharing with Mexico to disrupt drug traffickers by hitting production sites, transportation networks and their cash flows.
"There is no other market, it is all us," Tillerson said. "But for us, Mexico wouldn't have a transnational organized crime problem."
Kelly echoed those comments, saying that until the consumption of illicit drugs in the United States drops "we are fighting a losing battle on the border." He said construction of President Donald Trump's promised border wall would have to be supplemented with drug demand reduction in the U.S. and greater coordination with Mexico to make a serious dent in the drug flow.
Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray and Secretary of Government Miguel Osorio agreed and said their government would take steps to improve cooperation as well as do more to prosecute gang members. "Violence is not being addressed on our side," Osorio said.
In accepting even partial American responsibility for the surge in drug violence and crime, Tillerson and Kelly appeared to take a page from the Obama administration, which had been criticized by some Republicans for blaming the United States for Mexico's problems.
end
Border Patrol ID's man shot at checkpoint near Tombstone
Arizona Daily Star May 18, 2017 Updated 22 min ago
http://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/border-patrol-id-s-man-shot-at-checkpoint-near-tombstone/article_95c8d9e1-2dbe-523f-9288-d55409533c58.html
Officials: Man shot at Tombstone Border Patrol checkpoint was subject of call
Courtesy US Border Patrol
A 76-year-old man was shot Wednesday after agents say his vehicle struck barriers and he fired at agents.
Authorities identified the man shot Wednesday at a Border Patrol checkpoint near Tombstone.
Gary Smith, a 76-year-old resident of Tombstone, shot at agents through the window of his Dodge Dakota after he crashed into barricades at the checkpoint, the Border Patrol said in a news release Thursday.
The two agents working the checkpoint returned fire and Smith was wounded in his left arm, the agency said. Smith was taken by helicopter from the checkpoint at the intersection of State Route 80 and State Route 82 to a Tucson hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. No agents were wounded.
The Cochise County Sheriff's Office said a woman called 911 to say her father had driven off, had medical issues and had guns and alcohol with him. A Border Patrol spokeswoman said the woman's father was the man involved in the checkpoint shootout.
The FBI is investigating the incident. FBI officials didn't immediately respond to a request for additional information.
END
Comment: Tillerson is correct. Jail for dopers. If they are in jail they can't steal your stuff. The gringo / gringa doper has a lot of Mexican blood on their hands. Just as the Obama people behind "Fast & Furious. Mexican Lives didn't Matter.
But not to forget, so many of Mexico's problems are the consequence of years of a Chicago style culture of corruption.
Gracias
Tillerson: US must deal with demand to stem drug violence
Matthew Lee, Ap Diplomatic Writer
Updated 1:01 pm, Thursday, May 18, 2017
http://www.lmtonline.com/news/politics/article/Tillerson-US-must-deal-with-demand-to-stem-drug-11156024.php?ipid=hppolitics
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two top Trump administration officials said Thursday that Americans' demand for illicit narcotics is fueling violence in Mexico and must be reduced if cross-border security issues are to be addressed.
Speaking after talks on combatting transnational crime with their Mexican counterparts, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly both said the United States bears significant responsibility for the problem. They said U.S. demand for opioids and other drugs is the prime driver of not only devastating overdose death tolls in the United States, but also of raging gang violence in Mexico.
"We Americans must own this problem," Tillerson told reporters. "It is ours."
He called for a comprehensive campaign against domestic drug addiction combined with stepped-up intelligence and information sharing with Mexico to disrupt drug traffickers by hitting production sites, transportation networks and their cash flows.
"There is no other market, it is all us," Tillerson said. "But for us, Mexico wouldn't have a transnational organized crime problem."
Kelly echoed those comments, saying that until the consumption of illicit drugs in the United States drops "we are fighting a losing battle on the border." He said construction of President Donald Trump's promised border wall would have to be supplemented with drug demand reduction in the U.S. and greater coordination with Mexico to make a serious dent in the drug flow.
Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray and Secretary of Government Miguel Osorio agreed and said their government would take steps to improve cooperation as well as do more to prosecute gang members. "Violence is not being addressed on our side," Osorio said.
In accepting even partial American responsibility for the surge in drug violence and crime, Tillerson and Kelly appeared to take a page from the Obama administration, which had been criticized by some Republicans for blaming the United States for Mexico's problems.
end
AZMEX UPDATE 18-5-17
AZMEX UPDATE 18 MAY 2017
Border Patrol ID's man shot at checkpoint near Tombstone
Arizona Daily Star May 18, 2017 Updated 22 min ago
http://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/border-patrol-id-s-man-shot-at-checkpoint-near-tombstone/article_95c8d9e1-2dbe-523f-9288-d55409533c58.html
Officials: Man shot at Tombstone Border Patrol checkpoint was subject of call
Courtesy US Border Patrol
A 76-year-old man was shot Wednesday after agents say his vehicle struck barriers and he fired at agents.
Authorities identified the man shot Wednesday at a Border Patrol checkpoint near Tombstone.
Gary Smith, a 76-year-old resident of Tombstone, shot at agents through the window of his Dodge Dakota after he crashed into barricades at the checkpoint, the Border Patrol said in a news release Thursday.
The two agents working the checkpoint returned fire and Smith was wounded in his left arm, the agency said. Smith was taken by helicopter from the checkpoint at the intersection of State Route 80 and State Route 82 to a Tucson hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. No agents were wounded.
The Cochise County Sheriff's Office said a woman called 911 to say her father had driven off, had medical issues and had guns and alcohol with him. A Border Patrol spokeswoman said the woman's father was the man involved in the checkpoint shootout.
The FBI is investigating the incident. FBI officials didn't immediately respond to a request for additional information.
END
Comment: Tillerson is correct. Jail for dopers. If they are in jail they can't steal your stuff. The gringo / gringa doper has a lot of Mexican blood on their hands. Just as the Obama people behind "Fast & Furious. Mexican Lives didn't Matter.
But not to forget, so many of Mexico's problems are the consequence of years of a Chicago style culture of corruption.
Gracias
Tillerson: US must deal with demand to stem drug violence
Matthew Lee, Ap Diplomatic Writer
Updated 1:01 pm, Thursday, May 18, 2017
http://www.lmtonline.com/news/politics/article/Tillerson-US-must-deal-with-demand-to-stem-drug-11156024.php?ipid=hppolitics
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two top Trump administration officials said Thursday that Americans' demand for illicit narcotics is fueling violence in Mexico and must be reduced if cross-border security issues are to be addressed.
Speaking after talks on combatting transnational crime with their Mexican counterparts, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly both said the United States bears significant responsibility for the problem. They said U.S. demand for opioids and other drugs is the prime driver of not only devastating overdose death tolls in the United States, but also of raging gang violence in Mexico.
"We Americans must own this problem," Tillerson told reporters. "It is ours."
He called for a comprehensive campaign against domestic drug addiction combined with stepped-up intelligence and information sharing with Mexico to disrupt drug traffickers by hitting production sites, transportation networks and their cash flows.
"There is no other market, it is all us," Tillerson said. "But for us, Mexico wouldn't have a transnational organized crime problem."
Kelly echoed those comments, saying that until the consumption of illicit drugs in the United States drops "we are fighting a losing battle on the border." He said construction of President Donald Trump's promised border wall would have to be supplemented with drug demand reduction in the U.S. and greater coordination with Mexico to make a serious dent in the drug flow.
Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray and Secretary of Government Miguel Osorio agreed and said their government would take steps to improve cooperation as well as do more to prosecute gang members. "Violence is not being addressed on our side," Osorio said.
In accepting even partial American responsibility for the surge in drug violence and crime, Tillerson and Kelly appeared to take a page from the Obama administration, which had been criticized by some Republicans for blaming the United States for Mexico's problems.
end
Border Patrol ID's man shot at checkpoint near Tombstone
Arizona Daily Star May 18, 2017 Updated 22 min ago
http://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/border-patrol-id-s-man-shot-at-checkpoint-near-tombstone/article_95c8d9e1-2dbe-523f-9288-d55409533c58.html
Officials: Man shot at Tombstone Border Patrol checkpoint was subject of call
Courtesy US Border Patrol
A 76-year-old man was shot Wednesday after agents say his vehicle struck barriers and he fired at agents.
Authorities identified the man shot Wednesday at a Border Patrol checkpoint near Tombstone.
Gary Smith, a 76-year-old resident of Tombstone, shot at agents through the window of his Dodge Dakota after he crashed into barricades at the checkpoint, the Border Patrol said in a news release Thursday.
The two agents working the checkpoint returned fire and Smith was wounded in his left arm, the agency said. Smith was taken by helicopter from the checkpoint at the intersection of State Route 80 and State Route 82 to a Tucson hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. No agents were wounded.
The Cochise County Sheriff's Office said a woman called 911 to say her father had driven off, had medical issues and had guns and alcohol with him. A Border Patrol spokeswoman said the woman's father was the man involved in the checkpoint shootout.
The FBI is investigating the incident. FBI officials didn't immediately respond to a request for additional information.
END
Comment: Tillerson is correct. Jail for dopers. If they are in jail they can't steal your stuff. The gringo / gringa doper has a lot of Mexican blood on their hands. Just as the Obama people behind "Fast & Furious. Mexican Lives didn't Matter.
But not to forget, so many of Mexico's problems are the consequence of years of a Chicago style culture of corruption.
Gracias
Tillerson: US must deal with demand to stem drug violence
Matthew Lee, Ap Diplomatic Writer
Updated 1:01 pm, Thursday, May 18, 2017
http://www.lmtonline.com/news/politics/article/Tillerson-US-must-deal-with-demand-to-stem-drug-11156024.php?ipid=hppolitics
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two top Trump administration officials said Thursday that Americans' demand for illicit narcotics is fueling violence in Mexico and must be reduced if cross-border security issues are to be addressed.
Speaking after talks on combatting transnational crime with their Mexican counterparts, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly both said the United States bears significant responsibility for the problem. They said U.S. demand for opioids and other drugs is the prime driver of not only devastating overdose death tolls in the United States, but also of raging gang violence in Mexico.
"We Americans must own this problem," Tillerson told reporters. "It is ours."
He called for a comprehensive campaign against domestic drug addiction combined with stepped-up intelligence and information sharing with Mexico to disrupt drug traffickers by hitting production sites, transportation networks and their cash flows.
"There is no other market, it is all us," Tillerson said. "But for us, Mexico wouldn't have a transnational organized crime problem."
Kelly echoed those comments, saying that until the consumption of illicit drugs in the United States drops "we are fighting a losing battle on the border." He said construction of President Donald Trump's promised border wall would have to be supplemented with drug demand reduction in the U.S. and greater coordination with Mexico to make a serious dent in the drug flow.
Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray and Secretary of Government Miguel Osorio agreed and said their government would take steps to improve cooperation as well as do more to prosecute gang members. "Violence is not being addressed on our side," Osorio said.
In accepting even partial American responsibility for the surge in drug violence and crime, Tillerson and Kelly appeared to take a page from the Obama administration, which had been criticized by some Republicans for blaming the United States for Mexico's problems.
end
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
AZMEX UPDATE2 17-5-17
AZMEX UPDATE2 17-5-17
Border Patrol agents involved in shooting at immigration checkpoint
Mac Colson
4:41 PM, May 17, 2017
3 hours ago
http://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/shooting-reported-at-border-patrol-checkpoint-near-tombstone
TOMBSTONE, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents were involved in a shooting at the border patrol checkpoint near Tombstone.
A vehicle driving northbound on SR 80 crashed into traffic barriers at the immigration checkpoint.
The adult male driver began shooting at agents at the checkpoint.
Agents returned fire and shot the suspect according to a release.
Carol Capas with CCSD says a call came in at 3:04 p.m. Wednesday from a woman in Tombstone saying her father left the Tombstone home
and she thought he was headed towards Sierra Vista.
Capas added that the woman said her father had guns and alcohol in the car with him.
The call for shots fired came in just after 3:45 p.m.
Capas says the 76-year-old suspect was shot and airlifted to a hospital.
No agents were shot, according to Capas.
END
Border Patrol agents involved in shooting at immigration checkpoint
Mac Colson
4:41 PM, May 17, 2017
3 hours ago
http://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/shooting-reported-at-border-patrol-checkpoint-near-tombstone
TOMBSTONE, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents were involved in a shooting at the border patrol checkpoint near Tombstone.
A vehicle driving northbound on SR 80 crashed into traffic barriers at the immigration checkpoint.
The adult male driver began shooting at agents at the checkpoint.
Agents returned fire and shot the suspect according to a release.
Carol Capas with CCSD says a call came in at 3:04 p.m. Wednesday from a woman in Tombstone saying her father left the Tombstone home
and she thought he was headed towards Sierra Vista.
Capas added that the woman said her father had guns and alcohol in the car with him.
The call for shots fired came in just after 3:45 p.m.
Capas says the 76-year-old suspect was shot and airlifted to a hospital.
No agents were shot, according to Capas.
END
AZMEX UPDATE 17-5-17
AZMEX UPDATE 17 MAY 2017
US supports Mexico in fight against narco: Jacobson
Details Posted on Wednesday May 17, 2017,
Written by Special
Http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=89701
CD. MEXICO
The United States will continue to support Mexico in the fight against drug trafficking, said the United States Ambassador to Mexico, Roberta S. Jacobson, in the framework of the first National Conference on Forensic Chemistry of Fentanyl.
"In the United States it is one of our top priorities, along with increasing access to addiction treatment; You can be sure that we will continue to support Mexico as we fight together against this shared challenge. "
She also warned of increased fentanyl in the United States, a drug more potent than heroin.
"My government has made it clear that stopping the flow of opioids and other illegal narcotic drugs entering the United States is one of our top priorities, along with increasing access to addiction treatment."
According to recent data, she detailed, in 2015 alone, more than 33 thousand people died in the US of opioid overdose, representing a 72 percent increase over 2014, "and everything indicates that the data for 2016 and 2017 will show even greater numbers. "
END
Border authorities seize more than $7.2 million in drugs
Posted: May 17, 2017 12:19 PM MST
Updated: May 17, 2017 12:19 PM MST
By The Associated Press
By News Staff
http://www.azfamily.com/story/35453646/border-authorities-seize-more-than-72-million-in-drugs
NOGALES, AZ (AP) -
Authorities say more than 13,700 pounds of marijuana hidden in a tractor trailer with a load of bell peppers has been seized in southern Arizona.
Officials with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of Nogales say the marijuana had an estimated value of more than $6.85 million.
The big rig underwent a secondary inspection Saturday at the Mariposa Commercial Facility.
CBP officers searched the semi with the help of a drug-sniffing canine and found the marijuana hidden among the bell peppers.
On Saturday night, officers at the Dennis DeConcini Crossing used a drug-sniffing dog to search a suspicious SUV.
They reported finding more than 34 pounds of cocaine hidden in the truck's back seats.
Authorities say the cocaine had an estimated value of $386,000.
The narcotics and vehicles were seized, and both subjects were arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigation.
END
ICE officers deport Mexican National wanted for sex trafficking
Posted: May 17, 2017 10:33 AM MST
Updated: May 17, 2017 10:33 AM MST
Posted By Faye DeHoff
http://www.kvoa.com/story/35452665/ice-officers-deport-mexican-national-wanted-for-sex-trafficking
PHOENIX -
A Mexican national wanted in his native country for sex trafficking minors was handed over to Mexican law enforcement officials Tuesday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales.
Valentin Mendiola Castaneda, 35, was transferred to the custody of Mexico's Procuraduria General de la Republica (PGR) and Mexican immigration by deportation officers with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Mendiola was arrested in January by officers with
ERO's Fugitive Operations and special agents with ICE Homeland Security Investigations.
In addition to sex trafficking, the Mexican arrest warrant issued in June 2014 charges Mendiola Castaneda with the aggravated sexual exploitation of minors. The charging document alleges Mendiola Castaneda sexually exploited two young girls at hotels and residences in Toluca, Mexico, and participated in sexual acts with the minors.
"The removal of this sex trafficking suspect to face criminal charges in Mexico is the direct result of continued cooperation between ICE and our law enforcement counterparts in Mexico," said Henry Lucero, field office director for ERO in Phoenix. "Foreign criminal fugitives who believe they can escape justice by fleeing to the U.S. will be apprehended and handed over to the proper law enforcement authorities."
Relevant Department of Homeland Security databases indicate Mendiola Castaneda has been repatriated to Mexico 11 times since 1998. He also has two federal convictions for entering the U.S. illegally and served prison time in both cases. ICE reinstated Mendiola Castaneda's prior removal order paving the way for Tuesday's repatriation.
Since Oct. 1, 2009, ERO has removed more than 1,700 foreign fugitives from the United States who were sought in their native countries for serious crimes, including kidnapping, rape and murder. In fiscal year 2016, ICE conducted 240,255 removals nationwide. Ninety-two percent of individuals removed from the interior of the United States had previously been convicted of a criminal offense.
ERO works with the ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Office of International Operations, foreign consular offices in the United States, and Interpol to identify foreign fugitives illegally present in the United States.
Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE tip line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE's online tip form.
END
US supports Mexico in fight against narco: Jacobson
Details Posted on Wednesday May 17, 2017,
Written by Special
Http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=89701
CD. MEXICO
The United States will continue to support Mexico in the fight against drug trafficking, said the United States Ambassador to Mexico, Roberta S. Jacobson, in the framework of the first National Conference on Forensic Chemistry of Fentanyl.
"In the United States it is one of our top priorities, along with increasing access to addiction treatment; You can be sure that we will continue to support Mexico as we fight together against this shared challenge. "
She also warned of increased fentanyl in the United States, a drug more potent than heroin.
"My government has made it clear that stopping the flow of opioids and other illegal narcotic drugs entering the United States is one of our top priorities, along with increasing access to addiction treatment."
According to recent data, she detailed, in 2015 alone, more than 33 thousand people died in the US of opioid overdose, representing a 72 percent increase over 2014, "and everything indicates that the data for 2016 and 2017 will show even greater numbers. "
END
Border authorities seize more than $7.2 million in drugs
Posted: May 17, 2017 12:19 PM MST
Updated: May 17, 2017 12:19 PM MST
By The Associated Press
By News Staff
http://www.azfamily.com/story/35453646/border-authorities-seize-more-than-72-million-in-drugs
NOGALES, AZ (AP) -
Authorities say more than 13,700 pounds of marijuana hidden in a tractor trailer with a load of bell peppers has been seized in southern Arizona.
Officials with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of Nogales say the marijuana had an estimated value of more than $6.85 million.
The big rig underwent a secondary inspection Saturday at the Mariposa Commercial Facility.
CBP officers searched the semi with the help of a drug-sniffing canine and found the marijuana hidden among the bell peppers.
On Saturday night, officers at the Dennis DeConcini Crossing used a drug-sniffing dog to search a suspicious SUV.
They reported finding more than 34 pounds of cocaine hidden in the truck's back seats.
Authorities say the cocaine had an estimated value of $386,000.
The narcotics and vehicles were seized, and both subjects were arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigation.
END
ICE officers deport Mexican National wanted for sex trafficking
Posted: May 17, 2017 10:33 AM MST
Updated: May 17, 2017 10:33 AM MST
Posted By Faye DeHoff
http://www.kvoa.com/story/35452665/ice-officers-deport-mexican-national-wanted-for-sex-trafficking
PHOENIX -
A Mexican national wanted in his native country for sex trafficking minors was handed over to Mexican law enforcement officials Tuesday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales.
Valentin Mendiola Castaneda, 35, was transferred to the custody of Mexico's Procuraduria General de la Republica (PGR) and Mexican immigration by deportation officers with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Mendiola was arrested in January by officers with
ERO's Fugitive Operations and special agents with ICE Homeland Security Investigations.
In addition to sex trafficking, the Mexican arrest warrant issued in June 2014 charges Mendiola Castaneda with the aggravated sexual exploitation of minors. The charging document alleges Mendiola Castaneda sexually exploited two young girls at hotels and residences in Toluca, Mexico, and participated in sexual acts with the minors.
"The removal of this sex trafficking suspect to face criminal charges in Mexico is the direct result of continued cooperation between ICE and our law enforcement counterparts in Mexico," said Henry Lucero, field office director for ERO in Phoenix. "Foreign criminal fugitives who believe they can escape justice by fleeing to the U.S. will be apprehended and handed over to the proper law enforcement authorities."
Relevant Department of Homeland Security databases indicate Mendiola Castaneda has been repatriated to Mexico 11 times since 1998. He also has two federal convictions for entering the U.S. illegally and served prison time in both cases. ICE reinstated Mendiola Castaneda's prior removal order paving the way for Tuesday's repatriation.
Since Oct. 1, 2009, ERO has removed more than 1,700 foreign fugitives from the United States who were sought in their native countries for serious crimes, including kidnapping, rape and murder. In fiscal year 2016, ICE conducted 240,255 removals nationwide. Ninety-two percent of individuals removed from the interior of the United States had previously been convicted of a criminal offense.
ERO works with the ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Office of International Operations, foreign consular offices in the United States, and Interpol to identify foreign fugitives illegally present in the United States.
Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE tip line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE's online tip form.
END
AZMEX WALL SPECIAL 14-5-17
AZMEX WALL SPECIAL 14 MAY 2017
Comment: Bugs, critters, reptiles, weeds etc. etc. before citizens.
Thx
Environmentalists face uphill battle with proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall
GARRISON MURPHY/CRONKITE NEWS |
May 14, 2017 @ 8:01 am
https://ktar.com/story/1570866/environmentalists-face-uphill-battle-with-proposed-border-wall/
Barrier construction along the border near Naco is affecting wildlife and causing erosion. (Cronkite News/Garrison Murphy)
Phoenix — As the bidding war for the construction of President Donald Trump's wall comes to a close, many environmental activists remain concerned over the potential impact it will have on wildlife and ecology on the border.
The wall could affect a broad range of animal and plant species as well as water flow along border territory.
"The north and south mountain ranges serve as wildlife corridors and a border wall and related militarization essentially cut that in half," said Craig Miller, Senior Southwest Representative of Defenders of Wildlife, a conservationist group.
"That has significant and long-term, and in some cases permanent consequences for wildlife and the habitat. Jaguars, black bears, mountain lions – the list goes on and on. We're just beginning to understand the impact of severing those wildlife corridors," Miller said.
More than 700 species of birds, mammals and insects migrate through the borderlands each year, according to the Sky Island Alliance. At least 450 rare species live in the borderlands.
(Video by Garrison Murphy/Cronkite News)
One hurdle for many environmental activists is the 2005 Real ID act, which waives U.S. Border Patrol's obligation to follow certain environmental and cultural laws that exist on the border.
Former Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, waived at least 37 of these laws.
"I think that those laws being laid are devastating, and not taking a look at these resources on our public lands," said Louise Misztal, conservation director of the Sky Island Alliance, an environmental activist group focused on the Sky Island region in southeast Arizona.
"There's all sorts of springs and sacred sites that are in the public lands in the Sky Island that were protected in those lands because they're really gems of the nation and the laws and infrastructure damage those sites," Misztal said.
No other Secretary of Homeland Security has authorized the use of the Real ID act.
Dinah Bear is a board member of the Border Action Network and practices environmental law. She said some in government believe the Real ID act is a governmental overreach.
"People are being deprived of their normal opportunities for normal review of proposals for protection of environment and communities," Bear said.
Even the U.S. Border Patrol has criticized the Real ID act.
"Even as we continue to carry out our core mission, we remain strongly committed to demonstrating sound environmental and cultural stewardship practices", said Chief of Border Patrol Michael J. Fisher before the House Committee on Homeland Security in 2011. "Border security and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive."
The Real ID act has faced challenges from organizations such as Miller's Defenders of Wildlife, but none have undergone judicial review.
Despite this, Miller said he has seen improvements in ecology around the border recently and is the result of 30 years of binational cooperation. But he is afraid this cooperation will go to waste if an all-encompassing wall is built.
"A border wall threatens all of those decades of collaboration," Miller said. "It throws away all the coordination that goes into working out reasonable solutions. This border wall flies in the face of all the experts and it dismisses expertise."
Effect on wildlife
Among the wildlife that could be affected by a permanent border wall is the northern jaguar, a few which have been spotted in Arizona and Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Sky Island Alliance)
One recent example of this is the reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf into Northern Sonora and Southern Arizona. There are only two populations in the wild and one is in Arizona and the other is on the eastern slope of Sonora.
Miller said further splitting of these two populations could be detrimental to the species' survival.
"The ability for these wild populations to eventually connect and exchange genes is essential to their long-term survival," he said. "You can't have isolated populations of wildlife survive in the long term."
He also said despite the difficulties he and other environmental activists face on the border, the U.S. Border Patrol has historically recognized the importance of wildlife crossing across the border.
"Border Patrol and DHS have been actually pretty responsive," he said. "They have used a diversity of approaches to balance their need to secure areas and the values tied to wild landscapes and wild features."
Miller said he hopes politicians consider further use of technology based barriers such as infrared and motion detectors instead of physical barriers in that "the combination of the infrared motion sensors Is far less destructive."
Walls are not the only thing threatening wildlife and ecology in the borderlands. Roads, foot traffic, vehicle traffi, and even air traffic can affect wildlife and plants in the borderlands.
In addition to the Mexican gray wolf, the borderlands harbor a diversity of animal and plant species. Many are endangered or threatened because of the current infrastructure along the border, Miller said. An extended wall could potentially be even more harmful to those species.
He said many animals cross the border to get to hard-to-find resources in the desert. Many species' traditional migration routes cross the international boundary.
Some examples of animals threatened by increased border security are the ocelot, northern jaguar and black bear. Border walls even affect birds like the pygmy owl, which has a tendency to fly at low altitudes.
"The types of species that have particular flight patterns can be very affected by this large barrier," Misztal said. "Birds can fly into that and get stuck and die."
Amphibious species that live near waterways on the border, such as the Sonoran Desert Toad, are unable to cross border barriers. This phenomenon can result in "inbreeding depression and behavioral oddities" in many species.
She said the Sky Island Region is particularly susceptible to damage caused by border infrastructure.
"Something that is really important about this area is the picture of the ecosystem is very connected and the border and infrastructure would really be cutting right through the heart of the region," Misztal said. "There's large areas of the Sky Island Region in Arizona in particular that there is border infrastructure that is an impermeable wall. All sorts of critters cannot get through large portions of the wall."
Work in jeopardy
Misztal said she agreed the work she and others have done in the border region could be in jeopardy.
The harmful effects don't just pertain to habitat and wildlife. Communities around the border can be indirectly affected by the exacerbating ecology.
"Healthy human communities, especially in these rural areas, really depend on the ecosystems," Misztal said. "That kind of sea-to-shining-sea wall would be devastating to natural and human communities around the border and I don't think it's the solution to the problem we are trying to solve."
Other problems border structures can cause include preventing seed distribution and genetic diversity across the border as well as flooding along the wall. Any structure can act as a dam for rainwater.
Some politicians in border communities agree with Misztal and Miller. However,
Misztal said many politicians make misinformed judgments about the borderlands because they are not familiar with them.
"A lot of people around the country don't necessarily understand what the landscape looks like around here and it's a really wonderful, beautiful diversity of plants and animals that live down here," Misztal said. "I think it's a really important natural resource of our country and is important to protect and keep functioning.
"People don't usually think of desert areas being diverse and full of life but they definitely are down here," she said.
Nogales, Ariz., mayor John Doyle said he has experienced flooding due to the current wall and infrastructure on the border.
"It would be a disaster; it would be terrible for wildlife," Doyle said. "These people in Washington don't understand the border."
END
Comment: Bugs, critters, reptiles, weeds etc. etc. before citizens.
Thx
Environmentalists face uphill battle with proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall
GARRISON MURPHY/CRONKITE NEWS |
May 14, 2017 @ 8:01 am
https://ktar.com/story/1570866/environmentalists-face-uphill-battle-with-proposed-border-wall/
Barrier construction along the border near Naco is affecting wildlife and causing erosion. (Cronkite News/Garrison Murphy)
Phoenix — As the bidding war for the construction of President Donald Trump's wall comes to a close, many environmental activists remain concerned over the potential impact it will have on wildlife and ecology on the border.
The wall could affect a broad range of animal and plant species as well as water flow along border territory.
"The north and south mountain ranges serve as wildlife corridors and a border wall and related militarization essentially cut that in half," said Craig Miller, Senior Southwest Representative of Defenders of Wildlife, a conservationist group.
"That has significant and long-term, and in some cases permanent consequences for wildlife and the habitat. Jaguars, black bears, mountain lions – the list goes on and on. We're just beginning to understand the impact of severing those wildlife corridors," Miller said.
More than 700 species of birds, mammals and insects migrate through the borderlands each year, according to the Sky Island Alliance. At least 450 rare species live in the borderlands.
(Video by Garrison Murphy/Cronkite News)
One hurdle for many environmental activists is the 2005 Real ID act, which waives U.S. Border Patrol's obligation to follow certain environmental and cultural laws that exist on the border.
Former Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, waived at least 37 of these laws.
"I think that those laws being laid are devastating, and not taking a look at these resources on our public lands," said Louise Misztal, conservation director of the Sky Island Alliance, an environmental activist group focused on the Sky Island region in southeast Arizona.
"There's all sorts of springs and sacred sites that are in the public lands in the Sky Island that were protected in those lands because they're really gems of the nation and the laws and infrastructure damage those sites," Misztal said.
No other Secretary of Homeland Security has authorized the use of the Real ID act.
Dinah Bear is a board member of the Border Action Network and practices environmental law. She said some in government believe the Real ID act is a governmental overreach.
"People are being deprived of their normal opportunities for normal review of proposals for protection of environment and communities," Bear said.
Even the U.S. Border Patrol has criticized the Real ID act.
"Even as we continue to carry out our core mission, we remain strongly committed to demonstrating sound environmental and cultural stewardship practices", said Chief of Border Patrol Michael J. Fisher before the House Committee on Homeland Security in 2011. "Border security and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive."
The Real ID act has faced challenges from organizations such as Miller's Defenders of Wildlife, but none have undergone judicial review.
Despite this, Miller said he has seen improvements in ecology around the border recently and is the result of 30 years of binational cooperation. But he is afraid this cooperation will go to waste if an all-encompassing wall is built.
"A border wall threatens all of those decades of collaboration," Miller said. "It throws away all the coordination that goes into working out reasonable solutions. This border wall flies in the face of all the experts and it dismisses expertise."
Effect on wildlife
Among the wildlife that could be affected by a permanent border wall is the northern jaguar, a few which have been spotted in Arizona and Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Sky Island Alliance)
One recent example of this is the reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf into Northern Sonora and Southern Arizona. There are only two populations in the wild and one is in Arizona and the other is on the eastern slope of Sonora.
Miller said further splitting of these two populations could be detrimental to the species' survival.
"The ability for these wild populations to eventually connect and exchange genes is essential to their long-term survival," he said. "You can't have isolated populations of wildlife survive in the long term."
He also said despite the difficulties he and other environmental activists face on the border, the U.S. Border Patrol has historically recognized the importance of wildlife crossing across the border.
"Border Patrol and DHS have been actually pretty responsive," he said. "They have used a diversity of approaches to balance their need to secure areas and the values tied to wild landscapes and wild features."
Miller said he hopes politicians consider further use of technology based barriers such as infrared and motion detectors instead of physical barriers in that "the combination of the infrared motion sensors Is far less destructive."
Walls are not the only thing threatening wildlife and ecology in the borderlands. Roads, foot traffic, vehicle traffi, and even air traffic can affect wildlife and plants in the borderlands.
In addition to the Mexican gray wolf, the borderlands harbor a diversity of animal and plant species. Many are endangered or threatened because of the current infrastructure along the border, Miller said. An extended wall could potentially be even more harmful to those species.
He said many animals cross the border to get to hard-to-find resources in the desert. Many species' traditional migration routes cross the international boundary.
Some examples of animals threatened by increased border security are the ocelot, northern jaguar and black bear. Border walls even affect birds like the pygmy owl, which has a tendency to fly at low altitudes.
"The types of species that have particular flight patterns can be very affected by this large barrier," Misztal said. "Birds can fly into that and get stuck and die."
Amphibious species that live near waterways on the border, such as the Sonoran Desert Toad, are unable to cross border barriers. This phenomenon can result in "inbreeding depression and behavioral oddities" in many species.
She said the Sky Island Region is particularly susceptible to damage caused by border infrastructure.
"Something that is really important about this area is the picture of the ecosystem is very connected and the border and infrastructure would really be cutting right through the heart of the region," Misztal said. "There's large areas of the Sky Island Region in Arizona in particular that there is border infrastructure that is an impermeable wall. All sorts of critters cannot get through large portions of the wall."
Work in jeopardy
Misztal said she agreed the work she and others have done in the border region could be in jeopardy.
The harmful effects don't just pertain to habitat and wildlife. Communities around the border can be indirectly affected by the exacerbating ecology.
"Healthy human communities, especially in these rural areas, really depend on the ecosystems," Misztal said. "That kind of sea-to-shining-sea wall would be devastating to natural and human communities around the border and I don't think it's the solution to the problem we are trying to solve."
Other problems border structures can cause include preventing seed distribution and genetic diversity across the border as well as flooding along the wall. Any structure can act as a dam for rainwater.
Some politicians in border communities agree with Misztal and Miller. However,
Misztal said many politicians make misinformed judgments about the borderlands because they are not familiar with them.
"A lot of people around the country don't necessarily understand what the landscape looks like around here and it's a really wonderful, beautiful diversity of plants and animals that live down here," Misztal said. "I think it's a really important natural resource of our country and is important to protect and keep functioning.
"People don't usually think of desert areas being diverse and full of life but they definitely are down here," she said.
Nogales, Ariz., mayor John Doyle said he has experienced flooding due to the current wall and infrastructure on the border.
"It would be a disaster; it would be terrible for wildlife," Doyle said. "These people in Washington don't understand the border."
END
AZMEX EXTRA 16-5-17
AZMEX EXTRA 16 MAY 2017
Note: Add a Chicago style culture of corruption aiding and abetting the violence.
Gracias
New Study Shows How Gun Control Has Not Slowed Violence in Mexico
BY AWR HAWKINS |
TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2017
https://www.nraila.org/articles/20170516/new-study-shows-how-gun-control-has-not-slowed-violence-in-mexico
Mexico's gun controls are strict and, when enumerated, read like a wish list for U.S. Senate Democrats. Think about it: For a Mexican citizen to legally acquire a gun, he or she must obtain a license, a process which requires them to pass a background check. That background check looks at criminal history, mental history, physical health and any past drug additions.
Making the background check even more onerous, CBS News reports, is the requirement that applicants submit six pieces of documentation: A birth certificate, a letter confirming employment, proof of a clean criminal record from the attorney general's office in the applicant's home state, a utility bill with current address, a copy of a government-issued ID and a federal social security number.
Additionally, the University of Sydney's GunPolicy.org reports that the would-be gun purchaser has to prove a bona fide reason for getting a firearm. In this way, Mexico is like California or New Jersey, but the requirements are at a national level.
All firearms owned by Mexican citizens must subsequently be registered with Mexican authorities.
And for those who pass the background check, submit all the necessary documentation, and prove why they need a gun, the options for gun purchases are limited to government-approved weapons. Civilians are not allowed to possess weapons of war, including automatic firearms; sub-machine guns; machine guns; .357 Magnum revolvers and those greater than .38 caliber; handguns greater than 9 mm; rifles and carbines of .223, 7mm, 7.62 and .30 calibers; or shotguns with barrels shorter than 635 mm or greater than 12 gauge.
Mexican citizens who would like to carry a gun for self-defense must note that receiving permission to own a gun and receiving permission to carry one are two different things. In this way, Mexico is like Illinois, where you get a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card to own a gun for your home or business, but must go a step further and get a concealed-carry permit in order to carry the gun for self-defense.
The process for being able to carry a gun includes the submission of additional paperwork, including "third-party character references." Such references are necessary "to carry pistols and revolvers."
After all these gun controls—and many others that are not even listed here—one would think Mexico would be far safer than the United States; that it is the utopia that gun controllers in the U.S. Senate promise when they push gun restriction after gun restriction. In truth, however, Mexico is far more dangerous than the U.S.
In fact, Mexico is so dangerous that the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) lists Mexico as second only to Syria when it comes to "armed conflict." And when you think about the fact that Syria is a war-torn nation, ravaged by years of unchecked civil war, the amount of violence required to rank Mexico as number two is breathtaking.
To bring the ramifications of this violence closer to home, consider CBS News' August 2016 observation that "Mexico has a homicide rate more than five times higher than in the U.S."
The truth is, the U.S. is not characterized by anything near the violence of other nations when honestly compared to those nations where citizens can keep arms for self-defense. In fact, an Oct. 22, 2016, Telegraph report—based on findings in the Small Arms Survey and the 2012 Congressional Research Serrvice Report—found the U.S. ranked number one in the world in per-capita gun ownership, but the U.S. did not even crack the top 10 when it came to firearm-related deaths.
Yes, this is contrary to everything the gun control lobby teaches and preaches. Yet unlike so many of their claims, these points are substantiated.
AWR Hawkins is the Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and host of Bullets with AWR Hawkins, a Breitbart News podcast. He is also the political analyst for Armed American Radio. Follow him on Twitter: @AWRHawkins. Reach him directly at awrhawkins@breitbart.com.
Note: Add a Chicago style culture of corruption aiding and abetting the violence.
Gracias
New Study Shows How Gun Control Has Not Slowed Violence in Mexico
BY AWR HAWKINS |
TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2017
https://www.nraila.org/articles/20170516/new-study-shows-how-gun-control-has-not-slowed-violence-in-mexico
Mexico's gun controls are strict and, when enumerated, read like a wish list for U.S. Senate Democrats. Think about it: For a Mexican citizen to legally acquire a gun, he or she must obtain a license, a process which requires them to pass a background check. That background check looks at criminal history, mental history, physical health and any past drug additions.
Making the background check even more onerous, CBS News reports, is the requirement that applicants submit six pieces of documentation: A birth certificate, a letter confirming employment, proof of a clean criminal record from the attorney general's office in the applicant's home state, a utility bill with current address, a copy of a government-issued ID and a federal social security number.
Additionally, the University of Sydney's GunPolicy.org reports that the would-be gun purchaser has to prove a bona fide reason for getting a firearm. In this way, Mexico is like California or New Jersey, but the requirements are at a national level.
All firearms owned by Mexican citizens must subsequently be registered with Mexican authorities.
And for those who pass the background check, submit all the necessary documentation, and prove why they need a gun, the options for gun purchases are limited to government-approved weapons. Civilians are not allowed to possess weapons of war, including automatic firearms; sub-machine guns; machine guns; .357 Magnum revolvers and those greater than .38 caliber; handguns greater than 9 mm; rifles and carbines of .223, 7mm, 7.62 and .30 calibers; or shotguns with barrels shorter than 635 mm or greater than 12 gauge.
Mexican citizens who would like to carry a gun for self-defense must note that receiving permission to own a gun and receiving permission to carry one are two different things. In this way, Mexico is like Illinois, where you get a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card to own a gun for your home or business, but must go a step further and get a concealed-carry permit in order to carry the gun for self-defense.
The process for being able to carry a gun includes the submission of additional paperwork, including "third-party character references." Such references are necessary "to carry pistols and revolvers."
After all these gun controls—and many others that are not even listed here—one would think Mexico would be far safer than the United States; that it is the utopia that gun controllers in the U.S. Senate promise when they push gun restriction after gun restriction. In truth, however, Mexico is far more dangerous than the U.S.
In fact, Mexico is so dangerous that the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) lists Mexico as second only to Syria when it comes to "armed conflict." And when you think about the fact that Syria is a war-torn nation, ravaged by years of unchecked civil war, the amount of violence required to rank Mexico as number two is breathtaking.
To bring the ramifications of this violence closer to home, consider CBS News' August 2016 observation that "Mexico has a homicide rate more than five times higher than in the U.S."
The truth is, the U.S. is not characterized by anything near the violence of other nations when honestly compared to those nations where citizens can keep arms for self-defense. In fact, an Oct. 22, 2016, Telegraph report—based on findings in the Small Arms Survey and the 2012 Congressional Research Serrvice Report—found the U.S. ranked number one in the world in per-capita gun ownership, but the U.S. did not even crack the top 10 when it came to firearm-related deaths.
Yes, this is contrary to everything the gun control lobby teaches and preaches. Yet unlike so many of their claims, these points are substantiated.
AWR Hawkins is the Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and host of Bullets with AWR Hawkins, a Breitbart News podcast. He is also the political analyst for Armed American Radio. Follow him on Twitter: @AWRHawkins. Reach him directly at awrhawkins@breitbart.com.
Friday, May 12, 2017
AZMEX UPDATE 11-5-17
AZMEX UPDATE 11 MAY 2017
CBP agents arrest 11, confiscate 3 weapons in 72 hours
Thursday, May 11th 2017, 5:07 pm MST
Thursday, May 11th 2017, 5:07 pm MST
By Carolyn Yaussy
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/35410308/cbp-agents-arrest-11-confiscate-3-weapons-in-72-hours
SOUTHERN, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents were busy early this week. Within 72 hours agents arrested 11 people and confiscated three weapons, according to a release.
On Sunday a citizen near Bisbee reported seeing someone walk out of the desert, and get into a vehicle. Agents from Terry Station tracked down that vehicle, and arrested the passenger who was a Mexican national in the United States illegally. Agents also arrested the driver, who is a U.S. citizen, and confiscated a 9 mm handgun.
On Monday agents working on Interstate 8 near Gila Bend saw five people pile into a Honda Pilot on the side of the road. After investigating, agents determined the five passengers were Mexican nationals in the U.S. illegally. Agents also arrested that driver, who is a U.S. citizen, and confiscated a .45 caliber hand gun.
Early on Tuesday agents near Three Points got a report of someone getting into a Lincoln Navigator on the side of Robles Junction Road. Agents caught up with the vehicle which was stopped a short distance from the reported area. Two men inside were U.S. citizens and claimed to be alone, but agents found another man, a Mexican national, hiding on the floor between the rear seats. All three men were arrested, and agents also confiscated a 9 mm handgun from the car.
END
Note: A Mexican patriot.
Departure from prison, Mireles will be out this Friday: Lawyer
By: SUN | 11/05/2017 18:47
CITY OF MEXICO (SUN)
Http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Nacional/11052017/1212913-Salida-de-Mireles-sera-este-viernes-Abogado.html
For the local deputy, Daniel Moncada Sánchez, the Fifth District Judge based in Uruapan has issued the release on bail of Jose Manuel Mireles Valverde, former leader of the self-defense groups, is only a step, as they now seek absolution .
The legislator of Citizen Movement, precursor of legal and political defense of Mireles Valverde, said that it will be until this Friday when he leaves the bars of the federal prison of Tepic, Nayarit.
This, he explained, is due to the formalities and payment of the bond of 30 thousand pesos that assumed the same deputy and the former candidate for the governorship of that political institute, Manuel Antúnez Oviedo.
"But I repeat, this is only an advance; It is not a victory nor can we feel completely satisfied and today the only thing that was done is to do justice, attached to right; It is not a gift, nor is it a favor; I consider that the judge acted well, based on the law and now the most important and the fundamental objective is to get him acquitted, "said Moncada Sánchez.
He explained that what the judge determined, it is only that Mireles faces his criminal process out of prison, so they will seek the Mexican State to recognize that he is innocent; "That is the primary goal," said MC's representative.
For its part, the State Commission for Human Rights (CEDH) endorsed the determination of the Fifth District Court, based in the city of Uruapan, so that José Manuel Mireles Valverde, continue its process in freedom.
"This body has pronounced on several occasions on the need to grant a substitution or modification of precautionary measures other than pre-trial detention and the urgency of monitoring its state of health; As well as for the decision of the judge to be attached to independence, autonomy and not be subject to factors other than the value of justice, "the body quoted in a statement.
On Wednesday, April 26, the Mexican ombudsman, Victor Manuel Serrato Lozano, held a meeting with the head of the Fifth District Court, who asked to take into consideration the uncertainty prevailing in the state, before which Mireles Valverde was seen In the need to defend their heritage, their families and the inhabitants of their region.
End
CBP agents arrest 11, confiscate 3 weapons in 72 hours
Thursday, May 11th 2017, 5:07 pm MST
Thursday, May 11th 2017, 5:07 pm MST
By Carolyn Yaussy
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/35410308/cbp-agents-arrest-11-confiscate-3-weapons-in-72-hours
SOUTHERN, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents were busy early this week. Within 72 hours agents arrested 11 people and confiscated three weapons, according to a release.
On Sunday a citizen near Bisbee reported seeing someone walk out of the desert, and get into a vehicle. Agents from Terry Station tracked down that vehicle, and arrested the passenger who was a Mexican national in the United States illegally. Agents also arrested the driver, who is a U.S. citizen, and confiscated a 9 mm handgun.
On Monday agents working on Interstate 8 near Gila Bend saw five people pile into a Honda Pilot on the side of the road. After investigating, agents determined the five passengers were Mexican nationals in the U.S. illegally. Agents also arrested that driver, who is a U.S. citizen, and confiscated a .45 caliber hand gun.
Early on Tuesday agents near Three Points got a report of someone getting into a Lincoln Navigator on the side of Robles Junction Road. Agents caught up with the vehicle which was stopped a short distance from the reported area. Two men inside were U.S. citizens and claimed to be alone, but agents found another man, a Mexican national, hiding on the floor between the rear seats. All three men were arrested, and agents also confiscated a 9 mm handgun from the car.
END
Note: A Mexican patriot.
Departure from prison, Mireles will be out this Friday: Lawyer
By: SUN | 11/05/2017 18:47
CITY OF MEXICO (SUN)
Http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Nacional/11052017/1212913-Salida-de-Mireles-sera-este-viernes-Abogado.html
For the local deputy, Daniel Moncada Sánchez, the Fifth District Judge based in Uruapan has issued the release on bail of Jose Manuel Mireles Valverde, former leader of the self-defense groups, is only a step, as they now seek absolution .
The legislator of Citizen Movement, precursor of legal and political defense of Mireles Valverde, said that it will be until this Friday when he leaves the bars of the federal prison of Tepic, Nayarit.
This, he explained, is due to the formalities and payment of the bond of 30 thousand pesos that assumed the same deputy and the former candidate for the governorship of that political institute, Manuel Antúnez Oviedo.
"But I repeat, this is only an advance; It is not a victory nor can we feel completely satisfied and today the only thing that was done is to do justice, attached to right; It is not a gift, nor is it a favor; I consider that the judge acted well, based on the law and now the most important and the fundamental objective is to get him acquitted, "said Moncada Sánchez.
He explained that what the judge determined, it is only that Mireles faces his criminal process out of prison, so they will seek the Mexican State to recognize that he is innocent; "That is the primary goal," said MC's representative.
For its part, the State Commission for Human Rights (CEDH) endorsed the determination of the Fifth District Court, based in the city of Uruapan, so that José Manuel Mireles Valverde, continue its process in freedom.
"This body has pronounced on several occasions on the need to grant a substitution or modification of precautionary measures other than pre-trial detention and the urgency of monitoring its state of health; As well as for the decision of the judge to be attached to independence, autonomy and not be subject to factors other than the value of justice, "the body quoted in a statement.
On Wednesday, April 26, the Mexican ombudsman, Victor Manuel Serrato Lozano, held a meeting with the head of the Fifth District Court, who asked to take into consideration the uncertainty prevailing in the state, before which Mireles Valverde was seen In the need to defend their heritage, their families and the inhabitants of their region.
End
AZMEX I3 11-5-17
AZMEX I3 11 MAY 2017
City's Human Relations Commission discusses sanctuary city status
Wednesday, May 10th 2017, 3:15 pm MST
Thursday, May 11th 2017, 12:52 pm MST
By Monica Grimaldo, Multimedia Journalist
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/35398640/citys-human-relations-commission-to-discuss-sanctuary-city-status
TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
There's a push now to make Tucson a sanctuary city, even as President Donald Trump tries to crackdown on them.
Tucson's Human Relations Commission, which works closely with immigrants, is behind the latest push.
The commission said if Tucson proclaims itself a sanctuary city, it will give immigrants more confidence they're in a safe place, especially when they send their kids to school.
"We feel on principle, you know, especially our schools should be safe places," a commission member said. "We think that you know health care and things like that are human rights."
As of now, Tucson is an immigrant friendly city.
A federal judge recently blocked the Trump administration from withholding federal money from cities that don't follow immigration law
Tucson City Councilwoman Regina Romero said with the judge's recent ruling, Tucson will keep pushing its long-standing policy which doesn't discriminate.
The Tucson HRC discussed the issue at a public meeting Wednesday night. The next step would be to meet with city council members to try to convince them.
END
50 percent less deportations in this area
Details Published on Thursday, May 11, 2017,
Written by Editor / El Diario
Http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=89492
Nogales
Just 15,780 migrants last April were secured by federal agents in the southwestern United States, compared to 48,550 in the same month, of the previous year, according to figures from Customs and Border Protection (CBP). acronym in English).
According to the Mexican consul in Nogales, Arizona, Ricardo Santana Velásquez, these figures coincide with those that the Federal Government has and is evidenced by the low flow witnessed by employees of the Consulate General on the border with Sonora.
"We maintain contact with all agencies of the United States government, especially the Border Patrol and ICE, who report that the numbers fell drastically, in some cases by more than 50 percent, compared to the same period of the year Previous, "he said.
He also said that in the case of incoming migrants, statistics are still quite low.
The Mexican consul pointed out that it is a remarkable contrast, however, the programs that are exercised with the Mexican community are organized according to the changes of the migratory policies in the United States.
"We are offering them all the support and information they require, so as not to be in difficult situations," he said.
Santana Velázquez said that according to police and immigration agencies, this drop in deportations of illegals and income flows is due to a combination of factors, a decline that occurred before Donald Trump took office.
"We do not know exactly what the reason itself is, I do not think there is one in particular, but if it could be a combination of several factors," he said.
END
City's Human Relations Commission discusses sanctuary city status
Wednesday, May 10th 2017, 3:15 pm MST
Thursday, May 11th 2017, 12:52 pm MST
By Monica Grimaldo, Multimedia Journalist
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/35398640/citys-human-relations-commission-to-discuss-sanctuary-city-status
TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
There's a push now to make Tucson a sanctuary city, even as President Donald Trump tries to crackdown on them.
Tucson's Human Relations Commission, which works closely with immigrants, is behind the latest push.
The commission said if Tucson proclaims itself a sanctuary city, it will give immigrants more confidence they're in a safe place, especially when they send their kids to school.
"We feel on principle, you know, especially our schools should be safe places," a commission member said. "We think that you know health care and things like that are human rights."
As of now, Tucson is an immigrant friendly city.
A federal judge recently blocked the Trump administration from withholding federal money from cities that don't follow immigration law
Tucson City Councilwoman Regina Romero said with the judge's recent ruling, Tucson will keep pushing its long-standing policy which doesn't discriminate.
The Tucson HRC discussed the issue at a public meeting Wednesday night. The next step would be to meet with city council members to try to convince them.
END
50 percent less deportations in this area
Details Published on Thursday, May 11, 2017,
Written by Editor / El Diario
Http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=89492
Nogales
Just 15,780 migrants last April were secured by federal agents in the southwestern United States, compared to 48,550 in the same month, of the previous year, according to figures from Customs and Border Protection (CBP). acronym in English).
According to the Mexican consul in Nogales, Arizona, Ricardo Santana Velásquez, these figures coincide with those that the Federal Government has and is evidenced by the low flow witnessed by employees of the Consulate General on the border with Sonora.
"We maintain contact with all agencies of the United States government, especially the Border Patrol and ICE, who report that the numbers fell drastically, in some cases by more than 50 percent, compared to the same period of the year Previous, "he said.
He also said that in the case of incoming migrants, statistics are still quite low.
The Mexican consul pointed out that it is a remarkable contrast, however, the programs that are exercised with the Mexican community are organized according to the changes of the migratory policies in the United States.
"We are offering them all the support and information they require, so as not to be in difficult situations," he said.
Santana Velázquez said that according to police and immigration agencies, this drop in deportations of illegals and income flows is due to a combination of factors, a decline that occurred before Donald Trump took office.
"We do not know exactly what the reason itself is, I do not think there is one in particular, but if it could be a combination of several factors," he said.
END
Thursday, May 11, 2017
AZMEX UPDATE 9-5-17
AZMEX UPDATE 9 MAY 2017
Note: Original story from Sun UK. Graphics, photos at link.
TROUBLE IN PARADISE Brit holiday hotspot Mexico revealed as the world's second deadliest country ahead of IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN
An arms race between rival organised crime groups and government forces has caused a spike in violence
By Sam Webb
9th May 2017, 6:30 pm Updated: 9th May 2017, 6:31 pm
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/3520091/brit-holiday-hotspot-mexico-revealed-as-the-worlds-second-deadliest-country-ahead-of-iraq-and-afghanistan/
MEXICO is the second most deadly warzone in the world – even worse than Iraq and Afghanistan – according to new research.
The crime-plagued nation, which had 513,800 British visitors in 2016, is second only to Syria in combat deaths, according to this year's Armed Conflict Survey by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
There were 157,000 deaths from conflict worldwide last year
A woman cries over a relative who was shot dead in Veracruz, eastern Mexico, in June 2016. There were 23,000 recorded deaths from fighting in Mexico
A Mexican soldier stands guard next to a mass grave, in Zitlala, Mexico on November 25, 2016
An arms race between rival organised crime groups and government forces has pushed the level of violence to that of a war – with 23,000 recorded deaths.
A total of 50,000 died in fighting in Syria, 17,000 were killed in Iraq and continuing fighting in Afghanistan caused the deaths of 16,000 people.
The ten most lethal conflicts were: Syria, Mexico, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey, South Sudan and Nigeria.
Family members cry in front of a car in which two men were killed in Juarez, Mexico
The conflict in Syria has topped the grim list for five years
A Somali firefighter gestures at the site of car bomb attack in Mogadishu yesterday
Syria's conflict was the world's most lethal for the fifth year running.
Dr John Chipman, chief executive and director-general of the IISS said: "The death toll in Mexico's conflict surpasses those for Afghanistan and Somalia.
"This is all the more surprising, considering that the conflict deaths are nearly all attributable to small arms.
"Mexico is a conflict marked by the absence of artillery, tanks or combat aviation."
A man from the Dinka tribe in South Sudan poses with his AK 47 rifle
A Kalashnikov assault rifle found after a shooting in Cancun, a tourist hotspot
The violence has spiralled as criminal groups like the Sinaloa Catel, Los Zetas and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel look for more extreme methods of controlling territory and sources of cash like cocaine smuggling, heroin production and, increasingly, synthetic drugs laboratories.
They are not afraid to launch direct assaults on cops and the military. In one incident in May 2016 criminals opened fire on a patrol of the Mexican Navy, one of the most capable combat forces in Mexico, killing a marine.
The resulting gunfight also left six suspected criminals dead. Because several small criminal groups operate in the area it has been difficult to discover who launched the attack.
However, the Armed Conflict Survey also reveals deaths from conflict worldwide fell to 157,000 last year, compared to 167,000 in 2015.
It contains detailed analysis of 36 of the world's high-, medium- and low intensity conflicts.
end
Note: from cnn even.
Mexico was second deadliest country in 2016
By Elizabeth Roberts, CNN
Updated 12:48 PM ET, Tue May 9, 2017
http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/09/americas/mexico-second-deadliest-conflict-2016/index.html?sr=fbCNN050917mexico-second-deadliest-conflict-20160310PMVODtopLink&linkId=37379117
end
More:
Después de Siria, México fue el país más violento en 2016: Informe
Por: SUN | 09/05/2017 10:34
LONDRES, Inglaterra(SUN)
http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Nacional/09052017/1212234-Despues-de-Siria-Mexico-fue-el-pais-mas-violento-en-2016-Informe.html
END
Note: At Naco POE that is. "Of the 262 linear miles"
Last panel of border fencing installed near Naco Port of Entry
Posted: May 09, 2017 10:55 AM MST
Updated: May 09, 2017 10:55 AM MST
Posted By Faye DeHoff
http://www.kvoa.com/story/35383820/last-panel-of-border-fencing-installed-near-naco-port-of-entry
Naco -
Granite Construction crews installed the final border fence panel earlier today, near Arizona's Naco Port of Entry. This completes the replacement of an estimated 7.5 miles of outdated primary pedestrian fencing along the U.S-Mexico border.
Plans for the replacement fencing began four years ago. Funding was approved last year as part of the 2016 fiscal budget. The overall project, which includes replacement fencing, road improvements, and improvements to low water crossings, is expected to be completed next month.
The replacement fence creates greater resistance to illegal crossings, and improves situational awareness of illegal activities along the immediate border.
Of the 262 linear miles of border patrolled by Tucson Sector agents, approximately 210 miles have some type of pedestrian or vehicle barrier.
END
PGR stops truck with load of 'crystal' ( meth )
Details Posted on Tuesday May 09, 2017,
Written by Editor / El Diario
Http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=89375
HERMOSILLO
The Office of the Attorney General of the Republic (PGR), through the Deputy Attorney General for Regional Control, Criminal Procedures and Amparo, in its Sonora Delegation, secured methamphetamine and heroin, in support of the "The Truth of the Crystal" program in Santa Ana.
Derived from an anonymous complaint, elements of the Criminal Investigation Agency (AIC), attached to the General Directorate of Ministerial and Judicial Orders based in the city of Hermosillo, on highway 15, section Hermosillo-Santa Ana, kilometer 15 + 200 , Arrested Jose and Javier, on board a truck, from Tecomán, Colima, bound for Tijuana, Baja California.
At the time of reviewing the vehicle, AIC staff located and secured 23 packs of 24 kilograms of methamphetamine and three packs of two kilograms, 300 grams of heroin that were hidden in the fuel tank of that unit.
For these actions, the defendants, drugs and the truck, were available to the Public Ministry of the Federation, who continues with the integration of the corresponding Investigation Folder for crimes against health.
End
Note: Original story from Sun UK. Graphics, photos at link.
TROUBLE IN PARADISE Brit holiday hotspot Mexico revealed as the world's second deadliest country ahead of IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN
An arms race between rival organised crime groups and government forces has caused a spike in violence
By Sam Webb
9th May 2017, 6:30 pm Updated: 9th May 2017, 6:31 pm
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/3520091/brit-holiday-hotspot-mexico-revealed-as-the-worlds-second-deadliest-country-ahead-of-iraq-and-afghanistan/
MEXICO is the second most deadly warzone in the world – even worse than Iraq and Afghanistan – according to new research.
The crime-plagued nation, which had 513,800 British visitors in 2016, is second only to Syria in combat deaths, according to this year's Armed Conflict Survey by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
There were 157,000 deaths from conflict worldwide last year
A woman cries over a relative who was shot dead in Veracruz, eastern Mexico, in June 2016. There were 23,000 recorded deaths from fighting in Mexico
A Mexican soldier stands guard next to a mass grave, in Zitlala, Mexico on November 25, 2016
An arms race between rival organised crime groups and government forces has pushed the level of violence to that of a war – with 23,000 recorded deaths.
A total of 50,000 died in fighting in Syria, 17,000 were killed in Iraq and continuing fighting in Afghanistan caused the deaths of 16,000 people.
The ten most lethal conflicts were: Syria, Mexico, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey, South Sudan and Nigeria.
Family members cry in front of a car in which two men were killed in Juarez, Mexico
The conflict in Syria has topped the grim list for five years
A Somali firefighter gestures at the site of car bomb attack in Mogadishu yesterday
Syria's conflict was the world's most lethal for the fifth year running.
Dr John Chipman, chief executive and director-general of the IISS said: "The death toll in Mexico's conflict surpasses those for Afghanistan and Somalia.
"This is all the more surprising, considering that the conflict deaths are nearly all attributable to small arms.
"Mexico is a conflict marked by the absence of artillery, tanks or combat aviation."
A man from the Dinka tribe in South Sudan poses with his AK 47 rifle
A Kalashnikov assault rifle found after a shooting in Cancun, a tourist hotspot
The violence has spiralled as criminal groups like the Sinaloa Catel, Los Zetas and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel look for more extreme methods of controlling territory and sources of cash like cocaine smuggling, heroin production and, increasingly, synthetic drugs laboratories.
They are not afraid to launch direct assaults on cops and the military. In one incident in May 2016 criminals opened fire on a patrol of the Mexican Navy, one of the most capable combat forces in Mexico, killing a marine.
The resulting gunfight also left six suspected criminals dead. Because several small criminal groups operate in the area it has been difficult to discover who launched the attack.
However, the Armed Conflict Survey also reveals deaths from conflict worldwide fell to 157,000 last year, compared to 167,000 in 2015.
It contains detailed analysis of 36 of the world's high-, medium- and low intensity conflicts.
end
Note: from cnn even.
Mexico was second deadliest country in 2016
By Elizabeth Roberts, CNN
Updated 12:48 PM ET, Tue May 9, 2017
http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/09/americas/mexico-second-deadliest-conflict-2016/index.html?sr=fbCNN050917mexico-second-deadliest-conflict-20160310PMVODtopLink&linkId=37379117
end
More:
Después de Siria, México fue el país más violento en 2016: Informe
Por: SUN | 09/05/2017 10:34
LONDRES, Inglaterra(SUN)
http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Nacional/09052017/1212234-Despues-de-Siria-Mexico-fue-el-pais-mas-violento-en-2016-Informe.html
END
Note: At Naco POE that is. "Of the 262 linear miles"
Last panel of border fencing installed near Naco Port of Entry
Posted: May 09, 2017 10:55 AM MST
Updated: May 09, 2017 10:55 AM MST
Posted By Faye DeHoff
http://www.kvoa.com/story/35383820/last-panel-of-border-fencing-installed-near-naco-port-of-entry
Naco -
Granite Construction crews installed the final border fence panel earlier today, near Arizona's Naco Port of Entry. This completes the replacement of an estimated 7.5 miles of outdated primary pedestrian fencing along the U.S-Mexico border.
Plans for the replacement fencing began four years ago. Funding was approved last year as part of the 2016 fiscal budget. The overall project, which includes replacement fencing, road improvements, and improvements to low water crossings, is expected to be completed next month.
The replacement fence creates greater resistance to illegal crossings, and improves situational awareness of illegal activities along the immediate border.
Of the 262 linear miles of border patrolled by Tucson Sector agents, approximately 210 miles have some type of pedestrian or vehicle barrier.
END
PGR stops truck with load of 'crystal' ( meth )
Details Posted on Tuesday May 09, 2017,
Written by Editor / El Diario
Http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=89375
HERMOSILLO
The Office of the Attorney General of the Republic (PGR), through the Deputy Attorney General for Regional Control, Criminal Procedures and Amparo, in its Sonora Delegation, secured methamphetamine and heroin, in support of the "The Truth of the Crystal" program in Santa Ana.
Derived from an anonymous complaint, elements of the Criminal Investigation Agency (AIC), attached to the General Directorate of Ministerial and Judicial Orders based in the city of Hermosillo, on highway 15, section Hermosillo-Santa Ana, kilometer 15 + 200 , Arrested Jose and Javier, on board a truck, from Tecomán, Colima, bound for Tijuana, Baja California.
At the time of reviewing the vehicle, AIC staff located and secured 23 packs of 24 kilograms of methamphetamine and three packs of two kilograms, 300 grams of heroin that were hidden in the fuel tank of that unit.
For these actions, the defendants, drugs and the truck, were available to the Public Ministry of the Federation, who continues with the integration of the corresponding Investigation Folder for crimes against health.
End
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
AZMEX EXTRA 10-5-17
AZMEX EXTRA 10 MAR 2017
Note: Are the conflicts from Sinaloa now making it north to the AZMEX border?
Gunfights in Nogales, Son
ABDUCTIONS OF VARIOUS PEOPLE IS BELIEVED; DAMAGE TO HOUSES AND VEHICLES
10 / May / 2017
Hiram G. Machi
New Day / Nogales, Sonora
Http://www.nuevodia.com.mx/Nota.aspx?p=34262
Without official details of the shootings made yesterday morning in various sectors of this city, at least four houses and equal number of vehicles with bullet impacts are counted.
That, directly or intentionally and sometimes by collateral damage or "lost bullets" and presumed illegal abduction of people.
The strongest activity took place in Colosio Colony's Los Piras Street, where an armed group and several vehicles caused damage to a house, which one day later appeared in a state of neglect, with the half-open garage door and with several bullet holes on the façade; Likewise, at least two other contiguous homes were hit by assault rifle fire.
At least four vehicles were counted with shots to body and windows, as well as several homes in San Sebastián, El Rastro and other sectors, which according to residents, had damage to windows, shutters, doors and interiors.
The shots were heard to the southwest of the city from the first minutes of yesterday, from the presence of an armed group that crossed the streets.
The shots ceased for some minutes to intensify soon after in the Colosio colony.
Some people were being deprived of their liberty, extracted from their homes, although details of the events were not disclosed, which arose during several hours in various sectors of the city.
End
They exchange weapons for vouchers
Details Posted on Wednesday May 10, 2017,
Written by Marco A. Flores
Http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=89433
NOGALES
Vouchers valued at up to 3,000 pesos ($158 USD) will be delivered to people who come to deliver firearms to the reception module for the 2017 Despistolización Campaign, which began on Tuesday, 9th at Miguel Hidalgo Square.
Celeste Bojórquez Quiñones, coordinator of the Public Security Secretariat's liaison in this border city, informed at a press conference that the event will be held from 9:00 am to 13:00 hours and could be extended until sometime next November. This first stage will be until September 30.
"This campaign is aimed at crime prevention and our main objective is to reduce crime rates, especially so that there are no more assaults or accidents at home, such as homicides and suicides, as well as fostering citizenship coexistence, in which All are well, "she said.
She recalled that community participation in general is required to dispose of firearms in homes, because of the risk they represent to families, for that reason is the opportunity to deliver them and also obtain some economic resources in exchange for these articles.
The state official added that the amount of the vouchers will be evaluated by elements of the Sedena, varying depending on the weapon, if functional could reach up to three thousand pesos and if it is useless, up to one thousand pesos. ($53 USD) They will also take in handguns, cartridges, explosives and all kinds of weapons
"Last year we were somewhat low, compared to the year 2015 for example, here in Nogales, but there was participation and most of the weapons turned in were for hunting, but this time and with the conditions that are taking place in Nogales, we hope That more illegal weapons be delivered, "he recalled.
End
Note: Translated as we got it.
Instructions from ATF on identification of weapons and explosives
Details Posted on Thursday March 09, 2017,
Written by Editor / El Diario
Http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=87109
The Agency of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of Tijuana
conducted a training on March 8 and 9, about the identification of weapons and explosives to fourteen members of the Tax Administration Service (SAT) and Federal Police in the city of Sonoyta, Sonora.
The weapons and explosives identification course covers the classification of weapons and explosives as well as the use of the Agency of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives tracking system. The course also included current trends in Mexico related to the trafficking of firearms and explosives.
The course was of benefit to the police and customs officers conducting searches or inspections as they will be able to discover and identify various parts of a firearm and explosive components.
END
Note: Are the conflicts from Sinaloa now making it north to the AZMEX border?
Gunfights in Nogales, Son
ABDUCTIONS OF VARIOUS PEOPLE IS BELIEVED; DAMAGE TO HOUSES AND VEHICLES
10 / May / 2017
Hiram G. Machi
New Day / Nogales, Sonora
Http://www.nuevodia.com.mx/Nota.aspx?p=34262
Without official details of the shootings made yesterday morning in various sectors of this city, at least four houses and equal number of vehicles with bullet impacts are counted.
That, directly or intentionally and sometimes by collateral damage or "lost bullets" and presumed illegal abduction of people.
The strongest activity took place in Colosio Colony's Los Piras Street, where an armed group and several vehicles caused damage to a house, which one day later appeared in a state of neglect, with the half-open garage door and with several bullet holes on the façade; Likewise, at least two other contiguous homes were hit by assault rifle fire.
At least four vehicles were counted with shots to body and windows, as well as several homes in San Sebastián, El Rastro and other sectors, which according to residents, had damage to windows, shutters, doors and interiors.
The shots were heard to the southwest of the city from the first minutes of yesterday, from the presence of an armed group that crossed the streets.
The shots ceased for some minutes to intensify soon after in the Colosio colony.
Some people were being deprived of their liberty, extracted from their homes, although details of the events were not disclosed, which arose during several hours in various sectors of the city.
End
They exchange weapons for vouchers
Details Posted on Wednesday May 10, 2017,
Written by Marco A. Flores
Http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=89433
NOGALES
Vouchers valued at up to 3,000 pesos ($158 USD) will be delivered to people who come to deliver firearms to the reception module for the 2017 Despistolización Campaign, which began on Tuesday, 9th at Miguel Hidalgo Square.
Celeste Bojórquez Quiñones, coordinator of the Public Security Secretariat's liaison in this border city, informed at a press conference that the event will be held from 9:00 am to 13:00 hours and could be extended until sometime next November. This first stage will be until September 30.
"This campaign is aimed at crime prevention and our main objective is to reduce crime rates, especially so that there are no more assaults or accidents at home, such as homicides and suicides, as well as fostering citizenship coexistence, in which All are well, "she said.
She recalled that community participation in general is required to dispose of firearms in homes, because of the risk they represent to families, for that reason is the opportunity to deliver them and also obtain some economic resources in exchange for these articles.
The state official added that the amount of the vouchers will be evaluated by elements of the Sedena, varying depending on the weapon, if functional could reach up to three thousand pesos and if it is useless, up to one thousand pesos. ($53 USD) They will also take in handguns, cartridges, explosives and all kinds of weapons
"Last year we were somewhat low, compared to the year 2015 for example, here in Nogales, but there was participation and most of the weapons turned in were for hunting, but this time and with the conditions that are taking place in Nogales, we hope That more illegal weapons be delivered, "he recalled.
End
Note: Translated as we got it.
Instructions from ATF on identification of weapons and explosives
Details Posted on Thursday March 09, 2017,
Written by Editor / El Diario
Http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=87109
The Agency of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of Tijuana
conducted a training on March 8 and 9, about the identification of weapons and explosives to fourteen members of the Tax Administration Service (SAT) and Federal Police in the city of Sonoyta, Sonora.
The weapons and explosives identification course covers the classification of weapons and explosives as well as the use of the Agency of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives tracking system. The course also included current trends in Mexico related to the trafficking of firearms and explosives.
The course was of benefit to the police and customs officers conducting searches or inspections as they will be able to discover and identify various parts of a firearm and explosive components.
END
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
AZMEX UPDATE 4-5-47
AZMEX UPDATE 4 MAY 2017
Tucson Sector Border Patrol Agents catch two men with a million dollars worth of pot
Posted: May 03, 2017 2:16 PM MST
Updated: May 03, 2017 2:16 PM MST
Posted By Faye DeHoff
http://www.kvoa.com/story/35334880/tucson-sector-border-patrol-agents-catch-two-men-with-a-million-dollars-worth-of-pot
Elgin -
Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents working near Elgin made an immigration stop on a suspicious vehicle Tuesday afternoon, which led to a pursuit and eventual discovery of more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana, worth in excess of $1 million.
When agents attempted to stop a 2003 Chevy pickup truck on Lower Elgin Road, northeast of State Route 83, the vehicle sped up. The truck then abruptly veered off road and collided with a chunk of concrete. Agents later identified the truck's occupants as two male Mexican nationals illegally in the United States. Both men required medical treatment and were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Agents seized the truck and 97 bundles of marijuana found inside. Both men were arrested on drug smuggling charges and will be processed in accordance with Tucson Sector guidelines.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Customs & Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
END
Man arrested in Snowflake after meth and 14 weapons seized
Posted: May 03, 2017 2:09 PM MST
Updated: May 03, 2017 2:09 PM MST
http://www.kvoa.com/story/35334820/man-arrested-in-snowflake-after-meth-and-14-weapons-seized
HOLBROOK, Ariz. (AP) - Navajo County Sheriff's officials say a man has been arrested in Snowflake after methamphetamine and more than a dozen firearms were found at his home.
They say Scott Dean Anderson is prohibited from possessing firearms.
He was taken into custody Tuesday after a search warrant was executed at his residence.
Sheriff's officials say more than seven ounces of meth was found along with 14 firearms and other weapons.
They say Anderson was arrested without incident.
He's been booked into the county jail on suspicion of methamphetamine possession,
possession meth for sale,
possession of drug paraphernalia,
possession of a weapon during a drug offense and
having a weapon while being a prohibited possessor.
It was unclear Wednesday if Anderson has an attorney for his case yet.
END
Tucson Sector Border Patrol Agents catch two men with a million dollars worth of pot
Posted: May 03, 2017 2:16 PM MST
Updated: May 03, 2017 2:16 PM MST
Posted By Faye DeHoff
http://www.kvoa.com/story/35334880/tucson-sector-border-patrol-agents-catch-two-men-with-a-million-dollars-worth-of-pot
Elgin -
Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents working near Elgin made an immigration stop on a suspicious vehicle Tuesday afternoon, which led to a pursuit and eventual discovery of more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana, worth in excess of $1 million.
When agents attempted to stop a 2003 Chevy pickup truck on Lower Elgin Road, northeast of State Route 83, the vehicle sped up. The truck then abruptly veered off road and collided with a chunk of concrete. Agents later identified the truck's occupants as two male Mexican nationals illegally in the United States. Both men required medical treatment and were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Agents seized the truck and 97 bundles of marijuana found inside. Both men were arrested on drug smuggling charges and will be processed in accordance with Tucson Sector guidelines.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Customs & Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
END
Man arrested in Snowflake after meth and 14 weapons seized
Posted: May 03, 2017 2:09 PM MST
Updated: May 03, 2017 2:09 PM MST
http://www.kvoa.com/story/35334820/man-arrested-in-snowflake-after-meth-and-14-weapons-seized
HOLBROOK, Ariz. (AP) - Navajo County Sheriff's officials say a man has been arrested in Snowflake after methamphetamine and more than a dozen firearms were found at his home.
They say Scott Dean Anderson is prohibited from possessing firearms.
He was taken into custody Tuesday after a search warrant was executed at his residence.
Sheriff's officials say more than seven ounces of meth was found along with 14 firearms and other weapons.
They say Anderson was arrested without incident.
He's been booked into the county jail on suspicion of methamphetamine possession,
possession meth for sale,
possession of drug paraphernalia,
possession of a weapon during a drug offense and
having a weapon while being a prohibited possessor.
It was unclear Wednesday if Anderson has an attorney for his case yet.
END
Monday, May 8, 2017
AZMEX POLICY 2-5-17
AZMEX POLICY 2 MAY 2017
Note: Perhaps time to bring back a new and improved Bracero Program?
Gracias
Orchard owners look to robots as labor shortage worsens
By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS Associated Press
Apr 28, 2017 Updated Apr 28, 2017
http://www.pinalcentral.com/farm_and_ranch/orchard-owners-look-to-robots-as-labor-shortage-worsens/article_3f4f9e76-c2e9-5d00-affa-f527164b8dce.html
SPOKANE, Wash. — Harvesting Washington state's vast fruit orchards each year requires thousands of farmworkers, and many of them work illegally in the United States.
That system eventually could change dramatically as at least two companies are rushing to get robotic fruit-picking machines to market.
The robotic pickers don't get tired and can work 24 hours a day.
"Human pickers are getting scarce," said Gad Kober, a co-founder of Israel-based FFRobotics. "Young people do not want to work in farms, and elderly pickers are slowly retiring."
FFRobotics and Abundant Robotics, of Hayward, California, are racing to get their mechanical pickers to market within the next couple of years.
Harvest has been mechanized for large portions of the agriculture industry such as wheat, corn, green beans and tomatoes for some time. But for more fragile commodities like apples, berries, table grapes and lettuce — where the crop's appearance is especially important — harvest is still done by hand.
Members of Washington's $7.5 billion annual agriculture industry have long grappled with labor shortages, and depend on workers coming up from Mexico each year to harvest many crops.
But President Donald Trump's hard line against immigrants in the U.S. illegally has many farmers in the country looking for alternative harvest methods. Some have purchased new equipment to try to reduce the number of workers they'll need, while others have lobbied politicians to get them to deal with immigration in a way that minimizes harm to their livelihoods.
"Who knows what this administration will do or not do?" said Jim McFerson, head of the Washington State Tree Fruit Research Center in Wenatchee. For farmers, "it's a question of survival."
Washington leads the nation in production of apples and several other crops. Harvest starts in the spring with asparagus and runs until all the apples are off the trees in late fall.
The work is hard and dangerous, and has long drawn Mexican workers to central Washington, where several counties near the Canadian border are now majority-Hispanic. Experienced pickers, who are paid by the bin, can make more than $200 a day.
Advocates for farmworkers say robot pickers will have a negative effect.
The eventual loss of jobs for humans will be huge, said Erik Nicholson of Seattle, an official with the United Farm Workers union. He estimated half of the state's farmworkers are immigrants who are in the country illegally.
But many of them have settled in Washington and are productive members of the community, he said.
"They are scared of losing their jobs to mechanization," Nicholson said. "A robot is not going to rent a house, buy clothing for their kids, buy food in a grocery and reinvest that money in the local economy."
While financial details are not available, the builders say the robotic pickers should pay for themselves in two years. That puts the likely cost of the machines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars each.
FFRobotics is developing a machine that has three-fingered grips to grab fruit and twist or clip it from a branch. The machine would have between four and 12 robotic arms, and can pick up to 10,000 apples an hour, Kober said.
One machine would be able to harvest a variety of crops, taking 85 to 90 percent of the crop off the trees, Kober said. Humans could pick the rest.
Abundant Robotics is working on a picker that uses suction to vacuum apples off trees.
Plans for the robotic harvesters — including a goal of getting them to market before 2019 — were discussed in February at an international convention of fruit growers in Wenatchee.
The two robot makers are likely to hit their production goals, said Karen Lewis, a Washington State University cooperative extension agent who has studied the issue.
"Both of them will be in the field with prototypes this fall," Lewis said, calling the robotic harvesters a "game changer."
But for the machines to work, apples and other crops must be grown in new trellis systems that allow robots to see and harvest the fruit, she said.
"We are evolving the tree architecture and apple placement to be compatible with robotics," Lewis said, a process called "robot-ready."
Large farming operations likely will be first to adopt the machines, but it might be decades before their use is widespread.
"I think for the next 10 to 20 years, they will be used by some growers to supplement regular picking crews and to serve as a backstop for picker shortages," said Mike Gempler of the Washington Growers League in Yakima. Reliability and cost will determine if their use expands.
Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, whose family owns a large farming operation in Washington's Yakima Valley, said the industry is deeply interested in alternatives to human labor.
"We are absolutely looking at ways we can increase our efficiency," said Newhouse, adding his family's farm each year employs some 120 farmworkers, many of them picking cherries and nectarines.
The industry has no choice but to embrace mechanization, said Mark Powers, president of the Northwest Horticultural Council, a trade group for farmers in Yakima.
"We don't see some miraculous new source of labor appearing on the horizon," Powers said. "We think labor will continue to be a scarce resource."
end
Note: Perhaps time to bring back a new and improved Bracero Program?
Gracias
Orchard owners look to robots as labor shortage worsens
By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS Associated Press
Apr 28, 2017 Updated Apr 28, 2017
http://www.pinalcentral.com/farm_and_ranch/orchard-owners-look-to-robots-as-labor-shortage-worsens/article_3f4f9e76-c2e9-5d00-affa-f527164b8dce.html
SPOKANE, Wash. — Harvesting Washington state's vast fruit orchards each year requires thousands of farmworkers, and many of them work illegally in the United States.
That system eventually could change dramatically as at least two companies are rushing to get robotic fruit-picking machines to market.
The robotic pickers don't get tired and can work 24 hours a day.
"Human pickers are getting scarce," said Gad Kober, a co-founder of Israel-based FFRobotics. "Young people do not want to work in farms, and elderly pickers are slowly retiring."
FFRobotics and Abundant Robotics, of Hayward, California, are racing to get their mechanical pickers to market within the next couple of years.
Harvest has been mechanized for large portions of the agriculture industry such as wheat, corn, green beans and tomatoes for some time. But for more fragile commodities like apples, berries, table grapes and lettuce — where the crop's appearance is especially important — harvest is still done by hand.
Members of Washington's $7.5 billion annual agriculture industry have long grappled with labor shortages, and depend on workers coming up from Mexico each year to harvest many crops.
But President Donald Trump's hard line against immigrants in the U.S. illegally has many farmers in the country looking for alternative harvest methods. Some have purchased new equipment to try to reduce the number of workers they'll need, while others have lobbied politicians to get them to deal with immigration in a way that minimizes harm to their livelihoods.
"Who knows what this administration will do or not do?" said Jim McFerson, head of the Washington State Tree Fruit Research Center in Wenatchee. For farmers, "it's a question of survival."
Washington leads the nation in production of apples and several other crops. Harvest starts in the spring with asparagus and runs until all the apples are off the trees in late fall.
The work is hard and dangerous, and has long drawn Mexican workers to central Washington, where several counties near the Canadian border are now majority-Hispanic. Experienced pickers, who are paid by the bin, can make more than $200 a day.
Advocates for farmworkers say robot pickers will have a negative effect.
The eventual loss of jobs for humans will be huge, said Erik Nicholson of Seattle, an official with the United Farm Workers union. He estimated half of the state's farmworkers are immigrants who are in the country illegally.
But many of them have settled in Washington and are productive members of the community, he said.
"They are scared of losing their jobs to mechanization," Nicholson said. "A robot is not going to rent a house, buy clothing for their kids, buy food in a grocery and reinvest that money in the local economy."
While financial details are not available, the builders say the robotic pickers should pay for themselves in two years. That puts the likely cost of the machines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars each.
FFRobotics is developing a machine that has three-fingered grips to grab fruit and twist or clip it from a branch. The machine would have between four and 12 robotic arms, and can pick up to 10,000 apples an hour, Kober said.
One machine would be able to harvest a variety of crops, taking 85 to 90 percent of the crop off the trees, Kober said. Humans could pick the rest.
Abundant Robotics is working on a picker that uses suction to vacuum apples off trees.
Plans for the robotic harvesters — including a goal of getting them to market before 2019 — were discussed in February at an international convention of fruit growers in Wenatchee.
The two robot makers are likely to hit their production goals, said Karen Lewis, a Washington State University cooperative extension agent who has studied the issue.
"Both of them will be in the field with prototypes this fall," Lewis said, calling the robotic harvesters a "game changer."
But for the machines to work, apples and other crops must be grown in new trellis systems that allow robots to see and harvest the fruit, she said.
"We are evolving the tree architecture and apple placement to be compatible with robotics," Lewis said, a process called "robot-ready."
Large farming operations likely will be first to adopt the machines, but it might be decades before their use is widespread.
"I think for the next 10 to 20 years, they will be used by some growers to supplement regular picking crews and to serve as a backstop for picker shortages," said Mike Gempler of the Washington Growers League in Yakima. Reliability and cost will determine if their use expands.
Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, whose family owns a large farming operation in Washington's Yakima Valley, said the industry is deeply interested in alternatives to human labor.
"We are absolutely looking at ways we can increase our efficiency," said Newhouse, adding his family's farm each year employs some 120 farmworkers, many of them picking cherries and nectarines.
The industry has no choice but to embrace mechanization, said Mark Powers, president of the Northwest Horticultural Council, a trade group for farmers in Yakima.
"We don't see some miraculous new source of labor appearing on the horizon," Powers said. "We think labor will continue to be a scarce resource."
end
AZMEX UPDATE 5-5-17
AZMEX UPDATE 5 MAY 2017
Arizona Border Counties Form Coalition to Protect Trade with Mexico
Four-county effort emphasizes healthy ties.
by Nancy Montoya
MariposaPortCBP4 produce-spotlight
Border Coalition 2-0:57
https://news.azpm.org/p/news-articles/2017/5/5/110097-arizona-border-counties-form-coalition-to-protect-trade-with-mexico/
Arizona border counties say they have united to make their voices heard in Washington, D.C., when it comes to immigration and trade.
The counties are sending a message saying a healthy relationship between Arizona and Mexico is important to the entire country.
Last year all 50 U.S. states used Arizona ports of entry to export goods to Mexico. The Arizona border counties of Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise and Yuma all benefit from the ports of entry.
But there is increasing frustration that immigration policy issues and the Trump administration's relationship with Mexico are now starting to hurt trade with our neighbor.
"Economic development does not end at the border,"said Teresa Bravo, the economic development and international projects coordinator for Pima County. Bravo is heading up a new coalition of the state's four border counties. Her goal is to protect Arizona's relationship with Mexico, and she said it's not about politics.
"We have the support of Congressman [Raúl] Grijalva. There is the support of Congresswoman [Martha] McSally. And as you have seen, Sens. [John] McCain and [Jeff] Flake have been very proactive and pro-Mexico."
What is good for Arizona, Bravo said, is good for the entire country.
END
Note: and then this one from our friends at Borderland Beat.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Tijuana & San Diego: Ravaged by cristal
http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2017/05/tijuana-san-diego-ravaged-by-cristal.html
At the border, and checkpoints choking off San Diego, CBP seize loads of crystal, handing the suspects off to DEA, Homeland Security Investigations. At the San Diego MCC, Metropolitan Correctional Center, dozens of indicted suspects from gangs are booked into custody. Across the street at the federal courthouse they are arraigned.
MCC is filled with suspects found with crystal meth concealed in their vehicles, false compartments usually, modified in Tijuana and Mexicali for smuggling. The drivers run a wide range, women with children, young single women, members of Tijuana's Xolos, the children of mariachi singers, older men, younger ones, an 18 year old died in 2014, after CBP allowed him to drink liquid crystal he was attempting to smuggle in a juice bottle. He overdosed, the liquid meth overtaking his body, and he died on the scene, on the cold floor of the border patrol building in San Ysidro.
The county jail's are filled with addicts, holding tanks lined with addicts, face and skin decaying, picking at their wounds, greasy hair and bad sandwiches they can't eat, packed into dorms and cells, coming down days after their arrest, face absorbed into the thin bunk mattress. Homicides, beatings, stabbings, theft, credit card fraud, kidnappings, all the crimes of the addicts. In East Village, a rapidly developing upscale enclave of downtown, holds the sight of millions in development, construction crews, highrises, but at night, on K Street, and down Market, up Island, across J, all around you can see the smoke in the simmering summer night.
Seizure in Tijuana today
Smoke, from burnt pipes on cracked, cut, dry lips, lining the walls of San Diego's Skid Row, where homeless addicts seek refuge in the crystal, sold by corner boys on East Village blocks. Down the street, stash houses are hit by Homeland Security. Go further south, and watch the dope spots and motel deals in National City, distributors deal out of their homes, pole cams from federal agents documenting their every sale. Richard J Donovan State Prison, where recent unsealed indictments revealed crystal and heroin being sold in the prison. Further south in Tijuana, where the killings have surged over 400 in just a few months.
Today, 400 kilos of crystal were seized from a stash house in Aquas Calientes, 800 packages with roughly half a kilo each, ready to be crossed, in broken up load cars. The killings occur daily, today a gym, tomorrow a bar, today a body burnt, tomorrow, choked, with cheap rope still wrapped around his neck, flesh rubbed raw underneath. Yesterday, 350k worth of product was seized in a matter of hours, pounds of crystal wrapped for transportation into San Diego, and further north.
The numbers are higher elsewhere, but San Diego feels like home, and we have much business to be done here. In 2017, federal indictments have charged over 200 individuals with distribution of crystal, and related crimes, including murder, firearms trafficking, home invasions, extortion, and prostitution. January, 13 members of the Deep Valley Crips in Oceanside, indicted and charged with racketeering, sex trafficking out of gang controlled and complicit motels, and trafficking meth. In February, 55 were charged in Vista, primarily a Vista Homeboys trafficking network run by a woman, based out of Tijuana, and supplied by Sinaloa.
Last week, 37 individuals in the Mid-City region, 15 blocks or so from North Park and Hillcrest were charged in another federal case. West Coast Crip, John Albert Quarles, aka J Money led a crystal and crack cocaine distribution operation that operated dope houses around the 40th block of University and Orange Ave, Teralta Park. Soulidao Chounlaboudy of the Oriental Mafia Crips, was charged in the same investigation, operating a meth and firearms trafficking network.
Yesterday, 16 gang members and associates of the Diablos, based in Escondido were charged in unsealed indictments. The Diablos, a prolific gang, of over 311 documented members, and 400 associates, control drug territory in eastern and central Escondido. As part of the investigation, authorities identified the shooter, who in early March, shot and killed a grandmother, on her way to church.
13 wiretaps, over 100 pounds of meth and heroin pounds of meth, assault rifles, racketeering, money laundering, sex trafficking, prostitution, drug trafficking. The numbers blur together, dozens of pounds of meth, if not hundreds. Hundreds of actual people, charged, arrested, processed, sentenced by federal judges. If the suppliers and dealers are in the 100's, the customers, the addicts, the clients are in the thousands. Overdose deaths of crystal have surged in the last 7 years, as price and purity have risen, pounds of seized crystal frequently test at 98%.
The two cities, symbiotic, are awash in crystal, blood, and money. If you don't know, or don't see, you can't care. Even then. Children born from addict mothers, who live in addict houses, who sleep in addict conditions, and eat addict food, or don't eat at all. Raised in a life of chaos, violence, incarceration. The street dealers in Tijuana with globos in their mouths, the batakas with half a clip, and orders to kill, the children of killers, the parents of transporters who got 6 years for 22 pounds of crystal, and endless black tragedy. Count the pounds, look at the pictures, the indictments, go down to K street tonight, the smoke will be there.
Sources: Zeta Tijuana, UT San Diego, US Attorneys Office
end
Arizona Border Counties Form Coalition to Protect Trade with Mexico
Four-county effort emphasizes healthy ties.
by Nancy Montoya
MariposaPortCBP4 produce-spotlight
Border Coalition 2-0:57
https://news.azpm.org/p/news-articles/2017/5/5/110097-arizona-border-counties-form-coalition-to-protect-trade-with-mexico/
Arizona border counties say they have united to make their voices heard in Washington, D.C., when it comes to immigration and trade.
The counties are sending a message saying a healthy relationship between Arizona and Mexico is important to the entire country.
Last year all 50 U.S. states used Arizona ports of entry to export goods to Mexico. The Arizona border counties of Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise and Yuma all benefit from the ports of entry.
But there is increasing frustration that immigration policy issues and the Trump administration's relationship with Mexico are now starting to hurt trade with our neighbor.
"Economic development does not end at the border,"said Teresa Bravo, the economic development and international projects coordinator for Pima County. Bravo is heading up a new coalition of the state's four border counties. Her goal is to protect Arizona's relationship with Mexico, and she said it's not about politics.
"We have the support of Congressman [Raúl] Grijalva. There is the support of Congresswoman [Martha] McSally. And as you have seen, Sens. [John] McCain and [Jeff] Flake have been very proactive and pro-Mexico."
What is good for Arizona, Bravo said, is good for the entire country.
END
Note: and then this one from our friends at Borderland Beat.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Tijuana & San Diego: Ravaged by cristal
http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2017/05/tijuana-san-diego-ravaged-by-cristal.html
At the border, and checkpoints choking off San Diego, CBP seize loads of crystal, handing the suspects off to DEA, Homeland Security Investigations. At the San Diego MCC, Metropolitan Correctional Center, dozens of indicted suspects from gangs are booked into custody. Across the street at the federal courthouse they are arraigned.
MCC is filled with suspects found with crystal meth concealed in their vehicles, false compartments usually, modified in Tijuana and Mexicali for smuggling. The drivers run a wide range, women with children, young single women, members of Tijuana's Xolos, the children of mariachi singers, older men, younger ones, an 18 year old died in 2014, after CBP allowed him to drink liquid crystal he was attempting to smuggle in a juice bottle. He overdosed, the liquid meth overtaking his body, and he died on the scene, on the cold floor of the border patrol building in San Ysidro.
The county jail's are filled with addicts, holding tanks lined with addicts, face and skin decaying, picking at their wounds, greasy hair and bad sandwiches they can't eat, packed into dorms and cells, coming down days after their arrest, face absorbed into the thin bunk mattress. Homicides, beatings, stabbings, theft, credit card fraud, kidnappings, all the crimes of the addicts. In East Village, a rapidly developing upscale enclave of downtown, holds the sight of millions in development, construction crews, highrises, but at night, on K Street, and down Market, up Island, across J, all around you can see the smoke in the simmering summer night.
Seizure in Tijuana today
Smoke, from burnt pipes on cracked, cut, dry lips, lining the walls of San Diego's Skid Row, where homeless addicts seek refuge in the crystal, sold by corner boys on East Village blocks. Down the street, stash houses are hit by Homeland Security. Go further south, and watch the dope spots and motel deals in National City, distributors deal out of their homes, pole cams from federal agents documenting their every sale. Richard J Donovan State Prison, where recent unsealed indictments revealed crystal and heroin being sold in the prison. Further south in Tijuana, where the killings have surged over 400 in just a few months.
Today, 400 kilos of crystal were seized from a stash house in Aquas Calientes, 800 packages with roughly half a kilo each, ready to be crossed, in broken up load cars. The killings occur daily, today a gym, tomorrow a bar, today a body burnt, tomorrow, choked, with cheap rope still wrapped around his neck, flesh rubbed raw underneath. Yesterday, 350k worth of product was seized in a matter of hours, pounds of crystal wrapped for transportation into San Diego, and further north.
The numbers are higher elsewhere, but San Diego feels like home, and we have much business to be done here. In 2017, federal indictments have charged over 200 individuals with distribution of crystal, and related crimes, including murder, firearms trafficking, home invasions, extortion, and prostitution. January, 13 members of the Deep Valley Crips in Oceanside, indicted and charged with racketeering, sex trafficking out of gang controlled and complicit motels, and trafficking meth. In February, 55 were charged in Vista, primarily a Vista Homeboys trafficking network run by a woman, based out of Tijuana, and supplied by Sinaloa.
Last week, 37 individuals in the Mid-City region, 15 blocks or so from North Park and Hillcrest were charged in another federal case. West Coast Crip, John Albert Quarles, aka J Money led a crystal and crack cocaine distribution operation that operated dope houses around the 40th block of University and Orange Ave, Teralta Park. Soulidao Chounlaboudy of the Oriental Mafia Crips, was charged in the same investigation, operating a meth and firearms trafficking network.
Yesterday, 16 gang members and associates of the Diablos, based in Escondido were charged in unsealed indictments. The Diablos, a prolific gang, of over 311 documented members, and 400 associates, control drug territory in eastern and central Escondido. As part of the investigation, authorities identified the shooter, who in early March, shot and killed a grandmother, on her way to church.
13 wiretaps, over 100 pounds of meth and heroin pounds of meth, assault rifles, racketeering, money laundering, sex trafficking, prostitution, drug trafficking. The numbers blur together, dozens of pounds of meth, if not hundreds. Hundreds of actual people, charged, arrested, processed, sentenced by federal judges. If the suppliers and dealers are in the 100's, the customers, the addicts, the clients are in the thousands. Overdose deaths of crystal have surged in the last 7 years, as price and purity have risen, pounds of seized crystal frequently test at 98%.
The two cities, symbiotic, are awash in crystal, blood, and money. If you don't know, or don't see, you can't care. Even then. Children born from addict mothers, who live in addict houses, who sleep in addict conditions, and eat addict food, or don't eat at all. Raised in a life of chaos, violence, incarceration. The street dealers in Tijuana with globos in their mouths, the batakas with half a clip, and orders to kill, the children of killers, the parents of transporters who got 6 years for 22 pounds of crystal, and endless black tragedy. Count the pounds, look at the pictures, the indictments, go down to K street tonight, the smoke will be there.
Sources: Zeta Tijuana, UT San Diego, US Attorneys Office
end
Friday, May 5, 2017
AZMEX I3 5-5-17
AZMEX I3 5 MAY 2017
Note: Hard to believe, but the story has disappeared overnight from Phx media.
thx
Puente Arizona: Phoenix high schools don't need cops on campus
BY CORBIN CARSON |
May 5, 2017 @ 5:02 am
http://ktar.com/story/1560117/puente-arizona-phoenix-high-schools-dont-need-cops-campus/
PHOENIX — The group Puente Arizona is trying to get cops off of Phoenix campuses.
"We are asking Phoenix Union High School District to end the school-to-prison pipeline and the school-to-deportation pipeline," said Leidy Robledo Youth Organizer with Puente. "By removing police from school[s]."
Puente encouraged students to 'speak out' during a launch of the #CopsOuttaCampus campaign on Thursday at Phoenix Union High School.
"Interaction with law enforcement can put a student at risk of getting a ICE hold or being sent to ICE," she said. "If the police suspects that they're undocumented … that's state law."
As a result of the changing political climate, Robledo said they have to limit the contact between law enforcement and students, she said, because now campus officers are using this as a pretext to check the students' status.
"School resource officers don't necessarily mean safer campuses for the students," she said.
The district is spending a large amount of the state's controversially limited education resources to have these officers, she said.
And Robledo claims only a very small number of student's law enforcement interactions involve weapons.
"There are better ways and better services that students can be using to address some of the problems that we're seeing in school," she said. "That doesn't necessarily require a police officer."
There are bigger problems like shortage of teachers and books in the classroom, where those funds could be used.
Campuses should be a safe place for kids to learn, Robledo said.
END
More: Another link, at least momentarily.
Estudiantes de Phoenix lanzan una campaña contra detenciones y deportaciones de inmigrantes
Por: Univision Television Group
Publicado: May 05, 2017 | 01:24 AM EDT
Los jóvenes aseguran que la presencia policiaca no es necesaria en escuelas y pueden ser usados para detener a inmigrantes.
http://www.univision.com/arizona/ktvw/noticias/educacion/estudiantes-de-phoenix-lanzan-una-campana-contra-detenciones-y-deportaciones-de-inmigrantes-video
end
Note: Hard to believe, but the story has disappeared overnight from Phx media.
thx
Puente Arizona: Phoenix high schools don't need cops on campus
BY CORBIN CARSON |
May 5, 2017 @ 5:02 am
http://ktar.com/story/1560117/puente-arizona-phoenix-high-schools-dont-need-cops-campus/
PHOENIX — The group Puente Arizona is trying to get cops off of Phoenix campuses.
"We are asking Phoenix Union High School District to end the school-to-prison pipeline and the school-to-deportation pipeline," said Leidy Robledo Youth Organizer with Puente. "By removing police from school[s]."
Puente encouraged students to 'speak out' during a launch of the #CopsOuttaCampus campaign on Thursday at Phoenix Union High School.
"Interaction with law enforcement can put a student at risk of getting a ICE hold or being sent to ICE," she said. "If the police suspects that they're undocumented … that's state law."
As a result of the changing political climate, Robledo said they have to limit the contact between law enforcement and students, she said, because now campus officers are using this as a pretext to check the students' status.
"School resource officers don't necessarily mean safer campuses for the students," she said.
The district is spending a large amount of the state's controversially limited education resources to have these officers, she said.
And Robledo claims only a very small number of student's law enforcement interactions involve weapons.
"There are better ways and better services that students can be using to address some of the problems that we're seeing in school," she said. "That doesn't necessarily require a police officer."
There are bigger problems like shortage of teachers and books in the classroom, where those funds could be used.
Campuses should be a safe place for kids to learn, Robledo said.
END
More: Another link, at least momentarily.
Estudiantes de Phoenix lanzan una campaña contra detenciones y deportaciones de inmigrantes
Por: Univision Television Group
Publicado: May 05, 2017 | 01:24 AM EDT
Los jóvenes aseguran que la presencia policiaca no es necesaria en escuelas y pueden ser usados para detener a inmigrantes.
http://www.univision.com/arizona/ktvw/noticias/educacion/estudiantes-de-phoenix-lanzan-una-campana-contra-detenciones-y-deportaciones-de-inmigrantes-video
end
Thursday, May 4, 2017
AZMEX UPDATE 3-5-17
AZMEX UPDATE 3 MAY 2017
CBP makes another large fentanyl bust in Nogales
Nogales International May 2, 2017 Updated May 2, 2017
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/cbp-makes-another-large-fentanyl-bust-in-nogales/article_79b2874c-2eca-11e7-a7e1-9f36a2d3af27.html
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a 28-year-old Mexican man last week for attempting to smuggle 23 pounds of a powerful synthetic opioid into the United States through Nogales.
CBP said its officers at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry referred the man for a secondary inspection of his Chevy SUV as he attempted to enter the country on Wednesday, April 26 through the SENTRI lane for trusted travelers.
A drug-sniffing dog alerted to the vehicle's dashboard area, and when officers searched behind the radio, they found a stash of fentanyl, a rapid-onset pain medication that is similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more potent, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The drugs were estimated to be worth approximately $378,000.
Officers seized the fentanyl and turned the subject over to federal investigators.
It was the second significant fentanyl bust in Nogales of the month.
On April 3, a 24-year-old Mexican woman was arrested after CBP officers at the Morley pedestrian border-crossing discovered that the stroller she was pushing her infant daughter in had been packed with five pounds of fentanyl.
END
Note: Federal & Santa Cruz county courts
Checkpoint proves to be Rio Rican's nemesis
Nogales International May 2, 2017
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/checkpoint-proves-to-be-rio-rican-s-nemesis/article_bcb2205c-2eca-11e7-8a3a-8b0f78f62540.html
For the second time, Aidan Nikolai Bracamonte of Rio Rico was convicted and sentenced for a crime uncovered at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 19.
Bracamonte, 23, was sentenced April 24 by Judge Thomas Fink of Santa Cruz County Superior Court
to three years of probation for a Class 5 felony conviction
of attempted unlawful possession of marijuana for sale.
The judge also required that he complete 100 hours of community service.
Court records show that at around 11 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2016, a drug-sniffing dog at the checkpoint alerted agents to the car Bracamonte was driving. He was sent to the secondary inspection area, where agents found a glass jar containing marijuana among his belongings.
They also found 150 plastic bags and two scales, as well as marijuana hidden in the gas cap and a wallet "filled with money." He also had cash in one of his pockets.
During a pre-sentence interview, Bracamonte told a probation officer that he was on his way to a party in Tucson when he was busted at the checkpoint. He said he planned on smoking the marijuana with his friends. The money, he said, was savings that he planned to use to buy a new wardrobe while in Tucson.
Bracamonte was on federal probation at the time of his arrest in connection with another crime uncovered at the checkpoint.
According to U.S. District Court records, Bracamonte was caught at the facility on Feb. 14, 2014 with two undocumented immigrants in the trunk of his car. At first he claimed that he had seen the two men walking near his home and they had asked him for a ride to Tucson. He said he planned on getting them past the checkpoint, then letting them out to continue walking, and he did not expect any payment for the service.
However, in a subsequent plea agreement, he admitted that he knew the men were undocumented and he expected to be paid $500 to transport them to Phoenix.
Bracamonte was convicted of one count of transporting illegal aliens for profit and sentenced by U.S. Judge James A. Soto in July 2014 to three years of probation.
In March 2017, Soto modified the conditions of probation to require Bracamonte to participate in a home confinement program for 180 days. As part of the program, he must be electronically monitored and abide by a curfew.
end
Original story: http://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/2017/05/03/1161232
US has not found 'one dollar' of drug lord El Chapo's assets, Mexican AG says
Published May 03, 2017 Reuters
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/05/03/us-has-not-found-one-dollar-drug-lord-el-chapos-assets-mexican-ag-says.html
MEXICO CITY – U.S. authorities have not been able to find any trace of ill-gotten assets belonging to jailed drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, Mexico's attorney general said on Wednesday.
Before he was captured last year and extradited to the United States in January to stand trial, Guzman was one of the world's most wanted drug traffickers and believed to have accumulated a fortune from reigning over his Sinaloa Cartel over many years.
"As of today, U.S. authorities have not found not even one dollar of El Chapo's assets," Mexican Attorney General Raul Cervantes said in an interview with top local broadcaster Televisa.
Mexico has only found minor assets belonging to Guzman, Cervantes said.
"His money hasn't been found because he didn't use the financial system," he added.
A federal indictment in the United States seeks the forfeiture of more than $14 billion of drug proceeds and illicit profits allegedly derived from the Sinaloa Cartel's activities.
Guzman, who broke out twice from prison in Mexico, was recaptured for the last time in January 2016. He was extradited to the United States to face charges there on Jan. 19, the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration as U.S. president.
In the same interview, Cervantes said that the relative upstart Jalisco New Generation Cartel is now Mexico's largest criminal organization, eclipsing the country's more familiar criminal syndicates like Sinaloa or the Zetas.
On Tuesday, Mexican security forces arrested Damaso Lopez, who the United States once described as Guzman's "right hand man" but had been locked in a bloody struggle for control of the Sinaloa Cartel against the sons of El Chapo.
end
Note: Need a job? Just remember it's AP writing this.
At country fest and rodeo, border agency seeks more agents
ASSOCIATED PRESS | May 3, 2017 @ 1:18 am
http://ktar.com/story/1556489/border-patrol-brings-stepped-up-recruiting-to-fairs-rodeos/
FLORENCE, Ariz. (AP) — The beer was flowing and music was blaring in the middle of the Arizona desert when Ric Kindle approached a group of Border Patrol agents and customs officers out to recruit new hires.
This was no average job fair. This was Country Thunder, one of the nation's largest country music festivals, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection set up a booth in front of a pop-up casino and near the merchandise tent as part of an effort to recruit thousands of new agents and officers.
Customs and Border Protection, the parent agency of the Border Patrol and the office that oversees customs officers, has been hiring for several years and now may need to fill an additional 5,000 positions within the Border Patrol that President Donald Trump ordered under his plan to bolster border security. Both the Border Patrol and customs officers were at the festival.
Kindle, 24, said he'd be applying to the Border Patrol as soon as he got home at the end of the four-day festival. He said he's wanted to get into law enforcement ever since a local police officer took him on a ride-along when he was a teenager who skipped school and lacked motivation.
"I don't care what form of force it is, I just kind of want to make a difference," said Kindle, a Phoenix-area resident who works as a fast-food cook. He was volunteering for a nonprofit that raises money for families of first responders who are hurt or killed on the job.
The presence of border agents and customs officers at the country festival is part of an aggressive recruitment effort to seek out prospective employees. Customs and Border Protection has been showing up at bull-riding competitions, Big 10 and Big 12 sports tournaments, job fairs and country music fests like the one last month in Florence, southeast of Phoenix.
"We do recruiting at pretty much anywhere we have an opportunity to show up. It could be something as small as a community event at a local park," said Border Patrol spokesman Vicente Paco, who handed out brochures to festivalgoers.
The recruiting comes as the agency is having a difficult time finding enough agents.
Prospective hires need to relocate to remote locations like the small town of Ajo, near the U.S.-Mexico border, and the southern Texas city of Harlingen. They also must get through a comprehensive vetting process that involves passing a lie-detector test in which applicants are asked about things like drug use and past criminal activity.
Customs and Border Protection also has had a hard time filling positions within its Office of Field Operations, which manages ports of entries and international arrivals at airports.
The Associated Press reported in January that about two-thirds of Customs and Border Protection applicants fail the required polygraph exam, more than double the average rate of applicants at eight law enforcement agencies that provided data to the AP. Customs and Border Protection officials have since pegged the failure rate at about 75 percent.
The agency has struggled to find enough customs officers since announcing an expansion effort in 2014. It said it was allocating 170 new jobs in Arizona, most of which would be assigned in Nogales, the state's busiest area for border crossings. As of April 1, the agency has filled 72 percent of those positions in the state.
The Border Patrol, meanwhile, has slightly fewer than 20,000 agents nationwide, a vastly larger number than it had in the 1990s but still smaller than a couple of years ago. The agency has lost agents to attrition and has a hiring rate of less than 1 percent.
Trump's plan calls for bringing on 5,000 new Border Patrol positions. Congress still hasn't finalized funding for next year, and it's unclear whether the agency will get more money for hiring. Agent salaries start at about $40,000 annually.
In April, then-Border Patrol Chief Ron Vitiello told The Associated Press the agency is working to improve the hiring process. It needs congressional approval to waive the polygraph in some instances.
The agency also will face competition from within the Homeland Security Department as Immigration and Customs Enforcement looks to hire about 10,000 agents. ICE says it's not undertaking any large-scale recruitment efforts at the moment.
"We just have to be a little bit faster than them," said Vitiello, who was promoted to a new job in the agency.
Not everyone agrees that the agency should expand and do so rapidly.
The nonpartisan American Immigration Council released a report in April questioning the expansion and noting that problems abounded when the Border Patrol grew from a little over 4,000 agents in 1994 to nearly 20,000 in 2016.
"The last time the Border Patrol received a large infusion of money to hire thousands of new agents, cases of corruption and misconduct spiked in the agency. New hires were not sufficiently vetted, novice agents were not adequately supervised, and agents who abused their authority acted with impunity," report author Josiah Heyman wrote.
To attract new agents, Border Patrol recruiters fan out to places like the annual Country Thunder event, which draws 30,000 people a day.
Agents and officers touted the perks of joining as concertgoers in boots and cowboy hats stopped by. Most of the people who spoke with the agents were middle-aged and thanked them for the work they do, shaking their hands and some asking to take a photo with them.
Others inquired about the job.
Colten Demers, 22, said he's wanted to get into law enforcement for as long as he can remember. The son of a former police officer, Demers works two jobs as a security officer in Scottsdale, although he's applied to work at several police forces.
Demers would rather work in the city but said he wouldn't rule out joining the Border Patrol and that he likely will apply. "We do need guys on the border," he said.
end
CBP makes another large fentanyl bust in Nogales
Nogales International May 2, 2017 Updated May 2, 2017
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/cbp-makes-another-large-fentanyl-bust-in-nogales/article_79b2874c-2eca-11e7-a7e1-9f36a2d3af27.html
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a 28-year-old Mexican man last week for attempting to smuggle 23 pounds of a powerful synthetic opioid into the United States through Nogales.
CBP said its officers at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry referred the man for a secondary inspection of his Chevy SUV as he attempted to enter the country on Wednesday, April 26 through the SENTRI lane for trusted travelers.
A drug-sniffing dog alerted to the vehicle's dashboard area, and when officers searched behind the radio, they found a stash of fentanyl, a rapid-onset pain medication that is similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more potent, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The drugs were estimated to be worth approximately $378,000.
Officers seized the fentanyl and turned the subject over to federal investigators.
It was the second significant fentanyl bust in Nogales of the month.
On April 3, a 24-year-old Mexican woman was arrested after CBP officers at the Morley pedestrian border-crossing discovered that the stroller she was pushing her infant daughter in had been packed with five pounds of fentanyl.
END
Note: Federal & Santa Cruz county courts
Checkpoint proves to be Rio Rican's nemesis
Nogales International May 2, 2017
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/checkpoint-proves-to-be-rio-rican-s-nemesis/article_bcb2205c-2eca-11e7-8a3a-8b0f78f62540.html
For the second time, Aidan Nikolai Bracamonte of Rio Rico was convicted and sentenced for a crime uncovered at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 19.
Bracamonte, 23, was sentenced April 24 by Judge Thomas Fink of Santa Cruz County Superior Court
to three years of probation for a Class 5 felony conviction
of attempted unlawful possession of marijuana for sale.
The judge also required that he complete 100 hours of community service.
Court records show that at around 11 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2016, a drug-sniffing dog at the checkpoint alerted agents to the car Bracamonte was driving. He was sent to the secondary inspection area, where agents found a glass jar containing marijuana among his belongings.
They also found 150 plastic bags and two scales, as well as marijuana hidden in the gas cap and a wallet "filled with money." He also had cash in one of his pockets.
During a pre-sentence interview, Bracamonte told a probation officer that he was on his way to a party in Tucson when he was busted at the checkpoint. He said he planned on smoking the marijuana with his friends. The money, he said, was savings that he planned to use to buy a new wardrobe while in Tucson.
Bracamonte was on federal probation at the time of his arrest in connection with another crime uncovered at the checkpoint.
According to U.S. District Court records, Bracamonte was caught at the facility on Feb. 14, 2014 with two undocumented immigrants in the trunk of his car. At first he claimed that he had seen the two men walking near his home and they had asked him for a ride to Tucson. He said he planned on getting them past the checkpoint, then letting them out to continue walking, and he did not expect any payment for the service.
However, in a subsequent plea agreement, he admitted that he knew the men were undocumented and he expected to be paid $500 to transport them to Phoenix.
Bracamonte was convicted of one count of transporting illegal aliens for profit and sentenced by U.S. Judge James A. Soto in July 2014 to three years of probation.
In March 2017, Soto modified the conditions of probation to require Bracamonte to participate in a home confinement program for 180 days. As part of the program, he must be electronically monitored and abide by a curfew.
end
Original story: http://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/2017/05/03/1161232
US has not found 'one dollar' of drug lord El Chapo's assets, Mexican AG says
Published May 03, 2017 Reuters
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/05/03/us-has-not-found-one-dollar-drug-lord-el-chapos-assets-mexican-ag-says.html
MEXICO CITY – U.S. authorities have not been able to find any trace of ill-gotten assets belonging to jailed drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, Mexico's attorney general said on Wednesday.
Before he was captured last year and extradited to the United States in January to stand trial, Guzman was one of the world's most wanted drug traffickers and believed to have accumulated a fortune from reigning over his Sinaloa Cartel over many years.
"As of today, U.S. authorities have not found not even one dollar of El Chapo's assets," Mexican Attorney General Raul Cervantes said in an interview with top local broadcaster Televisa.
Mexico has only found minor assets belonging to Guzman, Cervantes said.
"His money hasn't been found because he didn't use the financial system," he added.
A federal indictment in the United States seeks the forfeiture of more than $14 billion of drug proceeds and illicit profits allegedly derived from the Sinaloa Cartel's activities.
Guzman, who broke out twice from prison in Mexico, was recaptured for the last time in January 2016. He was extradited to the United States to face charges there on Jan. 19, the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration as U.S. president.
In the same interview, Cervantes said that the relative upstart Jalisco New Generation Cartel is now Mexico's largest criminal organization, eclipsing the country's more familiar criminal syndicates like Sinaloa or the Zetas.
On Tuesday, Mexican security forces arrested Damaso Lopez, who the United States once described as Guzman's "right hand man" but had been locked in a bloody struggle for control of the Sinaloa Cartel against the sons of El Chapo.
end
Note: Need a job? Just remember it's AP writing this.
At country fest and rodeo, border agency seeks more agents
ASSOCIATED PRESS | May 3, 2017 @ 1:18 am
http://ktar.com/story/1556489/border-patrol-brings-stepped-up-recruiting-to-fairs-rodeos/
FLORENCE, Ariz. (AP) — The beer was flowing and music was blaring in the middle of the Arizona desert when Ric Kindle approached a group of Border Patrol agents and customs officers out to recruit new hires.
This was no average job fair. This was Country Thunder, one of the nation's largest country music festivals, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection set up a booth in front of a pop-up casino and near the merchandise tent as part of an effort to recruit thousands of new agents and officers.
Customs and Border Protection, the parent agency of the Border Patrol and the office that oversees customs officers, has been hiring for several years and now may need to fill an additional 5,000 positions within the Border Patrol that President Donald Trump ordered under his plan to bolster border security. Both the Border Patrol and customs officers were at the festival.
Kindle, 24, said he'd be applying to the Border Patrol as soon as he got home at the end of the four-day festival. He said he's wanted to get into law enforcement ever since a local police officer took him on a ride-along when he was a teenager who skipped school and lacked motivation.
"I don't care what form of force it is, I just kind of want to make a difference," said Kindle, a Phoenix-area resident who works as a fast-food cook. He was volunteering for a nonprofit that raises money for families of first responders who are hurt or killed on the job.
The presence of border agents and customs officers at the country festival is part of an aggressive recruitment effort to seek out prospective employees. Customs and Border Protection has been showing up at bull-riding competitions, Big 10 and Big 12 sports tournaments, job fairs and country music fests like the one last month in Florence, southeast of Phoenix.
"We do recruiting at pretty much anywhere we have an opportunity to show up. It could be something as small as a community event at a local park," said Border Patrol spokesman Vicente Paco, who handed out brochures to festivalgoers.
The recruiting comes as the agency is having a difficult time finding enough agents.
Prospective hires need to relocate to remote locations like the small town of Ajo, near the U.S.-Mexico border, and the southern Texas city of Harlingen. They also must get through a comprehensive vetting process that involves passing a lie-detector test in which applicants are asked about things like drug use and past criminal activity.
Customs and Border Protection also has had a hard time filling positions within its Office of Field Operations, which manages ports of entries and international arrivals at airports.
The Associated Press reported in January that about two-thirds of Customs and Border Protection applicants fail the required polygraph exam, more than double the average rate of applicants at eight law enforcement agencies that provided data to the AP. Customs and Border Protection officials have since pegged the failure rate at about 75 percent.
The agency has struggled to find enough customs officers since announcing an expansion effort in 2014. It said it was allocating 170 new jobs in Arizona, most of which would be assigned in Nogales, the state's busiest area for border crossings. As of April 1, the agency has filled 72 percent of those positions in the state.
The Border Patrol, meanwhile, has slightly fewer than 20,000 agents nationwide, a vastly larger number than it had in the 1990s but still smaller than a couple of years ago. The agency has lost agents to attrition and has a hiring rate of less than 1 percent.
Trump's plan calls for bringing on 5,000 new Border Patrol positions. Congress still hasn't finalized funding for next year, and it's unclear whether the agency will get more money for hiring. Agent salaries start at about $40,000 annually.
In April, then-Border Patrol Chief Ron Vitiello told The Associated Press the agency is working to improve the hiring process. It needs congressional approval to waive the polygraph in some instances.
The agency also will face competition from within the Homeland Security Department as Immigration and Customs Enforcement looks to hire about 10,000 agents. ICE says it's not undertaking any large-scale recruitment efforts at the moment.
"We just have to be a little bit faster than them," said Vitiello, who was promoted to a new job in the agency.
Not everyone agrees that the agency should expand and do so rapidly.
The nonpartisan American Immigration Council released a report in April questioning the expansion and noting that problems abounded when the Border Patrol grew from a little over 4,000 agents in 1994 to nearly 20,000 in 2016.
"The last time the Border Patrol received a large infusion of money to hire thousands of new agents, cases of corruption and misconduct spiked in the agency. New hires were not sufficiently vetted, novice agents were not adequately supervised, and agents who abused their authority acted with impunity," report author Josiah Heyman wrote.
To attract new agents, Border Patrol recruiters fan out to places like the annual Country Thunder event, which draws 30,000 people a day.
Agents and officers touted the perks of joining as concertgoers in boots and cowboy hats stopped by. Most of the people who spoke with the agents were middle-aged and thanked them for the work they do, shaking their hands and some asking to take a photo with them.
Others inquired about the job.
Colten Demers, 22, said he's wanted to get into law enforcement for as long as he can remember. The son of a former police officer, Demers works two jobs as a security officer in Scottsdale, although he's applied to work at several police forces.
Demers would rather work in the city but said he wouldn't rule out joining the Border Patrol and that he likely will apply. "We do need guys on the border," he said.
end
AZMEX POLL 4-5-17
AZMEX POLL 4 MAY 2017
Note: Another fake poll? Also remembering a lot of people north of the border are involved in drug & human trafficking.
Difficult to see how a secure border or the "wall" would harm legitimate commerce.
thx
Poll: Nearly two-thirds of Arizona voters do not want US-Mexico border wall
BY KTAR.COM | May 4, 2017 @ 6:15 am
BY KTAR.COM | May 4, 2017 @ 6:15 am
https://ktar.com/story/1556466/poll-nearly-two-thirds-of-arizona-voters-do-not-want-us-mexico-border-wall/
PHOENIX — Nearly two-thirds of Arizona voters do not want a border wall constructed on the United States-Mexico border, a KTAR News/OH Predictive Insights poll released Wednesday said.
Sixty-two percent of respondents to the poll indicated they do not want the wall. Thirty-seven percent said they supported the wall, while 1 percent either did not know or refused to answer.
"The opposition to the wall, I think, comes from a variety of sectors, especially economic reasons," U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said when asked about the poll results. Grijalva's district includes the Arizona-Mexico border.
(KTAR News Photo)
The border wall enjoyed more support among respondents who were 45 or older and lived in either Maricopa County or rural Arizona.
Only 28 percent of Pima County voters said they support the wall.
"People closer to the borderlands have more opposition to it given that they've seen the effects of what's there already along the southern border," Grijalva said.
A different poll, conducted in January, showed more than half of Arizona did not want to see the wall built.
The poll from Data Orbital said 54 percent of Arizona voters are against the border wall, while 39 percent said they are in favor of it — a larger split than seen in an October pollabout the same topic.
However, should construction of the wall go forward, Arizona voters were more divided on where the estimated $21.6 billion to build it should come from.
The KTAR News/OHPI poll showed just 17 percent of respondents favor Mexico footing the bill, as was the campaign promise of President Donald Trump. Mexican officials have said their nation would not pay for the wall.
Nineteen percent said the bill should be sent to the American federal government.
The largest group — 33 percent — said they would like to see the funding come from elsewhere. The poll did not ask for specifics.
The KTAR News/OHPI poll was conducted on May 1 by OH Predictive Insights — an Arizona-based polling company — in partnership with KTAR News 92.3 FM.
Survey Methodology
This live and automated caller survey was conducted on May 1 from an active Arizona registered voter sample. The sample size was 401 completed surveys, with a MoE of +/-4.89%. Of the surveys, 35% were conducted on cell phones and 65% via land lines. The party affiliation, geographic, gender and age demographics accurately reflect active registered voters in Arizona in this sample.
PHOENIX — Nearly two-thirds of Arizona voters do not want a border wall constructed on the United States-Mexico border, a KTAR News/OH Predictive Insights poll released Wednesday said.
Sixty-two percent of respondents to the poll indicated they do not want the wall. Thirty-seven percent said they supported the wall, while 1 percent either did not know or refused to answer.
"The opposition to the wall, I think, comes from a variety of sectors, especially economic reasons," U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said when asked about the poll results. Grijalva's district includes the Arizona-Mexico border.
(KTAR News Photo)
The border wall enjoyed more support among respondents who were 45 or older and lived in either Maricopa County or rural Arizona.
Only 28 percent of Pima County voters said they support the wall.
"People closer to the borderlands have more opposition to it given that they've seen the effects of what's there already along the southern border," Grijalva said.
A different poll, conducted in January, showed more than half of Arizona did not want to see the wall built.
The poll from Data Orbital said 54 percent of Arizona voters are against the border wall, while 39 percent said they are in favor of it — a larger split than seen in an October pollabout the same topic.
However, should construction of the wall go forward, Arizona voters were more divided on where the estimated $21.6 billion to build it should come from.
The KTAR News/OHPI poll showed just 17 percent of respondents favor Mexico footing the bill, as was the campaign promise of President Donald Trump. Mexican officials have said their nation would not pay for the wall.
Nineteen percent said the bill should be sent to the American federal government.
The largest group — 33 percent — said they would like to see the funding come from elsewhere. The poll did not ask for specifics.
The KTAR News/OHPI poll was conducted on May 1 by OH Predictive Insights — an Arizona-based polling company — in partnership with KTAR News 92.3 FM.
Survey Methodology
This live and automated caller survey was conducted on May 1 from an active Arizona registered voter sample. The sample size was 401 completed surveys, with a MoE of +/-4.89%. Of the surveys, 35% were conducted on cell phones and 65% via land lines. The party affiliation, geographic, gender and age demographics accurately reflect active registered voters in Arizona in this sample.
END
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
AZMEX POLICY 4-5-17
AZMEX POLICY 4 MAY 2017
Note: May be of particular interest to our friends in NM.
Should US give to Mexico more than 8 thousand 935 hectares ( 22,078 acres )
Details Posted on Wednesday May 03, 2017,
Written by Special
Http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=89173
CD. de MEXICO
They are based on the boundaries with that both nations fixed the border, through the treaties of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, and the one of the Mesilla. (Gadsden)
The United States owes Mexico about 8,935 hectares of territory, stolen by mistakes of distribution in the lands of the border that they share, according to the expert report by Portillo and Young, S.C., a firm of consulting engineers.
The study, carried out using GPS technology and contracted by Senator Patricio Martínez, is based on the boundaries that both nations used to set the border, through the treaties of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, and that of the Mesilla.
"On the border of Mexico with the United States, in the Juárez-El Paso area, in the state of Chihuahua and where there is a difference of 1,500 meters by 50 kilometers, which shows a difference of 8 thousand hectares, which was subtracted from the national territory, which are now in the state of New Mexico and should be in the state of Chihuahua, "said the senator,
Patricio Martinez explained that the difference in territory has already been claimed by Mexico since the time of President Porfirio Díaz, but the Foreign Ministry (SRE) did not follow up diplomatic notes sent to the US.
"What can follow is that there is a judicial issue, and it would not be the first time that Mexico presented a case of this nature before the international courts. It already did, a very sound case, the case of the Chamizal, where the Rio Bravo diverted 240 hectares of Mexico and left them on the side of the United States.
The results of the expert report have already been submitted to the Senate Board. The PRI legislator said that this chamber, nor any instance of the Mexican state or society, can not be ignored in the loss of 436 kilometers on the Mexican border.
More:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadsden_Purchase
https://www.britannica.com/event/Gadsden-Purchase
end
Note: May be of particular interest to our friends in NM.
Should US give to Mexico more than 8 thousand 935 hectares ( 22,078 acres )
Details Posted on Wednesday May 03, 2017,
Written by Special
Http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=89173
CD. de MEXICO
They are based on the boundaries with that both nations fixed the border, through the treaties of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, and the one of the Mesilla. (Gadsden)
The United States owes Mexico about 8,935 hectares of territory, stolen by mistakes of distribution in the lands of the border that they share, according to the expert report by Portillo and Young, S.C., a firm of consulting engineers.
The study, carried out using GPS technology and contracted by Senator Patricio Martínez, is based on the boundaries that both nations used to set the border, through the treaties of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, and that of the Mesilla.
"On the border of Mexico with the United States, in the Juárez-El Paso area, in the state of Chihuahua and where there is a difference of 1,500 meters by 50 kilometers, which shows a difference of 8 thousand hectares, which was subtracted from the national territory, which are now in the state of New Mexico and should be in the state of Chihuahua, "said the senator,
Patricio Martinez explained that the difference in territory has already been claimed by Mexico since the time of President Porfirio Díaz, but the Foreign Ministry (SRE) did not follow up diplomatic notes sent to the US.
"What can follow is that there is a judicial issue, and it would not be the first time that Mexico presented a case of this nature before the international courts. It already did, a very sound case, the case of the Chamizal, where the Rio Bravo diverted 240 hectares of Mexico and left them on the side of the United States.
The results of the expert report have already been submitted to the Senate Board. The PRI legislator said that this chamber, nor any instance of the Mexican state or society, can not be ignored in the loss of 436 kilometers on the Mexican border.
More:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadsden_Purchase
https://www.britannica.com/event/Gadsden-Purchase
end
AZMEX SPECIAL 3-5-17
AZMEX SPECIAL 3 MAY 2017
DHS Awards Funding to sUAS Firms for Border Security
Friday, April 28, 2017
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) awarded funding to two Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) firms.
http://www.rrmediagroup.com/News/NewsDetails/newsID/15462
RELATED STORIES
DHS Awards $9.7M to 12 Businesses for Emerging Technologies
DHS S&T awarded Asymmetric Technologies $199,814.31 to enhance U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) sUAS security.
CBP's use of sUAS enhances mission capabilities and supports U.S. border patrol agents' activities, including greater overall situational awareness and detection, tracking, apprehension and search-and-rescue operations.
Asymmetric Technologies proposed developing a platform-agnostic secure UAS flight controller (SUFC) and improving the cybersecurity of CBP-deployed commercial systems. The effort aims to reduce the risk of cyberattacks on the department's sUAS platforms by ensuring secure communications and control mechanisms with operators, using secure surveillance telemetry streams and leveraging onboard hardware security to prevent unauthorized access of data.
DHS also awarded $152,512 to Planck Aerosystems to enhance CBP's sUAS. The Planck Aerosystems project aims to build a fully autonomous, truck-based, search, surveillance and data delivery platform for DHS applications. The system will be operated from a dash-mounted user interface and deliver real-time video and object detection to drivers and passengers without the need for a dedicated pilot or extensive operator training.
"Mobility in this space is essential," said CBP Acting Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. "This effort will enable integration of sUAS capability into Border Patrol's operations in a variety of missions."
The projects were awarded under the Silicon Valley Innovation Program's (SVIP) Other Transaction Solicitation (OTS), aimed at nontraditional performers to offer solutions to threats facing DHS and the homeland security mission.
"Through the Silicon Valley Innovation Program, CBP has the opportunity to address our emerging technology needs, one of which is protecting our sUAS systems against a cyber-attack," said McAleenan. "Developing technologies and capabilities to secure our hardware and software platforms is critical for deploying sUAS technology."
Companies participating in the SVIP program are eligible for up to $800,000 in nondilutive funding to adapt commercial technologies for homeland security use cases. This is the fifth award under the "Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Capabilities Solicitation – HSHQDC-16-R-00114," one of five active calls under the SVIP.
END
DHS Awards Funding to sUAS Firms for Border Security
Friday, April 28, 2017
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) awarded funding to two Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) firms.
http://www.rrmediagroup.com/News/NewsDetails/newsID/15462
RELATED STORIES
DHS Awards $9.7M to 12 Businesses for Emerging Technologies
DHS S&T awarded Asymmetric Technologies $199,814.31 to enhance U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) sUAS security.
CBP's use of sUAS enhances mission capabilities and supports U.S. border patrol agents' activities, including greater overall situational awareness and detection, tracking, apprehension and search-and-rescue operations.
Asymmetric Technologies proposed developing a platform-agnostic secure UAS flight controller (SUFC) and improving the cybersecurity of CBP-deployed commercial systems. The effort aims to reduce the risk of cyberattacks on the department's sUAS platforms by ensuring secure communications and control mechanisms with operators, using secure surveillance telemetry streams and leveraging onboard hardware security to prevent unauthorized access of data.
DHS also awarded $152,512 to Planck Aerosystems to enhance CBP's sUAS. The Planck Aerosystems project aims to build a fully autonomous, truck-based, search, surveillance and data delivery platform for DHS applications. The system will be operated from a dash-mounted user interface and deliver real-time video and object detection to drivers and passengers without the need for a dedicated pilot or extensive operator training.
"Mobility in this space is essential," said CBP Acting Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. "This effort will enable integration of sUAS capability into Border Patrol's operations in a variety of missions."
The projects were awarded under the Silicon Valley Innovation Program's (SVIP) Other Transaction Solicitation (OTS), aimed at nontraditional performers to offer solutions to threats facing DHS and the homeland security mission.
"Through the Silicon Valley Innovation Program, CBP has the opportunity to address our emerging technology needs, one of which is protecting our sUAS systems against a cyber-attack," said McAleenan. "Developing technologies and capabilities to secure our hardware and software platforms is critical for deploying sUAS technology."
Companies participating in the SVIP program are eligible for up to $800,000 in nondilutive funding to adapt commercial technologies for homeland security use cases. This is the fifth award under the "Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Capabilities Solicitation – HSHQDC-16-R-00114," one of five active calls under the SVIP.
END
AZMEX I3 29-4-17
AZMEX I3 29 APR 2017
Note: Update
Gaxiola sentenced
Monique Brand Ainslee S. Wittig Sierra Vista Herald and Arizona Range News
Apr 26, 2017 Updated Apr 26, 2017
http://www.willcoxrangenews.com/news/article_efe57bc8-29f6-11e7-82f6-b73c70ef65e1.html
BISBEE — Mexican native Gil Gaxiola was sentenced to 76 years in Cochise County Superior Court on Monday, April 17.
Gaxiola, now 36, was found guilty by jury on March 16, for severely beating a National Parks Service employee at the Chiricahua National Monument, along with seven other counts of crimes committed in 2013.
Convictions include first-degree attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, theft and kidnapping. One charge of second-degree attempted murder was dismissed by the court, as it is a lesser charge and both cannot be used at for the same crime.
On the evening of Aug. 28, 2013, the victim was found unconscious in a restroom near the Faraway Ranch Trailhead, suffering from head trauma.
According to reports, in the aftermath of the attack, the victim's work vehicle was stolen from the area.
The day after attack, Gaxiola was apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Douglas, three blocks from where the vehicle was found. He was not charged with the assault at Chiricahua National Monument until January of 2014, after DNA evidence from a McDonald's meal found in the stolen vehicle linked him to the crime.
A plea deal — which would have him sentenced to 28 years in prison — had been on the table as early as August 2014. After the Aug. 19, 2016 hearing, Gaxiola was given 30 days to accept the deal. It was rejected.
Gaxiola also completed a restoration to competency program after receiving conflicting diagnoses from both the state and defense's independent psychological evaluations.
During the three-week trial, numerous witnesses took the stand including members of the Cochise County Sheriff's Office.
The victim, Karen Gonzales, of Willcox, was in attendance for most of the trial alongside family members.
During Monday's sentencing hearing, Gonzales turned to Gaxiola and said she had forgiven him, but "how you deal with that with God is up to you."
"If you would've asked for the keys to the car, I would've just given them to you," she said.
Reports of Gaxiola's previous felony convictions out of Idaho — in Cassia and Minidoka counties — along with felony convictions with the U.S. District Court and Maricopa County, were placed into evidence as "aggravating factors" to be considered into his sentence.
With that, Gaxiola was classified as a category 3 offender; those convicted of a felony with two or more prior felonies in their criminal history.
Each count varied in different sentences from 28 to 12 years, to be served consecutively with credit of 1,145 days he has served — except on one count relating to the theft of the National Parks Service vehicle.
His sentence began on Monday after the sentencing.
According to Judge Wallace Hoggatt, he will be housed at the Cochise County Jail until the matter of restitution is solved.
When asked to speak, Gaxiola said he's glad the victim has forgiven him.
"I thank the court for giving me the opportunity to tell my story," he said. "That day was the worst day of my life. I wish I should've done something to make this turn out a different way."
Gaxiola has 20 days to appeal.
Gonzales told the Range News Tuesday, "I am so glad it is over and I can move on. I wanted to tell him (Gaxiola) that I was old enough to be his mom. But I did tell him that he is a dangerous man. If he left me for dead, did he leave anyone else for dead? I told him that I don't hate him. I don't even know him. And then I told him, 'Vaya con Dios' (Go with God). I know he will understand that."
The National Park Service responded to the sentencing Tuesday, April 18, as well.
"The National Park Service extends sincere thanks to all who worked tirelessly to ensure justice for the victim and her family.Special agentsof the NPS Investigative Services Branchcollaborated with detectives of the Cochise County Sheriff's Office on the case, which was prosecuted by the Cochise County Attorney's Office. Other agencies that significantly contributed to the detection, apprehension, and successful prosecution of Gaxiola include the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Laboratory," said a press release by NPS Investigative Services Branch.
"We are hopeful that the conclusion of this trial helps Karen Gonzales and her family find some closure with this tragic incident," Superintendent Allen Etheridge of Chiricahua National Monument said, "and we remain supportive of Karen as she continues to recover from her injuries."
Gonzales thanked all those who helped her through this process, especially, Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels and Sgt. Tal Parker, FBI Victim Specialist Colleen Hansen, Attorney Doyle Johnstun and everyone at the National Park Service.
end
Note: Update
Gaxiola sentenced
Monique Brand Ainslee S. Wittig Sierra Vista Herald and Arizona Range News
Apr 26, 2017 Updated Apr 26, 2017
http://www.willcoxrangenews.com/news/article_efe57bc8-29f6-11e7-82f6-b73c70ef65e1.html
BISBEE — Mexican native Gil Gaxiola was sentenced to 76 years in Cochise County Superior Court on Monday, April 17.
Gaxiola, now 36, was found guilty by jury on March 16, for severely beating a National Parks Service employee at the Chiricahua National Monument, along with seven other counts of crimes committed in 2013.
Convictions include first-degree attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, theft and kidnapping. One charge of second-degree attempted murder was dismissed by the court, as it is a lesser charge and both cannot be used at for the same crime.
On the evening of Aug. 28, 2013, the victim was found unconscious in a restroom near the Faraway Ranch Trailhead, suffering from head trauma.
According to reports, in the aftermath of the attack, the victim's work vehicle was stolen from the area.
The day after attack, Gaxiola was apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Douglas, three blocks from where the vehicle was found. He was not charged with the assault at Chiricahua National Monument until January of 2014, after DNA evidence from a McDonald's meal found in the stolen vehicle linked him to the crime.
A plea deal — which would have him sentenced to 28 years in prison — had been on the table as early as August 2014. After the Aug. 19, 2016 hearing, Gaxiola was given 30 days to accept the deal. It was rejected.
Gaxiola also completed a restoration to competency program after receiving conflicting diagnoses from both the state and defense's independent psychological evaluations.
During the three-week trial, numerous witnesses took the stand including members of the Cochise County Sheriff's Office.
The victim, Karen Gonzales, of Willcox, was in attendance for most of the trial alongside family members.
During Monday's sentencing hearing, Gonzales turned to Gaxiola and said she had forgiven him, but "how you deal with that with God is up to you."
"If you would've asked for the keys to the car, I would've just given them to you," she said.
Reports of Gaxiola's previous felony convictions out of Idaho — in Cassia and Minidoka counties — along with felony convictions with the U.S. District Court and Maricopa County, were placed into evidence as "aggravating factors" to be considered into his sentence.
With that, Gaxiola was classified as a category 3 offender; those convicted of a felony with two or more prior felonies in their criminal history.
Each count varied in different sentences from 28 to 12 years, to be served consecutively with credit of 1,145 days he has served — except on one count relating to the theft of the National Parks Service vehicle.
His sentence began on Monday after the sentencing.
According to Judge Wallace Hoggatt, he will be housed at the Cochise County Jail until the matter of restitution is solved.
When asked to speak, Gaxiola said he's glad the victim has forgiven him.
"I thank the court for giving me the opportunity to tell my story," he said. "That day was the worst day of my life. I wish I should've done something to make this turn out a different way."
Gaxiola has 20 days to appeal.
Gonzales told the Range News Tuesday, "I am so glad it is over and I can move on. I wanted to tell him (Gaxiola) that I was old enough to be his mom. But I did tell him that he is a dangerous man. If he left me for dead, did he leave anyone else for dead? I told him that I don't hate him. I don't even know him. And then I told him, 'Vaya con Dios' (Go with God). I know he will understand that."
The National Park Service responded to the sentencing Tuesday, April 18, as well.
"The National Park Service extends sincere thanks to all who worked tirelessly to ensure justice for the victim and her family.Special agentsof the NPS Investigative Services Branchcollaborated with detectives of the Cochise County Sheriff's Office on the case, which was prosecuted by the Cochise County Attorney's Office. Other agencies that significantly contributed to the detection, apprehension, and successful prosecution of Gaxiola include the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Laboratory," said a press release by NPS Investigative Services Branch.
"We are hopeful that the conclusion of this trial helps Karen Gonzales and her family find some closure with this tragic incident," Superintendent Allen Etheridge of Chiricahua National Monument said, "and we remain supportive of Karen as she continues to recover from her injuries."
Gonzales thanked all those who helped her through this process, especially, Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels and Sgt. Tal Parker, FBI Victim Specialist Colleen Hansen, Attorney Doyle Johnstun and everyone at the National Park Service.
end
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