AZMEX POLICY 20 MAR 2014
Border Patrol chief defends agents' tactics
By Associated Press
Originally published: Mar 19, 2014 - 2:58 pm
http://ktar.com/22/1715087/Border-Patrol-chief-defends-agents-against-too-aggressive-tag
PHOENIX -- The chief of the U.S. Border Patrol defended his agency Wednesday against criticism that agents are too aggressive in using deadly force, telling the audience at a conference that he takes the issue very seriously.
Chief Michael Fisher said there's been a mischaracterization that his employees "indiscriminately" open fire on immigrants.
Fisher, who spoke at the annual Border Security Expo in Phoenix, spent the majority of his half-hour talk giving details of the metrics the organization uses to track border security. But he devoted the final few minutes of his speech to address the controversy over the use of force.
"If you are like me, there's nothing more terrifying than fighting for your life when you're alone with no communication, and the thought for a split second that you may never get home at the end of that shift to see your wife and son again," Fisher said.
"The only thing that is equal to the ripple of fear is thinking of having to use deadly force against another human being."
Immigrant-rights groups say that Border Patrol agents are trigger-happy in responding to people who throw rocks at them along the border with Mexico. Authorities say that often people throw rocks to distract agents from smugglers sneaking drugs into the U.S.
In a directive issued earlier this month, Fisher reiterated that agents shouldn't fire their weapons unless absolutely necessary. The ``level of force applied must reflect the totality of the circumstances surrounding each situation,'' he said.
Fisher has said that agents have been assaulted with rocks more than 1,700 times since 2010. Agents have used deadly force in 43 of those times, resulting in 10 deaths.
Fisher said that the use of a force is a difficult topic but there are standards and policies that address it.
``We want the independent investigators to come and to assess whether that agent exercised good judgment in the application of that force,'' he said.
Fisher said he was proud of the work his agents do.
He also delved into figures that show the recidivism rate for illegal border crossings has significantly decreased in the last decade. That rate dropped from a 28 to 39 percent between 2006 and 2009 to about 10 percent now, Fisher said.
Agents made 420,789 apprehensions in the 2013 fiscal year that ended in September. That's a 16 percent increase from the prior year but still a deep decrease from levels in 2008.
More than 98 percent of those arrests were made on the Southwest border, particularly in Texas. Officials have said the increase is caused by an influx of migrants from Central America who have been arrested in south Texas.
END
Lawmaker Forms Congressional Border Security Caucus
By: Homeland Security Today Staff
03/13/2014 ( 1:32pm)
http://www.hstoday.us/single-article/lawmaker-forms-congressional-border-security-caucus/e5b652aff8273f8a033046ffe8dda5e7.html
Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) announced that he's formed a congressional Border Security Caucus in Congress that he said is open to members of Congress "who feel the border must be secured and interior enforcement increased."
"The Government Accountability Office has determined that only 129 miles of a 2000 mile long southern border is under 'full control.' That means that only 6.5 percent of the border is safe from drug smugglers and human traffickers," Smith said in announcing the caucus.
"Over 40 percent of those in the country illegally entered as tourists or business visitors and then overstayed their visas and failed to return home," and "An entry-exit system is needed to deter and detect those individuals," said.
Smith said "Almost 12 million people reside in the United States illegally and over 7 million of them work illegally. This situation is costly to American taxpayers and harmful to American workers.
"Unfortunately," Smith said, "President Obama has weakened immigration laws through executive orders and administrative actions."
"The Border Security Caucus will make border security and interior enforcement a top priority. And that is what the American people want," Smith declared, saying that a recent Bloomberg poll "showed that 85 percent of voters want Congress to 'strengthen border security and create a system to track foreigners entering and leaving the country' before any other changes are made to our immigration system."
end
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
AZMEX UPDATE 17-3-14
AZMEX UPDATE 17 MAR 2014
Note: of possible concern to locals:
At least 24 cases of AIDS (HIV) confirmed in Caborca area.
http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Sonora/17032014/820659-Registra-Caborca-24-casos-de-VIH-al-ano.html
Note: across the fence from Douglas, AZ
New clash in Agua Prieta leaves one dead and 4 injured
Written by AM Group
11/03/2014
http://diariodeldesierto.com.mx/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6857&Itemid=44
. Agua Prieta , Sonora on March 11, 2014 - Elements of the three levels of government investigate the facts where one person was killed and four others were injured during an armed attack occurred around 22 : 30 hours of yesterday inside an establishment located in the center of the colony population.
Who was killed was identified by the name of José Humberto Macias Noyola , 47-year- old, who was from the state of Veracruz and was domiciled in Sports colony of this city.
People who are injured Manuel Alejandro Macías Sánchez , 26 years old; Yubeth Gil Barrera, 28-year- old and Nancy Samantha Macias Sanchez, age 22 , all residing in Sports colony and Fabian Nelson Acosta , 32 years old , residing in the colony Ejidal .
The injured were taken to two hospitals in this city, where the reported injuries that take more than two weeks to heal and not life threatening .
According to preliminary investigations conducted the events occurred when the victims were inside of that establishment, where several individuals who, from the outside shot against a person inside, who, they repelled the attack .
Being in the shootout injured died at the scene was Macías Noyola .
Staff Expert Services of the Attorney General of the State secured several long gun shell casings and from two different calibers of handguns .
The place was also secured a sedan type vehicle, the Nissan , Maxima line black, four-door , with Arizona plates , in which the attackers arrived, and who left it abandoned.
From the facts attested the Public Prosecutor of the Common Jurisdiction , who ordered the lifting and transporting the body to the measures of law will
end
Note: Looks like these guys were typical street level types with only 4 rounds.
PESP SEDENA SEIZED AND FIREARM STOLEN VEHICLE
Monday, March 10, 2014
http://www.laperladeldesierto.blogspot.com/2014/03/pesp-y-sedena-decomisan-arma-de-fuego.html
A gun type rifle was seized in a vehicle theft report that said the coordinated operation that carried members of the State Public Security Police ( PESP ) and the Ministry of National Defense .
The incident took place yesterday near the town of Caborca where state police and military personnel conducting surveillance tours through the streets of the town .
Roughly around 20:40 hours when driving on 35th Street between Santa Guadalupe and Ramón Esquer of the Santa Cecilia area had a pick up vehicle Lobo, 2006 model maroon , so approached to carry out an inspection.
When checking vehicle data in the operating system , they realized that it had been reported stolen in the city of San Diego , California.
Taking safety measures and inspected it , identifying it in the vehicle a AK- 47 rifle , which was supplied with magazine and 4 rounds of ammunition was 7.62x39 caliber .
Therefore, the matter was secured through coordinated operation to make it available to the appropriate authority.
end
Homeowner wounds home-invasion suspect in shootout; 2 on the loose
by Catherine Holland
Video report by Jill Galus
Posted on March 18, 2014 at 6:49 AM
Updated today at 9:40 AM
http://www.azfamily.com/news/Homeowner-wounds-home-invasion-suspect-in-shootout-250780871.html
Double shooting reported near Apache Junction
APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. -- A 59-year-old homeowner shot and wounded one of three suspects who broke into his home.
It happened Monday night in the area of Meridian Road and McKellips Boulevard near the Usery Mountain Recreation Area in Apache Junction.
According to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, there was a shootout between the homeowner and the three suspects.
One of those suspects, identified by PCSO as Sal Anthony Olmos, 19, of Mesa, was wounded, but is expected to recover.
"Sal had a non-life threatening shotgun wound to the upper part of both of his legs," spokesman Tim Gaffney said in a news release.
Gaffney said Olmos one of the four people who live in the home owed him a significant amount of money -- thousands of dollars.
"Sal admitted he went to the home with two other suspects to collect the money," according to Gaffney. "He admitted they were all armed and brought 'black zip-ties' so they were 'prepared for whatever.'"
Investigators say the homeowner heard Olmos and his accomplices at his back door. When he checked his security camera, he saw the three armed men, all of them wearing hoods. That's when the men started kicking the back door.
"The homeowner used a shotgun and fired one round through his backdoor," Gaffney explained. "Another one of the residents inside of the home fired one shot from a pistol through the door after he saw laser sights pointed at his head from the individuals outside."
The suspects returned fire before running away.
Wounded by the homeowner's shotgun blast, Olmos was not able to get far. His accomplices left him behind.
Deputies found Olmos in a neighbor's yard. They recovered zip-ties, a hooded sweatshirt and a .45-caliber handgun, as well.
"Sal Olmos admitted to shooting the handgun into the home and being high on methamphetamines for several days," Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu said. "When he was arrested, he had 2 grams of crystal methamphetamines in his pocket."
Deputies booked Olmos on a variety of charges, including attempted first-degree burglary, aggravated assault, weapons misconduct and drug possession. Babeu said there could be more charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
The other two suspects remain on the loose. Investigators have not released descriptions of those men.
The homeowner told investigators that he does not know Olmos or his accomplices and does not owe them anything.
Apache Junction is about 40 minutes east of Phoenix.
end
Note: of possible concern to locals:
At least 24 cases of AIDS (HIV) confirmed in Caborca area.
http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Sonora/17032014/820659-Registra-Caborca-24-casos-de-VIH-al-ano.html
Note: across the fence from Douglas, AZ
New clash in Agua Prieta leaves one dead and 4 injured
Written by AM Group
11/03/2014
http://diariodeldesierto.com.mx/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6857&Itemid=44
. Agua Prieta , Sonora on March 11, 2014 - Elements of the three levels of government investigate the facts where one person was killed and four others were injured during an armed attack occurred around 22 : 30 hours of yesterday inside an establishment located in the center of the colony population.
Who was killed was identified by the name of José Humberto Macias Noyola , 47-year- old, who was from the state of Veracruz and was domiciled in Sports colony of this city.
People who are injured Manuel Alejandro Macías Sánchez , 26 years old; Yubeth Gil Barrera, 28-year- old and Nancy Samantha Macias Sanchez, age 22 , all residing in Sports colony and Fabian Nelson Acosta , 32 years old , residing in the colony Ejidal .
The injured were taken to two hospitals in this city, where the reported injuries that take more than two weeks to heal and not life threatening .
According to preliminary investigations conducted the events occurred when the victims were inside of that establishment, where several individuals who, from the outside shot against a person inside, who, they repelled the attack .
Being in the shootout injured died at the scene was Macías Noyola .
Staff Expert Services of the Attorney General of the State secured several long gun shell casings and from two different calibers of handguns .
The place was also secured a sedan type vehicle, the Nissan , Maxima line black, four-door , with Arizona plates , in which the attackers arrived, and who left it abandoned.
From the facts attested the Public Prosecutor of the Common Jurisdiction , who ordered the lifting and transporting the body to the measures of law will
end
Note: Looks like these guys were typical street level types with only 4 rounds.
PESP SEDENA SEIZED AND FIREARM STOLEN VEHICLE
Monday, March 10, 2014
http://www.laperladeldesierto.blogspot.com/2014/03/pesp-y-sedena-decomisan-arma-de-fuego.html
A gun type rifle was seized in a vehicle theft report that said the coordinated operation that carried members of the State Public Security Police ( PESP ) and the Ministry of National Defense .
The incident took place yesterday near the town of Caborca where state police and military personnel conducting surveillance tours through the streets of the town .
Roughly around 20:40 hours when driving on 35th Street between Santa Guadalupe and Ramón Esquer of the Santa Cecilia area had a pick up vehicle Lobo, 2006 model maroon , so approached to carry out an inspection.
When checking vehicle data in the operating system , they realized that it had been reported stolen in the city of San Diego , California.
Taking safety measures and inspected it , identifying it in the vehicle a AK- 47 rifle , which was supplied with magazine and 4 rounds of ammunition was 7.62x39 caliber .
Therefore, the matter was secured through coordinated operation to make it available to the appropriate authority.
end
Homeowner wounds home-invasion suspect in shootout; 2 on the loose
by Catherine Holland
Video report by Jill Galus
Posted on March 18, 2014 at 6:49 AM
Updated today at 9:40 AM
http://www.azfamily.com/news/Homeowner-wounds-home-invasion-suspect-in-shootout-250780871.html
Double shooting reported near Apache Junction
APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. -- A 59-year-old homeowner shot and wounded one of three suspects who broke into his home.
It happened Monday night in the area of Meridian Road and McKellips Boulevard near the Usery Mountain Recreation Area in Apache Junction.
According to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, there was a shootout between the homeowner and the three suspects.
One of those suspects, identified by PCSO as Sal Anthony Olmos, 19, of Mesa, was wounded, but is expected to recover.
"Sal had a non-life threatening shotgun wound to the upper part of both of his legs," spokesman Tim Gaffney said in a news release.
Gaffney said Olmos one of the four people who live in the home owed him a significant amount of money -- thousands of dollars.
"Sal admitted he went to the home with two other suspects to collect the money," according to Gaffney. "He admitted they were all armed and brought 'black zip-ties' so they were 'prepared for whatever.'"
Investigators say the homeowner heard Olmos and his accomplices at his back door. When he checked his security camera, he saw the three armed men, all of them wearing hoods. That's when the men started kicking the back door.
"The homeowner used a shotgun and fired one round through his backdoor," Gaffney explained. "Another one of the residents inside of the home fired one shot from a pistol through the door after he saw laser sights pointed at his head from the individuals outside."
The suspects returned fire before running away.
Wounded by the homeowner's shotgun blast, Olmos was not able to get far. His accomplices left him behind.
Deputies found Olmos in a neighbor's yard. They recovered zip-ties, a hooded sweatshirt and a .45-caliber handgun, as well.
"Sal Olmos admitted to shooting the handgun into the home and being high on methamphetamines for several days," Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu said. "When he was arrested, he had 2 grams of crystal methamphetamines in his pocket."
Deputies booked Olmos on a variety of charges, including attempted first-degree burglary, aggravated assault, weapons misconduct and drug possession. Babeu said there could be more charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
The other two suspects remain on the loose. Investigators have not released descriptions of those men.
The homeowner told investigators that he does not know Olmos or his accomplices and does not owe them anything.
Apache Junction is about 40 minutes east of Phoenix.
end
AZMEX EXTRA 17-3-14
AZMEX EXTRA 17 MAR 2014
Note: Looks like these guys were "connected"
PESP ELEMENTS AND SEDENA SEIZE ARMORED VEHICLES AND WEAPONS
Friday, March 7, 2014
http://www.laperladeldesierto.blogspot.com/2014/03/elementos-de-la-pesp-y-sedena-aseguran.html
For a major operation , members of the State Public Security Police ( PESP ) supported by staff from the Department of National Defence, captured four armed men in the city of Hermosillo.
Through intelligence work , in the city of Hermosillo arrested Francisco Medardo Valencia Del Castillo , José Juan Mendivil Noriega, Jovan Cohen Del Castillo and Roberto Hernández .
The facts of yesterday afternoon occurred when a sedan , Nissan vehicle was intercepted , without license plates traveling where subjects who were seized had rifles, jackets, boots and cartridges of various calibers .
The driver tried to avoid arrest by speeding up and starting a chase vehicle to a stop down the street Prof. Luis López Álvarez corner with Chanate in the Hacienda de la Flor colony .
Elements of PESP noticed that subjects carrying firearms , who descended from the car quickly entering an area that was open in front of the place where they had stopped .
Taking safety is the state police asked the subjects to drop their weapons, which was achieved did deliver them later to be arrested.
Francisco Medardo Valencia 25 years old, who was driving the vehicle was arrested for possession of a firearm type 7.62x39 caliber rifle with wooden handguard and drum magazine supplied with 63 rounds of ammunition and one in the chamber.
The arrest of Jose Juan Mendivil 35 was also made with a firearm AR -15 type rifle , .223-5.56 mm caliber with a sling and supplied with two magazines and 57 rounds of ammunition .
Meanwhile, Jovan Cohen was arrested 25 years to find tucked in the waist a firearm .40 mm caliber pistol with 6 cartridges in the magazine .
By continuing to review the vehicle , they found a handgun 9x19mm caliber pistol with a magazine and 10 rounds of ammunition .
In addition there was a suitcase containing 78 rounds of ammunition and 30 magazines for various weapons, including assault rifle AK -47 , G-3 type and 9 mm weapon.
Also seized two radio transmitters, a suitcase containing green grass and seeds with physical drug known as marijuana features.
Subsequently, by looking inside the trunk of the vehicle found five ballistic tactical vests and one also a sack containing green grass with marijuana characteristics .
The police realized that the place where the subjects tried to escape several utensils and bottles containing various chemicals were also seized and equipment to seal bags , one for cutting and packaging equipment to vacuum .
In addition there were 4 cars and two motorcycles, among them two armored cars of the Lincoln brand and white brand wagon Ford Explorer line .
The other two cars are the Volkswagen Jetta and Chevrolet pick up , blue color, while motorcycles are type of green Polaris ATV brands, yellow Susuki.
Due to the above facts, elements of the State Police were supported by staff of the Ministry of National Defense to protect the place and conduct the assurance of the four subjects who were transferred and made available to the Public Prosecutor's Office where will continue with the investigations .
END
ELEMENTOS DE LA PESP Y SEDENA ASEGURAN ARMAS Y VEHÍCULOS BLINDADOS
viernes, marzo 07, 2014
http://www.laperladeldesierto.blogspot.com/2014/03/elementos-de-la-pesp-y-sedena-aseguran.html
Durante un fuerte operativo, elementos de la Policía Estatal de Seguridad Pública (PESP) apoyados por personal de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, capturaron a 4 personas armadas en la ciudad de Hermosillo.
A través de las labores de inteligencia, en la ciudad de Hermosillo se logró la detención de Francisco Medardo Valencia Del Castillo, José Juan Mendivil Noriega, Jovan Cohen Del Castillo y Roberto Hernández.
Los hechos se registraron la tarde de ayer, cuando se interceptó a un vehículo tipo sedán, marca Nissan, sin placas de circulación donde viajaban los sujetos a quienes se les aseguraron armas largas, chalecos, cargadores y cartuchos de diversos calibres.
El conductor intentó evitar ser detenido al acelerar la marcha del vehículo iniciando una persecución hasta detenerse por la calle Prof. Luis López Álvarez casi esquina con Chanate en la colonia Hacienda de la Flor.
Elementos de la PESP se percataron que los sujetos portaban armas de fuego, los cuales descendieron del automóvil ingresando rápidamente a un predio que se encontraba abierto frente al lugar donde se habían detenido.
Tomando las medidas de seguridad correspondientes los policías estatales solicitaron a los sujetos que arrojaran sus armas, por lo que se logró hicieran entrega de las mismas para posteriormente ser detenidos.
Francisco Medardo Valencia de 25 años de edad, quien conducía el vehículo fue asegurado por posesión de un arma de fuego tipo fusil calibre 7.62x39 con guardamano de madera y portafusil abastecido de cargador de disco con 63 cartuchos útiles y uno más en la recámara.
También se efectuó el arresto de José Juan Mendivil de 35 años por un arma de fuego tipo fusil AR-15, calibre .223-5.56mm con portafusil abastecida con dos cargadores y 57 cartuchos útiles.
Mientras tanto, Jovan Cohen de 25 años quedó detenido al encontrarle fajada en la cintura un arma de fuego tipo pistola calibre .40mm con cargador abastecido de 6 cartuchos.
Al continuar con la revisión al vehículo, encontraron un arma de fuego tipo pistola calibre 9x19mm, con un cargador y 10 cartuchos útiles.
Además había una maleta que contenía 30 cargadores y 78 cartuchos útiles para diferentes armas, entre ellas fusil de asalto AK-47, tipo G-3 y arma corta .9mm.
También aseguraron dos radiotransmisores, una maleta que contenían hierba verde y semillas con características físicas a la droga conocida como mariguana.
Posteriormente, al revisar dentro de la cajuela del vehículo encontraron 5 chalecos tácticos y uno balístico, asimismo un saco de ixtle que contenía hierba verde con características a la mariguana.
Los policías se percataron que en el lugar donde intentaban escapar los sujetos se encontraban varios utensilios y botellas que contenían químicos diversos, también aseguraron 1 equipo para sellar bolsas, otro para cortarlas y equipo de empaque al vació.
Además había 4 vehículos y dos motocicletas, entre éstos dos automóviles blindados de la marca Lincoln de color blanco y una vagoneta marca Ford, línea Explorer.
Los otros dos vehículos corresponden a la marca Volkswagen, línea Jetta y un pick up Chevrolet, color azul, mientras que las motocicletas son tipo cuatrimoto de las marcas Polaris, color verde y Susuki color amarillo.
Debido a los hechos anteriores, elementos de la Policía Estatal fueron apoyados por personal de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional para resguardar el lugar y llevar a cabo el aseguramiento de los cuatro sujetos quienes fueron trasladados y puestos a disposición del Ministerio Público de la Federación donde se continuará con las averiguaciones correspondientes.
FIN
Note: Looks like these guys were "connected"
PESP ELEMENTS AND SEDENA SEIZE ARMORED VEHICLES AND WEAPONS
Friday, March 7, 2014
http://www.laperladeldesierto.blogspot.com/2014/03/elementos-de-la-pesp-y-sedena-aseguran.html
For a major operation , members of the State Public Security Police ( PESP ) supported by staff from the Department of National Defence, captured four armed men in the city of Hermosillo.
Through intelligence work , in the city of Hermosillo arrested Francisco Medardo Valencia Del Castillo , José Juan Mendivil Noriega, Jovan Cohen Del Castillo and Roberto Hernández .
The facts of yesterday afternoon occurred when a sedan , Nissan vehicle was intercepted , without license plates traveling where subjects who were seized had rifles, jackets, boots and cartridges of various calibers .
The driver tried to avoid arrest by speeding up and starting a chase vehicle to a stop down the street Prof. Luis López Álvarez corner with Chanate in the Hacienda de la Flor colony .
Elements of PESP noticed that subjects carrying firearms , who descended from the car quickly entering an area that was open in front of the place where they had stopped .
Taking safety is the state police asked the subjects to drop their weapons, which was achieved did deliver them later to be arrested.
Francisco Medardo Valencia 25 years old, who was driving the vehicle was arrested for possession of a firearm type 7.62x39 caliber rifle with wooden handguard and drum magazine supplied with 63 rounds of ammunition and one in the chamber.
The arrest of Jose Juan Mendivil 35 was also made with a firearm AR -15 type rifle , .223-5.56 mm caliber with a sling and supplied with two magazines and 57 rounds of ammunition .
Meanwhile, Jovan Cohen was arrested 25 years to find tucked in the waist a firearm .40 mm caliber pistol with 6 cartridges in the magazine .
By continuing to review the vehicle , they found a handgun 9x19mm caliber pistol with a magazine and 10 rounds of ammunition .
In addition there was a suitcase containing 78 rounds of ammunition and 30 magazines for various weapons, including assault rifle AK -47 , G-3 type and 9 mm weapon.
Also seized two radio transmitters, a suitcase containing green grass and seeds with physical drug known as marijuana features.
Subsequently, by looking inside the trunk of the vehicle found five ballistic tactical vests and one also a sack containing green grass with marijuana characteristics .
The police realized that the place where the subjects tried to escape several utensils and bottles containing various chemicals were also seized and equipment to seal bags , one for cutting and packaging equipment to vacuum .
In addition there were 4 cars and two motorcycles, among them two armored cars of the Lincoln brand and white brand wagon Ford Explorer line .
The other two cars are the Volkswagen Jetta and Chevrolet pick up , blue color, while motorcycles are type of green Polaris ATV brands, yellow Susuki.
Due to the above facts, elements of the State Police were supported by staff of the Ministry of National Defense to protect the place and conduct the assurance of the four subjects who were transferred and made available to the Public Prosecutor's Office where will continue with the investigations .
END
ELEMENTOS DE LA PESP Y SEDENA ASEGURAN ARMAS Y VEHÍCULOS BLINDADOS
viernes, marzo 07, 2014
http://www.laperladeldesierto.blogspot.com/2014/03/elementos-de-la-pesp-y-sedena-aseguran.html
Durante un fuerte operativo, elementos de la Policía Estatal de Seguridad Pública (PESP) apoyados por personal de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, capturaron a 4 personas armadas en la ciudad de Hermosillo.
A través de las labores de inteligencia, en la ciudad de Hermosillo se logró la detención de Francisco Medardo Valencia Del Castillo, José Juan Mendivil Noriega, Jovan Cohen Del Castillo y Roberto Hernández.
Los hechos se registraron la tarde de ayer, cuando se interceptó a un vehículo tipo sedán, marca Nissan, sin placas de circulación donde viajaban los sujetos a quienes se les aseguraron armas largas, chalecos, cargadores y cartuchos de diversos calibres.
El conductor intentó evitar ser detenido al acelerar la marcha del vehículo iniciando una persecución hasta detenerse por la calle Prof. Luis López Álvarez casi esquina con Chanate en la colonia Hacienda de la Flor.
Elementos de la PESP se percataron que los sujetos portaban armas de fuego, los cuales descendieron del automóvil ingresando rápidamente a un predio que se encontraba abierto frente al lugar donde se habían detenido.
Tomando las medidas de seguridad correspondientes los policías estatales solicitaron a los sujetos que arrojaran sus armas, por lo que se logró hicieran entrega de las mismas para posteriormente ser detenidos.
Francisco Medardo Valencia de 25 años de edad, quien conducía el vehículo fue asegurado por posesión de un arma de fuego tipo fusil calibre 7.62x39 con guardamano de madera y portafusil abastecido de cargador de disco con 63 cartuchos útiles y uno más en la recámara.
También se efectuó el arresto de José Juan Mendivil de 35 años por un arma de fuego tipo fusil AR-15, calibre .223-5.56mm con portafusil abastecida con dos cargadores y 57 cartuchos útiles.
Mientras tanto, Jovan Cohen de 25 años quedó detenido al encontrarle fajada en la cintura un arma de fuego tipo pistola calibre .40mm con cargador abastecido de 6 cartuchos.
Al continuar con la revisión al vehículo, encontraron un arma de fuego tipo pistola calibre 9x19mm, con un cargador y 10 cartuchos útiles.
Además había una maleta que contenía 30 cargadores y 78 cartuchos útiles para diferentes armas, entre ellas fusil de asalto AK-47, tipo G-3 y arma corta .9mm.
También aseguraron dos radiotransmisores, una maleta que contenían hierba verde y semillas con características físicas a la droga conocida como mariguana.
Posteriormente, al revisar dentro de la cajuela del vehículo encontraron 5 chalecos tácticos y uno balístico, asimismo un saco de ixtle que contenía hierba verde con características a la mariguana.
Los policías se percataron que en el lugar donde intentaban escapar los sujetos se encontraban varios utensilios y botellas que contenían químicos diversos, también aseguraron 1 equipo para sellar bolsas, otro para cortarlas y equipo de empaque al vació.
Además había 4 vehículos y dos motocicletas, entre éstos dos automóviles blindados de la marca Lincoln de color blanco y una vagoneta marca Ford, línea Explorer.
Los otros dos vehículos corresponden a la marca Volkswagen, línea Jetta y un pick up Chevrolet, color azul, mientras que las motocicletas son tipo cuatrimoto de las marcas Polaris, color verde y Susuki color amarillo.
Debido a los hechos anteriores, elementos de la Policía Estatal fueron apoyados por personal de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional para resguardar el lugar y llevar a cabo el aseguramiento de los cuatro sujetos quienes fueron trasladados y puestos a disposición del Ministerio Público de la Federación donde se continuará con las averiguaciones correspondientes.
FIN
Saturday, March 8, 2014
AZMEX SPECIAL 8-3-14
AZMEX SPECIAL 8 MAR 2014
PHOTO GALLERY : Women within the ranks of the self defense movement
Under the shadow of the brave leaders of an eminently masculine movement , they took up arms to support the self-defense
SHARE 08/03/2014 15:34
Writing / Photo : Cuartoscuro photos 1 - 6 at link
Among the ranks of the self defense movement , are women.
MORELIA , March 8 - . Within the AUC , which include women , those who left their homes or jobs to join the groups also called "comunitarios" .
Under the shadow of the media and seasoned leaders eminently masculine movement , supporting the self-defense charge of feeding and providing clothing and care of the wounded militiamen .
A handful of them have also taken up arms, as the " Comandante Bonita" (Pretty Commander) , a manager of a fashion store that has accompanied the men in one of the many confrontentations of the people who have joined the militias to expel from Michoacán to Los Knights Templar (major non govt. criminal organization).
Among the women of self-defense there those who feel they are the heirs of the " adelitas " of the Mexican Revolution , which broke out in 1910.
Black and white pictures immortalized the legend of these women in battles hopping on the train to accompany the revolutionary leaders Emiliano Zapata and Francisco "Pancho " Villa .
Although not wear skirts or wear traditional sombreros, these AUC members support the men as they did a century ago; women like Adela Perez Velarde , who served as a nurse for the troops and inspired the popular tune " La Adelita " .
We are a new generation of ' Adelitas ' , is the same, it is the heritage that we bring , "says Juana Francisca Reyes 47, proudly a militia member of Tepalcatepec Township .
The so called " Commander Bonita" a manager of a fashion store that has accompanied the men in one of the many retaking of towns .
jpg
AZMEX POLICY 8-3-13
AZMEX POLICY 8 MAR 2014
Comment" Restoring full operational control of the border, for cartel associates & drug gangs? WARBI
Border Patrol tells agents not to shoot but retreat from rock throwers
9 hours ago •
By Tim Johnson McClatchy Foreign Staff
MEXICO CITY — The chief of the U.S. Border Patrol instructed his agents Friday to seek cover from rock throwers along the southern border rather than shoot at them, and to take other steps to curb a spate of killings of migrants.
Border Patrol Chief Michael J. Fisher, under scrutiny from the Mexican government and U.S. civil-rights groups over the killings, also ordered agents not to put themselves in the paths of moving vehicles as a pretext for shooting at them.
Fisher's directive came as the Department of Homeland Security made public its overarching policy on the use of deadly force after a decade of secrecy. The policy is intended to guide the actions of 21,700 Border Patrol agents, who constitute one of the largest U.S. law enforcement agencies.
What difference the Border Patrol directive would make in the killings along the Southwest border — where Border Patrol agents have slain 21 people since 2010 — is not clear. In essence, the order tells agents not to put themselves in perilous circumstances where they would be forced to draw guns.
Fisher denied, however, that his agents have been too quick to fire.
"Border Patrol agents continue to show exemplary restraint and professionalism," Fisher wrote in a four-page memorandum for the agency's personnel.
He said rock throwers had pelted agents 1,713 times since 2010, causing them to fire their service weapons 43 times, killing 10 people. He didn't say how many agents had suffered injuries from thrown rocks, noting only that three agents have died in the line of duty since 2007. One of them was killed in the dark by gunfire from another agent.
Previous cases that have drawn attention involved Border Patrol agents who had slain teenagers who were throwing rocks while standing on Mexican soil.
In January 2011, a Border Patrol agent shot across the fence and killed Ramses Barron-Torres, 17, in Nogales, Sonora. In October 2012, an agent repeatedly shot Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez, 16, in the back while he was on a street in the same city. U.S. investigators declined to prosecute the agents involved, saying in part that they lacked jurisdiction because the victims had died on foreign soil.
Shawn Moran, the spokesman for the National Border Patrol Council, which acts as a union for Border Patrol agents, said his group was happy that the new rules didn't restrict an agent's ability to use force. He also said it is often difficult for Border Patrol agents to seek cover from rock throwers because supervisors sometimes post the agents between the fence that marks the border and one several yards inside the United States.
"They often don't have any recourse to seek cover," he said, describing the agents as "stuck between the border fence and the secondary fence, and they have no ready means of escape."
Fisher's memo made no reference to the advisability of placing agents in a location where they, in Moran's words, "have no choice but to defend themselves."
The American Civil Liberties Union, which has been critical of Border Patrol policies, said Fisher's memo didn't go far enough and called on the agency to release a study undertaken by an independent law-enforcement consulting agency known as the Police Executive Research Forum. That report is thought to have been highly critical of Border Patrol practices.
"Fisher's new guidance … is largely a restatement of existing policy, which is a shame because clearly existing policy isn't working," Chris Rickerd, the ACLU's policy counsel in its Washington office, said in a statement. He called on the Obama administration to "initiate an independent inquiry into all cases" of deadly force in the last five years "so the public can understand why the nation's largest law-enforcement agency has been failing to follow best law-enforcement practices in tactics, equipment, accountability and training, with dozens of tragically fatal results."
In the memo, Fisher said agents were authorized to use lethal force against rock throwers if they thought that "based on the totality of the circumstances, to include the size and nature of the projectiles, that the subject of such force poses an imminent danger of death or serious injury."Asked how many agents in recent years have been disciplined for exceeding use-of-force regulations, Fisher said, "I don't have the answer to that right now."
Nor could Fisher say how many times Border Patrol agents have sought to block a moving vehicle as a reason to fire on its occupants.Mexico's Secretariat of Foreign Relations issued statements after each of two killings of Mexican migrants this year that said it was "profoundly concerned" about what it saw as a disproportionate use of force by U.S. Border Patrol agents.
In one case, a Border Patrol agent shot and killed an unarmed Mexican man, Gabriel Sanchez, 31, on Jan. 16 in Southeast Arizona. The agent told authorities the migrant was trying to seize his revolver, forcing the agent to shoot.
In another case, on Feb. 18, a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a migrant along a mountain trail in Otay Mesa, Calif., who he said had pelted him with rocks, one of which reportedly hit him in the face.
No witnesses have emerged to corroborate either agent's claims.Meanwhile, the Senate confirmed White House drug czar Gil Kerlikowske on Thursday as the next commissioner for the umbrella agency over the Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection. Kerlikowske becomes the first Senate-confirmed commissioner since 2009.
END
Friday, March 7, 2014
AZMEX POLICY3 7-3-14
AZMEX POLICY 3 7-3-14
Note: Run away? "such as seeking cover or distancing themselves from the immediate area of danger."
Note: video at link
Border Patrol issues new guidelines for deadly force
Special report
Force at the border
By Bob Ortega and Rob O'Dell
The Republic | azcentral
Fri Mar 7, 2014 1:24 PM
Border Patrol Chief Michael Fisher issued new orders Friday telling agents not to place themselves in front of moving vehicles and to avoid situations in which they have no alternative to using deadly force against rock throwers.
The Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection also publicly released the full text of their use-of-force policies. The agencies have been under growing public pressure to release their policies and to address a lack of transparency and accountability in cases in which agents' use of force seemed questionable.
Read the directive here.
Fisher's directive said agents should only use deadly force when "the totality of the circumstances" are such that the force used against them poses imminent danger of death or serious injury to them or another person.
"Agents should not place themselves in the path of a moving vehicle or use their body to block a vehicle's path," he wrote. In rock-throwing incidents, "Agents should avoid placing themselves in positions where they have no alternative to using deadly force ... [and] should obtain a tactical advantage in these situations, such as seeking cover or distancing themselves from the immediate area of danger."
The Arizona Republic reported in December that Border Patrol agents and CBP officers have been involved in at least 44 use-of-force deaths since 2005. Those include eight incidents in which agents fired across the border into Mexico and killed rock throwers. In October 2012, an agent firing through the border fence into Nogales, Mexico, shot teenager Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez ten times in the back and head.
Special report: borderforce.azcentral.com
They also include a highly-publicized case in San Diego in September 2012 in which a Border Patrol agent shot to death Valeria Tachiquin Alvarado, a U.S. citizen, as she was trying to drive away in her car. In a lawsuit, Tachiquin Alvarado's family have charged that the agent placed himself in front of the vehicle.
Fisher noted in his directive that since 2010, agents have been assaulted with rocks 1,713 times. Some agents have been seriously injured, but none have been killed in rocking assaults.
END
AZMEX POLICY 7-3-14
AZMEX POLICY 7 MAR 2014
Note: another step backwards. Has history per SAF of anti 2nd Amendment, anti self defense, etc.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/03/06/senate-approves-obama-picks-for-3-senior-homeland-security-jobs/
end
Obama Promises Illegals: Obamacare Sign Up Info Won't Be Used for Deportation
Admits "prosecutorial discretion" on immigration has already stretched his "administrative capacity very far."
end
Note: excerpt
4. 2015 Budget Request: Customs and Border Protection
By Zach Rausnitz
FierceHomelandSecurity
Customs and Border Protection's budget would rise to $13.1 billion and the agency would hire an additional 2,000 officers under the White House fiscal 2015 request.
The agency already began to hire 2,000 new officers this year fiscal, and the 2015 budget would help it complete that process – and add 2,000 more on top of that.
More officers should translate to faster processing at ports of entry, potentially boosting international trade and the U.S. economy in the process. CBP says the new hires would help add $4 billion to the country's gross domestic product.
The proposal includes higher fees charged to international travelers to fund around 1,200 of the new officers.
CBP's Office of Air and Marine would see a substantial cut, dropping from $805 million this year to $709 million in 2015. Flight hours would drop down to the 2013 level, saving the agency $32.7 million.
The agency's account for border security between ports of entry and related account for border security fencing, infrastructure and technology would both see increases over the current year, by 5.6 and 3.1 percent, respectively, not accounting for inflation.
end excerpt
AZMEX POLICY2 7-3-14
AZMEX POLICY 2 7 MAR 2014
Note: "only 10 Level 1 offenders had been released" Those concerned with personal safety and staffers need to read this one.
Video report at link
ICE silent on release of 2,228 immigrations detainees last year
ONLINE: For criminal histories and case updates on the 10 Level 1 released detainees who had more serious criminal records, go to politics.azcentral.com.
RELATED NEWS
Detainees: Criminal histories, updates
Migrant caught in middle
ICE freed more immigrant felons than it thought
By Daniel González
The Republic | azcentral.com
Thu Mar 6, 2014 10:58 PM
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are still refusing to disclose the names, criminal histories and whereabouts of more than 2,200 detainees the agency suddenly released a year ago.
Citing public-safety concerns, an array of public officials have demanded that ICE turn over details about the detainees, more than 300 of whom were set free in Arizona.
The officials include Gov. Jan Brewer; Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu; Arizona's U.S. senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake; and several other members of Congress.
But ICE officials have trickled out only limited information, including some documents obtained by The Arizona Republic that show that several detainees who were released had more serious criminal histories than ICE officials originally disclosed.
Other documents obtained by The Republic show that dozens of the detainees were later taken back into custody, including four of 10 detainees deemed Level 1, the highest risk.
Still, ICE has refused to turn over details about the vast majority of the more than 2,200 detainees released at the end of last February, including the total taken back into custody, how many remain free and whether any committed crimes after they were released.
At the time of their release, all were facing deportation.
The total included 342 detainees from four facilities in Pinal County.
ICE's refusal to fully disclose information about the released detainees and what happened to them has frustrated critics concerned that they put the safety of Americans at risk.
The lack of information also has complicated the ongoing debate in Washington over immigration reform by providing ammunition to Republican lawmakers who say they don't trust President Barack Obama's administration to enforce immigration laws.
At the same time, advocates on the other side of the immigration debate are also frustrated. They believe the mass release exposed how the government is detaining immigrants who shouldn't be held in the first place.
"What it did for us is show that detention is pretty arbitrary," said Silky Shah, interim executive director of Detention Watch Network, which advocates for reforms of the U.S. immigration detention system. "It points to the fact that we have right now a system that is required to funnel a certain number of people into detention."
By withholding information about the detainees, ICE is missing out on a chance to dispel some of the fears raised by critics, she said.
"I think it's a missed opportunity, absolutely, just to say that nothing bad happened after these releases," Shah said.
Thousands were freed
During the last week of February 2013, ICE officials said they released 2,228 immigration detainees from facilities across the country.
At the time, ICE said the number of immigrants being held in detention had exceeded the 34,000 quota mandated by Congress.
ICE officials said the agency needed to reduce the overall number of immigrants being held in order to avoid a cost overrun because funding for the year was about to end and automatic budget cuts known as the sequester were about to begin.
The officials said they reviewed the backgrounds and criminal histories of all the detainees who were released beforehand to ensure they did not pose a significant threat to public safety.
The mass release, however, prompted outrage from Arizona politicians as well as many Republicans in Congress who demanded that ICE turn over more details about the released detainees.
During House hearings, Republicans also blasted ICE officials for releasing detainees who included immigrants with criminal backgrounds that could endanger the public.
Meanwhile, some Democrats raised concerns that ICE was spending money on detaining immigrants who posed little risk to the public and were unlikely to flee.
They suggested that ICE do a better job of conducting a risk assessment of detainees to determine whether more would be better suited to less costly alternatives to detention, such as supervised release or global-positioning-monitoring devices.
The cost of detaining an immigrant is about $122 a day, or $44,530 a year.
"It pointed out that many people are being held in detention that needn't be at a cost to tax payers," said U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz.
In early February of this year, The Republic wrote to ICE asking the agency to release information about the detainees who had been set free a year ago, including how many had been taken back into custody and whether any had committed any crimes after their release. The Republic also filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking the same information.
In response, ICE officials would say only that individual detainees who remain free continue to be monitored by ICE field offices around the country to make sure they remain in compliance with the conditions of their release.
The FOIA request is still pending.
The Republic did obtain some documents ICE had previously released to lawmakers last year, including copies of letters ICE officials wrote in response to requests for information about the released detainees.
Those documents show that in Arizona, ICE officials released a detainee whose criminal convictions included felony second-degree robbery, prostitution and solicitation for lewd conduct, the documents show.
Another detainee released in Arizona had been convicted of DUI and harassment after having caused criminal damaged to property, the documents show.
Both detainees were taken back into custody by ICE in March 2013 and then released again after an immigration judge granted them bond, according to ICE officials. They continue to be monitored by ICE while their cases are pending.
A third had prior convictions for carrying a loaded firearm, DUI with controlled substance, felony possession of drugs, second-degree burglary, vandalism and trespassing, the documents show.
That detainee was deported to Mexico in May, ICE officials say.
In San Francisco, ICE officials released a detainee with a prior felony conviction for manufacturing fake IDs and a detainee with two DUI convictions and two stalking convictions.
In Houston, ICE released a detainee who had a prior conviction for felony possession of marijuana.
The Republic also obtained documents detailing the criminal backgrounds of the 10 released detainees deemed Level 1, the highest-risk detainees, and updates about their cases.
Those documents show that four of the 10 Level 1 offenders were taken back into custody, then freed again after they posted bond or their cases were terminated. Two of the 10 were deported. Four remain free under ICE supervision, including Victor Mendoza Medina, whom The Republic profiled in April after tracking him down in New York City following his release from a detention center in Eloy.
Medina, a 69-year-old Bolivian immigrant, was classified as Level 1 because he had multiple criminal convictions for drug possession, theft and possession of stolen property, but he had no convictions for violent crimes and had lived in the U.S. legally for more than 45 years.
Determining who was released
McCain attempted to find out more about the criminal backgrounds of the detainees who were released as part of his role as ranking Republican member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
He and Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., the panel's chairman, did get some response, but it wasn't "as complete as we wanted," McCain said.
"We never really got very satisfactory answers on that," McCain told The Republic.
"They blamed it on the local ICE people, that they had acted without authorization. They blamed it on lower-level individuals."
In a May 2 letter to McCain and Levin, Nelson Peacock, assistant Homeland Security secretary for legislative affairs, said 2,226 immigration detainees had been released, not 2,228.
Of those, 622 had "some type of criminal conviction" and 1,604 had no known criminal conviction, Peacock said.
In his letter, Peacock also said 32 Level 1 offenders had been released. That number is three times as many as the 10 previously identified by ICE officials. Peacock offered no explanation.
He said 80 Level 2 detainees had been released. That number was half of the 159 Level 2 offenders originally identified by ICE.
Peacock also said ICE had decided to redetain 58 of the individuals released, though he did not explain why.
On Aug. 15, U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, wrote a letter to acting ICE Director John Sandweg asking him to explain those and other discrepancies.
In a statement to the The Republic, Goodlatte did not say whether he ever received a response from Sandweg, though a legislative aide said ICE officials provided some details during a briefing indicating that only 10 Level 1 offenders had been released.
But Goodlatte said he remains concerned the mass release was motivated by politics.
"It's appalling that Obama administration officials used scare tactics to promote their political agenda on sequestration by releasing unlawful aliens with criminal histories onto the streets last year," he said.
"This decision compromised the safety of our communities and put Americans' lives at risk."
Flake told The Republic that he is still waiting to find out who was released and what happened to them once they got out. "There was enough concern at the time that there were some pretty hard felons, it looked like, who got released," Flake said. "We've never had a really good explanation as to why they were. We haven't heard."
Babeu said ICE officials never responded to his request for information about the detainees released from facilities in Pinal County, including the Pinal County Jail. Babeu contracts with ICE to hold some immigration detainees at the jail.
"There can be no legitimate justification for the federal government to refuse to provide the elected sheriff with the names of hundreds of criminal illegals they released into Pinal County," Babeu said in a written statement.
"The feds have protected their identity, criminal history and location of these criminals. It is likely most of them have fled their supervised release."
Shah, however, said the fears raised by critics likely turned out to be unfounded.
"We haven't seen any reports of any issues with anyone who was released, so that tells us that it wasn't an issue that these folks were released," she said.
She said ICE probably hasn't released full details about the detainees because the Obama administration received so much flak from critics.
"It's probably because they don't want to call attention to it again," Shah said.
Republic reporter Dan Nowicki contributed to this article.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
AZMEX UPDATE 6-3-14
AZMEX UPDATE 6 MAR 2014
Note: mostly local interest, with another gang shootout in AP
Note: Another setback for border security by feds and environmental religious cults.
Feds designate areas of southern Arizona critical habitat for jaguars
By: By DiAngelea Millar/Cronkite News
Originally published: Mar 5, 2014 - 5:00 am
end
Note: Another shootout between "delinquents" in Agua Prieta, Son (AP) neighborhood, across the fence from Douglas, AZ. Several wounded, no deaths reported so far, several detained. Five vehicles, eight long guns recovered so far. Situation in the area continues to deteriorate.
Links in Spanish.
Poll from: Elimparcial, Hermosillo, Son.
¿Cree que la violencia que se presentó en AP, esté vinculada con la captura de "El Chapo" Guzmán?
Si 53.92% (158 Votos) No 40.27% (118 Votos) Son hechos aislados 5.8% (17 Votos)
Votos totales: 293
fin
Border Patrol agents seize 1,171 pounds of pot
Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 5:45 pm | Updated: 11:00 pm, Wed Mar 5, 2014.
From staff reports
Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector's Wellton Station seized a total of 1,171 pounds of marijuana valued at $526,950 during three separate incidents Tuesday.
In the first incident, agents patrolling near Gila Bend followed footprints from a remote desert location until they came across four abandoned backpacks containing 186.6 pounds of marijuana.
Later, agents assigned to the all-terrain vehicle unit were patrolling an area near Gila Bend, searching for suspected smugglers who had crossed the border, and spotted eight abandoned backpacks containing 393 pounds of marijuana.
In the third incident, agents tracking footprints of suspected illegal immigrants near Gila Bend encountered 11 abandoned backpacks containing 591.4 pounds of marijuana.
All seized contraband was transported to the Wellton Station for processing.
Yuma County residents can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.
END
Varela gets probation for money laundering scheme
Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 10:23 am
Trisha Maldonado | Douglas Dispatch
On Feb. 21 former Arizona Department of Corrections officer, Bernardo Varela was sentenced to five years of supervised probation for money laundering charges stemming from an investigation that found marijuana trafficking proceeds being moved through bank accounts.
Court documents show that Varela pleaded guilty on Jan. 8 to said charges and entered into a plea agreement.
Varela resigned from the Department of Corrections after the Attorney General's Office interviewed him on Jan. 18, 2013.
The investigation was conducted by the Attorney General's Office, Douglas police and state Department of Corrections.
It found that deposits of large amounts of cash were made in banks in numerous states and withdrawn in Arizona by family members and associates of Varela.
END
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
AZMEX UPDATE 5-3-14
AZMEX UPDATE 5 MAR 2014
Note: mostly of local interest, plus couple with AK clones and Sinaloa body count update
Parks service assault suspect pleads not guilty
DEREK JORDAN | HERALD/REVIEW
Mon, 03/03/2014 - 4:42pm
BISBEE — The suspect in the near-fatal assault last August of a National Park Service employee pleaded not guilty to charges, including attempted first-degree murder, in Cochise County Superior Court on Monday.
Gil Gaxiola was indicted in January on multiple charges in connection to the Aug. 28, 2013, assault of Karen Gonzalez, a National Park Service employee. She was found unconscious inside a public restroom near the Faraway Ranch Trailhead in the Chiricahua National Monument, suffering from head trauma. Gonzalez was airlifted to University of Arizona Medical Center for treatment.
Full text available to premium subscribers only.
Note: usually only cartel associates have this many resources. No radios?
Unified Comand arrests couple with two ' horns '
Details Published on Wednesday March 5, 2014 ,
Written by Editor / El Diario
Nogales
They had two assault rifles and 14 magazines, 198 rounds of ammunition, and a pistol.
Through intelligence work performed during coordination between members of the State Public Security Police belonging to the Police Unfied Command in Rio Altar area and staff of the 45th Military Zone was secured to a couple for possession of weapons.
Those arrested were identified as Eliseo Armenta Buelna and Varela Navarro LoydaDeniss 33 and 26 years old respectively . Both were arrested by personnel of the PESP and the Third Regiment Motorized Cavalry when riding in a wagon type vehicle , Cherokee, on a dirt road leading to the Ejido Cerro Prieto Township Saric .
Eliseo Armenta Buelna tried to escape out of the vehicle, however was caught by the personnel that makes up the operation finding him with a gun tucked in the waist, .45 caliber and 9 cartridges.
Also inside the vehicle on the passenger seat was found to LoydaDeniss Varela Navarro, who subsequently found with the guns apparently AK -47 .
Taking appropriate action checked the car where firearms wewe seized two AK -47 type rifle with their magazines and cartridges. Also secured a tactical vest with ballistic plate , 2 masks , one mag pouch, 12 metallic magazines for AK -47 and 198 rounds of ammunition 7.62x39 caliber.
Because of the seized material , proceeded to the arrest of two people who were to be transferred to the Public Prosecutor's Office where he will continue with the investigations .
Meanwhile, the Unified Police Command continue in the area of Rio Altar where in coordination with the bodies of the three levels of government will continue with the operational strategy to strengthen security in the region.
end
Note : one of several shootings in Empalme & Cd.Obregon in past few hours .
PEI chief attacked in Empalme
Details Published on Wednesday March 5, 2014 ,
Written by Editor / The Journal
Nogales
The Group Head of State Police Investigating Empalme hovering between life and death after being shot at by several subjects while in the garage of his home .
Reports of the PEI said the incident occurred around 07:20 pm yesterday in Colonia Libertad , when Commander Abelardo Gil Castelo , 45 years old , was in the garage of his home aboard a pick up of Ford, model 2008 , which is an official unit of this force.
Being in that moment when several individuals on board a vehicle which repeatedly shot the police chief and took flight to an unknown destination .
After armed aggression , Gil Castelo , who suffered several gunshots , requested support from his elements, which immediately came to the place and took him to a hospital in Guaymas, where stabilized later move via area to a hospital in Hermosillo . The health status of the Head of the PEI group is reported as serious but stable . In the scene secured several long gun shell casings.
Brother killed in Nogales in 2011
In September 2011 , the brother of Gil Castelo , Faustino , 41 years old, also agent PEI , was killed by gunmen in Nogales. In attempting this , also killed the Deputy Chief of the Municipal Police agent Nogales and PEI, Raúl Suárez Gabriel , 35 years old.
END
Note: more action from AP, said to be not locals.
State Authorities seize 40 kilos of Marihuana
Written by Editorial
Tuesday, March 4, 2014 19:12
Arrested 4 subjects who manned the car where it was located
Agents of the State Public Security Police ( PESP ) managed to seize 40 kilos of marijuana and the arrest of 4 subjects aboard a car used to transport it.
The incident took place Sunday afternoon in the streets of the colony Infonavit Alamito when uniformed surveillance conducted a tour , watching a white Chevrolet Malibu that showed irregularities in the license plates .
The car had 4 people nervous and evasive , which led the officers to check the unit thoroughly .
In the trunk of the unit were located four packages wrapped in tape containing green grass with physical characteristics marijuana with an approximate weight of 40 kilos .
The arrested were identified as Omar Melendrez Guadalupe , José Alonso Melendrez Castro, Javier Jimenez and Carlos Gonzalez Asael Alexis Jimenez Cortez who now face charges of drug possession , to the agent of the Public Prosecutor's Office .
END
Note : From Sinaloa. Reloading ?
BODY COUNT
Homicides down 37 % after capture "El Chapo " Guzman
In the 10 days that have passed since his arrest were 22 intentional homicides committed in the state, while in the previous 10 days were 32
Noroeste
05/03/2014
CULIACÁN._ During the 10 days after the capture of Joaquin "El Chapo " Guzman has committed 37 percent fewer homicides than in the same period prior to his arrest .
Guzman Loera was arrested on Saturday February 22 at the Miramar condos in Mazatlan.
In the 10 days that have passed since his arrest were 22 intentional homicides committed in the state, while in the previous 10 days there were 32.
In the days following the capture of the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel there were 10 homicides less than in the same period prior to apprehension .
The daily average dropped from 3.2 to 2.2 people killed .
The day that elements of the Navy arrested him, in Culiacan two murders were committed.
After the arrest , the most violent day was Feb. 28 when four crimes were committed , three in Culiacan and one in Ahome.
In the days leading 15 intentional homicides in Culiacan , in Ahome six were committed in Guasave three in Mazatlan two in Navolato two in El Fuerte , El Rosario , and Mocorito Esquinapa one in each municipality.
In the days after were recorded in Culiacan 12, El Fuerte Four, Rosario two, in Mazatlan two, in Ahome one, and Navolato one .
This year, 188 murders were committed in the state, of which 98 were January , 80 in February and 10 were in the first four days of March.
KILLINGS IN 2014
January 98
February 80
March 10
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
AZMEX UPDATE 3-3-14
AZMEX UPDATE 3 MAR 2014
Note: First two mostly local interest, body count continues to rise around Sonoyta, Son. across the border from Lukeville, AZ. Third on self defense policy.
Man found executed in Sonoyta
Written by Grupo AM
03/03/2014
http://diariodeldesierto.com.mx/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6840&Itemid=44
Sonoyta , Sonora on March 3, 2014 . -
Agents of the State Police (PEI) inquire about the facts which killed one person male , who has not yet been identified and whose body was found around 17:00 pm yesterday about 570 meters east of the ejido López Mateos and 45 meters to the south of the Dividing line with the United States.
The victim , who had estimated that between 25 and 30 years old , was dark-skinned , fair complexion , measuring about 1.65 meters tall, black hair, dressed in blue jeans and white polo shirt.
The deceased featured several injuries caused by gun fire .
From the facts attested the Public Prosecutor of the Common Jurisdiction who ordered the lifting and transporting the body by the measures of law.
end
subject with ' goat horn ' was captured in Saric (Son)
Details Published on Sunday, 02 March 2014
Written by Editor / El Diario
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/nota.php?nota=27680
Nogales
Elements of the State Police Public Safety Police Single Command in the region of Rio Altar in coordination with personnel of the Mexican Army managed to arrest a man in possession of 8 kilos of drugs and firearms.
Result of the operation that is performed in the vicinity of the town of Saric where the arrest was achieved was identified as Silvestre Antonio Guerrero Franco 34 years old, who was armed at the time of his arrest.
The incident took place when personnel of the Third System Motorized Cavalry belonging to the 45th Military Zone and state police making up the Unified Command Police intercepted a vehicle on the dirt road leading to the Ejido Cerro Prieto in Sáric Township .
Within the white Cheyenne pickup that there were several people, who realizing the operation ran toward the mountain so they were chased making one stop .
Franco Guerrero was arrested immediately , finding tucked in at the waist a pistol , .380 with eight rounds of ammunition , and a portable radio, Motorola brand .
Later in inspecting the vehicle they seized a AK- 47 rifle , 7.62x39 caliber with a magazine supplied with 23 rounds of ammunition .
They also secured a pouch , two drum magazines one empty and the other with 20 rounds of ammunition apparently to AK- 47 .
Also inside the car ensured a rectangular parcel containing approximately 8 kilograms of green marijuana
Silvestre Antonio Guerrero Franco was arrested immediately , so they proceeded to securing drugs and firearms to make them available to the appropriate authority.
END
Note: U.S. govt. like many others, not sympathetic to armed citizens and self defense. As usual, rifles in hands of citizens are "assault rifles" but PDW, "personal defense weapons" when in hands of govt. employees. mostly computer english
The link to DOS report, very long.
http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2013/wha/220457.htm
Excerpt:
Self-defense militias – or civilian armed groups that claimed to fight crime – proliferated rapidly. According to the CNDH, civilian militias operated in 15 states and 101 municipalities throughout the country. These groups were concentrated in the southwestern states of Michoacan and Guerrero and emerged most frequently in small towns without a local police force and with a growing crime problem. Some groups called themselves "community police" and others "self-defense groups." Federal and state authorities responded to the expansion of self-defense militias with conflicting statements and mixed reactions, ranging from law enforcement operations to disarm and arrest militia members to state efforts that sought to incorporate them into the law enforcement framework. The federal government issued clear condemnations of the militias. In a statement released on January 28, the CNDH said that self-defense militias were not justified, but that position subsequently was softened. The CNDH received multiple complaints from individuals alleging human rights abuses by members of the militia groups, including arbitrary detention and illegal raids.
In Michoacan dozens of self-defense groups emerged in rural communities along the mountainous western edge of the state. Armed with assault rifles and, in some cases, armoured vehicles, the groups claimed to defend their communities against kidnapping, extortion, and other violent crime perpetrated by drug traffickers. Security experts and press commentators cited difficulties in determining which of these groups were fighting crime and which were front groups for organized crime.
end excerpt
AMERICAN REPORT
U.S. concerned by the AUC (Self Defense Movement)
Report highlights the existence of clusters of this type in at least 15 states of the Mexican Republic
UNIV
02/03/2014
http://www.noroeste.com.mx/publicaciones.php?id=931725
WASHINGTON ( UNIV ) . _ United States echoed for the first time in its annual report on human rights around the world, the " proliferation concern " of self-defense groups have denounced non-governmental organizations defending human rights in a total of 15 states of Mexico , with special reference to cases of Guerrero and Michoacan.
" Federal and state authorities have responded to the expansion of self-defense militias contradictory statements and various reactions , ranging from operations to disarm and arrest members of these militias , to incorporate within the framework of the law as part of its efforts against organized crime, " the report said.
In a 47-page report , the State Department made an assessment of the first year of Enrique Peña Nieto as President of Mexico , in a context dominated by the unfinished fight against drug cartels , but also an atmosphere of insecurity, violence , impunity and corruption in different parts of the country.
Mention to the worrisome proliferation of self-defense in at least 101 municipalities in the country was seen as a positive development by defenders of human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch (HRW ) .
However , regretted that such reports will highlight the apparent divorce of policies that are still observed between the State Department and the White House when it comes to dealing with the Government of Mexico .
" I think the report on the extent of the self- reflecting in terms reliable growth of this phenomenon and the vacillating and contradictory attitude of the Mexican president , is unobjectionable ," he said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch .
"But what 's frustrating is the existence of a schizophrenic policy of the United States to Mexico . Already that while the State Department echoed concerns is the emergence of this group of self-defense , on the other hand White House and President Obama continue to declare that the leadership of
Mexico ( in security ) when he meets with President Enrique Peña Nieto.
" For us it is difficult to reconcile a report like that issued the State Department , with a glaring omission from the White House on these concerns ," said Vivanco .
In the report, the United States also again reiterate its concern at the continued violation of the human rights
committed by "security forces " in Mexico that have escaped the "control of civil authority" and which resulted in executions, torture and enforced disappearances.
Overall, in the chapter on Mexico the State Department to turns its gaze back to the atmosphere of insecurity and violence that continues to restrict freedom of expression.
And for the first time , refers to the reforms undertaken by the government of Peña Nieto to end monopolies and foster an environment of greater transparency and competition in the telecommunications area .
END
Monday, March 3, 2014
AZMEX POLICY 3-3-14
AZMEX POLICY 3 MAR 2014
Note: Then we have the de facto situation.
How Southern Arizona agencies enforce SB 1070
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
13 hours ago •
Pima County Sheriff's Department
Who is in charge:
Clarence Dupnik
Where he stands:
"We've been enforcing the federal law since I've been a cop for 55 years, and we've been enforcing the fed law from day one. That hasn't changed. Some agencies weren't doing that."
How it's documented:
Uses a "UDA" circumstance code to identify cases involving unauthorized immigrants.
Tucson Police Department
Who is in charge:
Roberto Villaseñor
Where he stands:
"There's a lot of us that were imploring that this needed to be looked at the federal level, but when they upheld it and allowed that one section to stand, Section 2B, I have no choice. I have to enforce it the way the law was written and that's where it's causing problems."
How it's documented:
Created a form the dispatcher is supposed to fill out when an officer asks for an immigration check.
Oro Valley Police Department
Who is in charge:
Daniel Sharp
Where he stands:
The department developed racial profiling and immigration-related standards in 2004. "That's something that had been on our radar screen for a long time, so when SB 1070 came along, we already had the protocols in place."
How it's documented:
Classifies most referrals and assists to immigration authorities as "other agency assists," a category that doesn't include cases where a more serious crime was suspected because the system codes incidents by worst offense.
Marana Police Department
Who is in charge:
Terry Rozema
Where he stands:
"We have a different job than what immigration does, and a focus on that job is our primary concern. But I don't think SB 1070 as it exists has in any way negatively impacted us from our primary focus."
How it's documented:
Created a log in January to track inquiries related to people who are arrested but not booked into jail to ensure the agency checks the status of everyone it arrests. At the same time, created a code for cases involving foreign nationals.
South Tucson Police Department
Who is in charge:
William Lackey
Where he stands:
"We're doing the same things; we're just doing it in a glass house."
How it's documented:
Calls are classified according to highest FBI clearance code.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office
Who is in charge:
Tony Estrada
Where he stands:
"I think Senate Bill 1070 has had a major impact. Maybe not so much for law enforcement but for the Hispanic community in that it kind of sets a label that if you are Hispanic you are suspect or will be treated differently."
How it's documented:
Classifies most referrals and assists to immigration authorities as "other agency assists federal," a category that doesn't include cases where a more serious crime was suspected because the system codes incidents by worst offense.
Sahuarita Police Department
Who is in charge:
John Harris
Where he stands:
"The only impact I see is on the positive side where the feds have given us extra money to work with Stonegarden." (Stonegarden is a federal program aimed at enhancing border security by paying local officers to work overtime shifts and providing money to agencies to buy related equipment such as radios and night-vision goggles.)
How it's documented:
Classifies most referrals and assists to immigration authorities as "assist other agency — federal," a category that doesn't include cases where a more serious crime was suspected because the system codes incidents by worst offense.
Nogales Police Department
Who is in charge:
Derek Arnson
Where he stands:
"I know the value of immigrants and what they bring to this country. I also know the value of secure borders."
How it's documented:
Classifies most referrals and assists to immigration authorities as "other agency assists," "UDAs," and "Border Patrol assist." Cases where the person wasn't cited or given a warning are only documented in the call notes.
Pinal County Sheriff's Office
Who is in charge:
Paul Babeu
Where he stands:
Didn't agree to an interview but was one of the most vocal advocates and founder of a sheriff's group created to help fight lawsuits that sought to overturn the law.
How it's documented:
Classifies most referrals and assists to immigration authorities as "other agency assists," a category that doesn't include cases where a more serious crime was suspected because the system codes incidents by worst offense.
Cochise County Sheriff's Office
Who is in charge:
Mark Dannels
Where he stands:
"Maybe in Maricopa or northern parts of the state 1070 is more beneficial to them. Here, like any law, the law is there to support law enforcement as another tool for state officers and deputies in the state."
How it's documented:
Classifies most referrals and assists to immigration authorities as "other agency assists," a category that doesn't include cases where a more serious crime was suspected because the system codes incidents by worst offense.
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Who is in charge:
Robert Halliday
Where he stands:
He didn't agree to an interview with the Star, but has in the past said he didn't want officers to change what they do. He has expressed concern about how the required inquiries might affect officers assigned to rural areas without cellphone coverage or other officers nearby.
How it's documented:
When an officer suspects someone is in the country illegally, he fills out a form with details of the stop.
Douglas Police Department
Who is in charge:
Kraig Fullen
Where he stands:
"If we don't have the public's trust, we can't do our jobs. Traffic enforcement in general has an impact on that, and safety is weighed against wanting people to come back."
How it's documented:
Some calls to Border Patrol are documented in the agency's call notes or radio log, but these records can't be easily searched. Other calls are documented in incident reports, but those are not all given the same classification.
Yuma County Sheriff's Office
Who is in charge:
Leon Wilmot
Where he stands:
"There hasn't been any kind of changes as far as our operations here that weren't already in effect years ago."
How it's documented:
Classifies most referrals and assists to immigration authorities as "assist federal agency," a category that doesn't include cases where a more serious crime was suspected because the system codes incidents by worst offense.
END
Thursday, February 27, 2014
AZMEX UPDATE 27-2-14
AZMEX UPDATE 27 FEB 2014
Homeland Security awards contract for border towers
By Associated Press
Originally published: Feb 27, 2014 - 3:59 pm
http://ktar.com/22/1706490/Homeland-Security-awards-contract-for-border-towers
WASHINGTON -- The Homeland Security Department has awarded a $145 million contract for a series of border security towers to be built along the Mexican border in Arizona.
Customs and Border Protection spokesman Michael Friel says the contact was given to EFW Inc., a government contractor from Fort Worth, Texas.
Friel says the integrated fixed towers will detect, track, identify and classify suspicious activity along the Arizona border. The towers will start going up on the border later this year. No other details about the program were released.
Homeland Security has been searching for several years for a combination of technology and manpower to secure the 2,000-mile long border with Mexico. Previously a so-called virtual fence was scrapped after the technology didn't work the way the government anticipated.
end
Douglas CBP officers seize $113,000 in pot
Officials at the Douglas Port of Entry seized a combined 227 pounds of marijuana, worth in excess of $113,000 Feb. 15 resulting in the arrest of two individuals.
Posted: Wednesday, February 26, 2014 10:07 am
Douglas Dispatch
by Trisha Maldonado
http://www.douglasdispatch.com/news/article_83e06b80-9f08-11e3-991d-0019bb2963f4.html
Two Mexican nationals were arrested in separate incidents Feb. 15 for attempting to smuggle a combined 227 pounds of marijuana, worth in excess of $113,000, through the Douglas Port of Entry.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers selected a Chevrolet sedan for a secondary inspection, driven by a 24-year-old woman from Sinaloa, Mexico, and found nearly 112 pounds of marijuana stashed throughout the vehicle.
Later that evening, officers referred a 59-year-old man from Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico for further inspection of his pickup truck and found almost 115 pounds of marijuana concealed in the truck's rear cargo area.
Both individuals, who are not being identified, were referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. The marijuana and vehicles were seized.
END
CBP arrests drug trafficking suspect, 4 others
Posted: Tuesday, February 25, 2014 10:30 pm
From staff reports
http://www.yumasun.com/news/cbp-arrests-drug-trafficking-suspect-others/article_b803bc6e-9e72-11e3-8e81-001a4bcf6878.html
Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Port of San Luis have arrested a Somerton man wanted on drug trafficking charges and four suspected drug smugglers during three separate incidents.
During the first incident, a 49-year-old Mexican woman attempting to drive a Hyundai sedan into the United States was referred to the secondary inspection area. A working dog indicated the possible presence of contraband in the vehicle and officers reportedly found 25 pounds of methamphetamine worth about $392,150.
The drugs and vehicle were seized. The woman and two sons accompanying her, ages 18 and 19, were arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI).
During the second incident, officers referred 45-year-old Jesus Romero-Serrano for additional questioning when he attempted to enter the country. During a routine records check, officers learned Romero was wanted for a probation violation in relation to trafficking illegal drugs. After verifying the active warrant, Romero was arrested and turned over to the San Luis Police Department.
During the third incident, a 14-year-old teen was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle more than one-half pound of meth -- reportedly strapped tho his thigh -- into the U.S. The meth was seized and the teen, whose identity has not been released to the public because he is a minor, was referred to ICE-HSI.
end
Note: Some of the local families said to date back to the 1740's, long before becoming a part of the U.S., in 1853. It is in the middle of a major smuggling route.
Updated Feb 26, 2014 - 6:45 pm
Arivaca residents are monitoring border checkpoint
By Associated Press
Originally published: Feb 26, 2014 - 6:38 pm
http://ktar.com/22/1706196/Arivaca-residents-monitor-border-checkpoint
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Some residents of the southern Arizona town of Arivaca are monitoring one checkpoint to see how many arrests and drug seizures the U.S. Border Patrol actually makes.
It's part of a fight to remove longstanding Border Patrol checkpoints on the roads leading into the town 60 miles southwest of Tucson.
Arivaca residents say they are regularly subjected to delays, searches, harassment and racial profiling at the checkpoints.
Six residents monitored the checkpoint Wednesday on Arivaca Road, 25 miles north of the Mexico border.
A Border Patrol spokesman says the agency won't release data for individual checkpoints.
Border Patrol Tucson Sector Chief Manuel Padilla rejected a petition last month from Arivaca residents and businesses calling for removal of the checkpoints.
end
Homeland Security awards contract for border towers
By Associated Press
Originally published: Feb 27, 2014 - 3:59 pm
http://ktar.com/22/1706490/Homeland-Security-awards-contract-for-border-towers
WASHINGTON -- The Homeland Security Department has awarded a $145 million contract for a series of border security towers to be built along the Mexican border in Arizona.
Customs and Border Protection spokesman Michael Friel says the contact was given to EFW Inc., a government contractor from Fort Worth, Texas.
Friel says the integrated fixed towers will detect, track, identify and classify suspicious activity along the Arizona border. The towers will start going up on the border later this year. No other details about the program were released.
Homeland Security has been searching for several years for a combination of technology and manpower to secure the 2,000-mile long border with Mexico. Previously a so-called virtual fence was scrapped after the technology didn't work the way the government anticipated.
end
Douglas CBP officers seize $113,000 in pot
Officials at the Douglas Port of Entry seized a combined 227 pounds of marijuana, worth in excess of $113,000 Feb. 15 resulting in the arrest of two individuals.
Posted: Wednesday, February 26, 2014 10:07 am
Douglas Dispatch
by Trisha Maldonado
http://www.douglasdispatch.com/news/article_83e06b80-9f08-11e3-991d-0019bb2963f4.html
Two Mexican nationals were arrested in separate incidents Feb. 15 for attempting to smuggle a combined 227 pounds of marijuana, worth in excess of $113,000, through the Douglas Port of Entry.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers selected a Chevrolet sedan for a secondary inspection, driven by a 24-year-old woman from Sinaloa, Mexico, and found nearly 112 pounds of marijuana stashed throughout the vehicle.
Later that evening, officers referred a 59-year-old man from Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico for further inspection of his pickup truck and found almost 115 pounds of marijuana concealed in the truck's rear cargo area.
Both individuals, who are not being identified, were referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. The marijuana and vehicles were seized.
END
CBP arrests drug trafficking suspect, 4 others
Posted: Tuesday, February 25, 2014 10:30 pm
From staff reports
http://www.yumasun.com/news/cbp-arrests-drug-trafficking-suspect-others/article_b803bc6e-9e72-11e3-8e81-001a4bcf6878.html
Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Port of San Luis have arrested a Somerton man wanted on drug trafficking charges and four suspected drug smugglers during three separate incidents.
During the first incident, a 49-year-old Mexican woman attempting to drive a Hyundai sedan into the United States was referred to the secondary inspection area. A working dog indicated the possible presence of contraband in the vehicle and officers reportedly found 25 pounds of methamphetamine worth about $392,150.
The drugs and vehicle were seized. The woman and two sons accompanying her, ages 18 and 19, were arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI).
During the second incident, officers referred 45-year-old Jesus Romero-Serrano for additional questioning when he attempted to enter the country. During a routine records check, officers learned Romero was wanted for a probation violation in relation to trafficking illegal drugs. After verifying the active warrant, Romero was arrested and turned over to the San Luis Police Department.
During the third incident, a 14-year-old teen was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle more than one-half pound of meth -- reportedly strapped tho his thigh -- into the U.S. The meth was seized and the teen, whose identity has not been released to the public because he is a minor, was referred to ICE-HSI.
end
Note: Some of the local families said to date back to the 1740's, long before becoming a part of the U.S., in 1853. It is in the middle of a major smuggling route.
Updated Feb 26, 2014 - 6:45 pm
Arivaca residents are monitoring border checkpoint
By Associated Press
Originally published: Feb 26, 2014 - 6:38 pm
http://ktar.com/22/1706196/Arivaca-residents-monitor-border-checkpoint
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Some residents of the southern Arizona town of Arivaca are monitoring one checkpoint to see how many arrests and drug seizures the U.S. Border Patrol actually makes.
It's part of a fight to remove longstanding Border Patrol checkpoints on the roads leading into the town 60 miles southwest of Tucson.
Arivaca residents say they are regularly subjected to delays, searches, harassment and racial profiling at the checkpoints.
Six residents monitored the checkpoint Wednesday on Arivaca Road, 25 miles north of the Mexico border.
A Border Patrol spokesman says the agency won't release data for individual checkpoints.
Border Patrol Tucson Sector Chief Manuel Padilla rejected a petition last month from Arivaca residents and businesses calling for removal of the checkpoints.
end
AZMEX POLICY 27-2-14
AZMEX POLICY 27 FEB 2014
1. Johnson promises reform soon for border agent use of force
By Zach Rausnitz
http://links.mkt1985.com/servlet/MailView?ms=ODM0OTEyNAS2&r=NDkzNTkzMzc2ODAS1&j=MjA2ODk1NDU1S0&mt=1&rt=0
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson stressed the need to reform the Border Patrol's use-of-force policies during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing Feb. 26.
Johnson said he wanted to personally review recent cases where Border Patrol agents used force, "to ensure that we're getting this right."
"If law enforcement – and you see this also in the military context – is viewed with suspicion, is not credible, it undermines the entire mission," he said. Johnson served as the Defense Department's genenral counsel earlier in the Obama administration.
Customs and Border Protection began a comprehensive internal review of use-of-force policies in 2012. Agents have killed more than a dozen people since 2010.
The revised policy will be made public "any day now," Johnson said.
His appearance before the committee was his first since he became secretary in December. Members of the committee greeted him with questions that paralleled the wide range of issues he is responsible, asking about Hurricane Sandy relief funds, threats from Syria, immigration reform, the arrest of Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán in Mexico and numerous local issues that matter in their districts.
Johnson noted his concerns about the notoriously low morale that has plagued the Homeland Security Department for years. "I intend to constantly remind our workforce of the critical importance of their homeland security mission and that the department's greatest asset in the pursuit of these missions is our people," he said.
For more:
- go to the hearing webpage (prepared testimonies and webcast available)
Note: some background
Sheriff: Man Killed by US Agent Hurled Large Rocks
SAN DIEGO February 18, 2014 (AP)
By ELLIOT SPAGAT Associated Press
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/us-border-patrol-agent-kills-man-san-diego-22569584
A man who was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent threw large rocks at the agent, including one about the size of a basketball, investigators said Wednesday.
The man, who was suspected of being in the country illegally, began throwing fist-sized rocks at the agent from a hillside perch, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said. The rocks became larger, and one of the bigger pieces hit the agent in the head.
The sheriff's department said the agent fired his gun at least twice Tuesday, fearing he might be killed or incapacitated if he was hit again in the head. The agent tried to revive the man, who died at the scene. The man's identity is unknown.
The agent, whose name was not disclosed, was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released.
The episode in a remote, mountainous area about 4 miles east of San Diego's Otay Mesa border crossing comes amid debate about whether the Border Patrol should respond to rock attacks with lethal force.
Under current policy, agents can use deadly force if they have a reasonable belief that their lives or the lives of others are in danger. The Border Patrol has long maintained the rocks can be lethal weapons.
The incident began when two agents on foot separated Tuesday morning to arrest two people who were suspected of crossing the border illegally from Mexico, according to the sheriff's department, which is leading the investigation.
One agent saw a third person — also suspected of entering the country illegally — and ordered him to stop in English and Spanish, then chased him down a ravine and up a hill, where the shooting occurred, the department said in a press release that does not reveal sources of its account.
The Border Patrol said in a statement Tuesday that the agent feared for his life and that two people in the country illegally were arrested. Kelly Thornton, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office in San Diego, said prosecutors decided against charging them with a crime.
The Police Executive Research Forum, a nonprofit group that led a government-commissioned review, recommended that the Border Patrol and its parent agency, Customs and Border Protection, prohibit deadly force against rock-throwers and assailants in vehicles, Border Patrol Chief Mike Fisher told The Associated Press last year. Customs and Border Protection rejected the proposed curbs, which Fisher called "very restrictive."
Agents were attacked with rocks 339 times in the 2011 fiscal year, more than any other type of assault, according to the Department of Homeland Security inspector general. They responded with gunfire 33 times and with less-than-lethal force — a category that includes pepper spray and batons — 118 times.
Rock attacks fell to 185 instances in fiscal 2012, becoming the second-most-common type of assault. Agents fired guns 22 times and responded 42 times with less-than-lethal force.
A spokesman for the union representing Border Patrol agents said Tuesday that he was confident the investigation into the latest killing would find the agent did nothing wrong.
"The easiest way to stop these incidents from happening is to stop attacking Border Patrol agents," said Shawn Moran of the National Border Patrol Council.
Mitra Ebadolahi, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial counties, said there wasn't enough public information to say if the agent was justified but that the episode raised familiar questions about whether the Border Patrol can respond to rock attacks with nonlethal force.
She said she was troubled that there appeared to be no independent witnesses.
"It's imperative for the agency to behave honestly and transparently," Ebadolahi said.
end
1. Johnson promises reform soon for border agent use of force
By Zach Rausnitz
http://links.mkt1985.com/servlet/MailView?ms=ODM0OTEyNAS2&r=NDkzNTkzMzc2ODAS1&j=MjA2ODk1NDU1S0&mt=1&rt=0
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson stressed the need to reform the Border Patrol's use-of-force policies during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing Feb. 26.
Johnson said he wanted to personally review recent cases where Border Patrol agents used force, "to ensure that we're getting this right."
"If law enforcement – and you see this also in the military context – is viewed with suspicion, is not credible, it undermines the entire mission," he said. Johnson served as the Defense Department's genenral counsel earlier in the Obama administration.
Customs and Border Protection began a comprehensive internal review of use-of-force policies in 2012. Agents have killed more than a dozen people since 2010.
The revised policy will be made public "any day now," Johnson said.
His appearance before the committee was his first since he became secretary in December. Members of the committee greeted him with questions that paralleled the wide range of issues he is responsible, asking about Hurricane Sandy relief funds, threats from Syria, immigration reform, the arrest of Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán in Mexico and numerous local issues that matter in their districts.
Johnson noted his concerns about the notoriously low morale that has plagued the Homeland Security Department for years. "I intend to constantly remind our workforce of the critical importance of their homeland security mission and that the department's greatest asset in the pursuit of these missions is our people," he said.
For more:
- go to the hearing webpage (prepared testimonies and webcast available)
Note: some background
Sheriff: Man Killed by US Agent Hurled Large Rocks
SAN DIEGO February 18, 2014 (AP)
By ELLIOT SPAGAT Associated Press
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/us-border-patrol-agent-kills-man-san-diego-22569584
A man who was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent threw large rocks at the agent, including one about the size of a basketball, investigators said Wednesday.
The man, who was suspected of being in the country illegally, began throwing fist-sized rocks at the agent from a hillside perch, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said. The rocks became larger, and one of the bigger pieces hit the agent in the head.
The sheriff's department said the agent fired his gun at least twice Tuesday, fearing he might be killed or incapacitated if he was hit again in the head. The agent tried to revive the man, who died at the scene. The man's identity is unknown.
The agent, whose name was not disclosed, was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released.
The episode in a remote, mountainous area about 4 miles east of San Diego's Otay Mesa border crossing comes amid debate about whether the Border Patrol should respond to rock attacks with lethal force.
Under current policy, agents can use deadly force if they have a reasonable belief that their lives or the lives of others are in danger. The Border Patrol has long maintained the rocks can be lethal weapons.
The incident began when two agents on foot separated Tuesday morning to arrest two people who were suspected of crossing the border illegally from Mexico, according to the sheriff's department, which is leading the investigation.
One agent saw a third person — also suspected of entering the country illegally — and ordered him to stop in English and Spanish, then chased him down a ravine and up a hill, where the shooting occurred, the department said in a press release that does not reveal sources of its account.
The Border Patrol said in a statement Tuesday that the agent feared for his life and that two people in the country illegally were arrested. Kelly Thornton, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office in San Diego, said prosecutors decided against charging them with a crime.
The Police Executive Research Forum, a nonprofit group that led a government-commissioned review, recommended that the Border Patrol and its parent agency, Customs and Border Protection, prohibit deadly force against rock-throwers and assailants in vehicles, Border Patrol Chief Mike Fisher told The Associated Press last year. Customs and Border Protection rejected the proposed curbs, which Fisher called "very restrictive."
Agents were attacked with rocks 339 times in the 2011 fiscal year, more than any other type of assault, according to the Department of Homeland Security inspector general. They responded with gunfire 33 times and with less-than-lethal force — a category that includes pepper spray and batons — 118 times.
Rock attacks fell to 185 instances in fiscal 2012, becoming the second-most-common type of assault. Agents fired guns 22 times and responded 42 times with less-than-lethal force.
A spokesman for the union representing Border Patrol agents said Tuesday that he was confident the investigation into the latest killing would find the agent did nothing wrong.
"The easiest way to stop these incidents from happening is to stop attacking Border Patrol agents," said Shawn Moran of the National Border Patrol Council.
Mitra Ebadolahi, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial counties, said there wasn't enough public information to say if the agent was justified but that the episode raised familiar questions about whether the Border Patrol can respond to rock attacks with nonlethal force.
She said she was troubled that there appeared to be no independent witnesses.
"It's imperative for the agency to behave honestly and transparently," Ebadolahi said.
end
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