AZMEX EXTRA 29 DEC 2013
Note: Reaction to the many thousands of govt. firearms gone "missing"?
IFAI instructs Department of Defense to specify number of weapons in each state
Organización Editorial Mexicana
December 28, 2013
http://www.oem.com.mx/elsoldemexico/notas/n3239779.htm
NOTIMEX
Mexico City . - The Ministry of National Defense ( Department of Defense ) shall disclose the number of firearms registered in each state , broken down by state and federal law enforcement agencies , as instructed by the Federal Institute for Access to Information and data Protection ( IFAI) .
The resolution comes after the petition for review filed by an individual before the IFAI , following the refusal of the Department of Defense to provide the required information to argue that it was reserved as classified information of the agency .
The Department of Defense argued that the dissemination of information would impair the ability of the authorities of federal , state or municipal public security to preserve and protect the life or health of people .
Also explained that deliver the required information systems hinder interagency coordination of public safety, limit the ability of the authorities to prevent the commission of crimes.
While it would reveal the extent or condition of the police force groupings within the meaning of Article 13 , Section I of the Federal Law of Transparency and Access to Public Government Information.
In this situation, IAFI Commissioner Maria Elena Pérez- Jaén told the Department of Defense the audience to have access to confidential information , said that the group was granted official licenses by state .
That the same setting forth the number of weapons of each police corporation , and most states have two collective licensing, corresponding to the State Attorney General and other to State Department of Public Safety .
To revoke the reservation of such information, the Commissioner Pérez- Jaén stated among other arguments that the state force is made up of different elements that together aim at maintaining security and public peace .
I mean, is comprised of the ability to act and their objective and subjective elements .
In addition , the diffusion of the number of firearms registered in each state to the different police forces, and general strategies for the prevention and prosecution of organized crime , provided as online abstract action, and will likely not allow criminals to use data to anticipate and limit the effectiveness of the actions of the authorities .
Similarly, the Commissioner noted that disclose the amount of firearms dissociated from the technical level or specific capacity of each type of weapon , does not identify the level of total reaction from a police corporation.
She said that the official list of collective licenses you had before , it was found by type of arms, short and long , so that the data does not reveal technical and operational specifications of the arms .
In this sense, the criminals would not be in a position to know the strength of the police and consequently i, updating will not harm public security or national defense .
Therefore, the proposal of the Commissioner , the Full IFAI unanimously reversed the classification of the information and instructed the Department of Defense to make available the particular list that accounts for the number of firearms registered in each state's police for different groups , both federal and state .
END
IFAI Requests to Department of Defense report the number of weapons by states and corporation
By Fernando Camacho Servin
Sat, 28 Dec 2013 15:06
http://www.jornada.unam.mx/ultimas/2013/12/28/pide-ifai-a-sedena-dar-a-conocer-numero-de-armas-por-estados-y-corporacion-a-la-que-pertenecen-3889.html
Mexico , DF. The Federal Institute for Access to Information and Data Protection ( IFAI ) instructed the Secretariat of National Defense ( Department of Defense ) to disseminate the number of firearms registered in each state , disaggregating data by law enforcement agencies federal and state .
A particular brought an appeal before the IFAI , the refusal of the Department of Defense to provide the information by claiming that it was reserved . The case was sent to Maria Elena Pérez- Jaén Commissioner for analysis and resolution.
The Department of Defense reiterated the classification of data , stating that the dissemination thereof may hamper the ability of the authorities of federal , state or municipal public security to preserve and protect the life or health of people .
Similarly, considered that deliver information systems hinder interagency coordination of public safety, limit the ability of the authorities to prevent the commission of crimes, and reveal the state of the police force groupings.
After quoting the Department of Defense to a hearing , Pérez -Jaén proposed repeal booking arguing that the spread in the number of firearms registered in each state to the different police forces does not allow the likely criminals use this information to limit the effectiveness of the actions of the authorities .
Similarly, estimated to disclose the amount of firearms dissociated technical level or specific capacity of each type of weapon , not to identify the level of total reaction from a police corporation.
Therefore, the IFAI plenary unanimously reversed the classification of reserves and instructed the Department of Defense to make available the particular list that accounts for the number of registered firearms in every state, for various police groups , both federal and state .
END
From El Universal ( could not copy story)
http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion-mexico/2013/pide-ifai-a-sedena-revelar-el-total-de-su-armamento-975855.html
end
Monday, December 30, 2013
AZMEX UPDATE 28-12-13
AZMEX UPDATE 28 DEC 2013
Note: Brings up a few questions: How and where he got the money and the truck? Since June 18?
On probation?
Updated Dec 27, 2013 - 1:20 pm
Man detained in Pinal County admits to being deported 10 prior times
By KTAR Newsroom
Originally published: Dec 27, 2013 - 11:21 am
http://ktar.com/22/1687866/Man-admits-to-being-deported-10-times-before
PHOENIX -- A man who was detained last week by a Pinal County Sheriff's deputy has admitted to being deported from the U.S. 10 times before.
A Pinal County Sheriff's Office statement said Alejandro Castillo-Padilla was originally pursued just after noon on Friday, Dec. 20, on Interstate 10 because he was driving recklessly, including speeding and weaving out of traffic.
The deputy tried to stop Castillo-Padilla's vehicle heading east, but the driver failed to yield and eventually led the officer to Sunshine Boulevard and headed south.
Police said Castillo-Padilla, 27, ran several stop signs and traveled as fast as 90 mph. He eventually stopped at Wheeler and Baumgartner roads and fled on foot toward a canal.
The suspect reportedly jumped in the 2-foot deep water, and the deputy had to send his K-9 after him after the he refused to stop running away.
Castillo-Padilla was booked into Pinal County Jail for felony flight and reckless driving. An immigration hold was also placed on him. The 1997 Ford Expedition he was driving was seized along with $498 in cash. The vehicle was registered to a fictitious person and address.
"Padilla told the deputy he ran because he has been deported 10 prior times back to Mexico from the United States," Sheriff Paul Babeu said in the statement. "The last time he was caught, he spent 15 months in a federal prison and he was worried he was going to get sent back. He told the deputy he is currently on probation as a result of being deported so many times. He said that he walked across the border again two weeks ago."
U.S. Border Patrol confirmed with PCSO that Castillo-Padilla had last been deported to Mexico on June 18, 2013, after spending 15 months in prison.
KTAR Newsroom,
Note: Define "serious"?
Arizona saw deportations drop by nearly 12 percent
Ina Ronquillo
CREATED 1:23 PM
http://www.jrn.com/kgun9/news/Arizona-saw-deportations-drop-by-nearly-12-percent-237566261.html
PHOENIX (AP) - New federal numbers show that Arizona saw a nearly 12 percent drop in the number of immigrants deported so far this year.
The Arizona Republic reports newly released data showed that in 2013 close to 35,000 people were deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's operations in Arizona
The decrease comes as President Barrack Obama has been under growing pressure from immigration advocates and some members of Congress to ease up on record deportations. Nationally, the country saw a 10 percent decrease from the previous year and the first time deportations dropped since Obama took office in 2009.
ICE officials say one of the reasons the agency deported fewer people in 2013 is that the agency is focusing more attention on catching and removing serious criminals.
end
Hallan armas y cartuchos ocultos en maleza
IONSA
28-12-2013
http://www.noroeste.com.mx/publicaciones.php?id=918719
CULIACÁN._ Dos armas largas y diversos artículos bélicos fueron localizados en una zona enmontada de Sinaloa de Leyva, por elementos de la Policía Estatal Preventiva destacamentados en ese municipio.
Según el informe de las fuerzas preventivas, el hallazgo se dio al realizar recorridos de vigilancia por la comunidad de La Cuevita, en Sinaloa, donde observaron entre los arbustos una bolsa color negro y una mochila.
Ante las sospechas, las fuerzas estatales se desplegaron en la zona para evitar ser emboscados y al revisar encontraron un fusil AK-47, marca Champion 2007 y una subametralladora Astra con siete tiros en el cargador.
También hallaron tres cargadores para AK-47 con 83 tiros, dos juegos de esposas, un guardamano para AK-47, una pechera porta cargadores, tres chalecos tácticos, dos pasamontañas.
Un par de porta pistolas, un juego de placas con la serie VKD-3023 que cuentan con reporte de robo y 16 piezas de metal para habilitar patrullas, mismas que quedaron a disposición del Ministerio Público.
FIN
Decomisaron más de 155 toneladas de drogas en noviembre
Organización Editorial Mexicana
28 de diciembre de 2013
http://www.oem.com.mx/elsoldemexico/notas/n3239690.htm
Notimex
Ciudad de México.- El gobierno de la República logró durante noviembre el decomiso de más de 155 toneladas y media de drogas, principalmente de marihuana y cocaína, de acuerdo con el informe federal de datos preliminares en materia de seguridad.
El Sistema Nacional de Seguridad Pública que coordina la Secretaría de Gobernación, informó que se incautaron un total de 155 mil 562 kilogramos de drogas, además de cuatro millones 960 mil 714 pesos mexicanos y un millón 95 mil 900 dólares estadunidenses.
Además, fueron asegurados 921 vehículos, 331 mil 950 litros de combustible, 732 armas, 76 mil 708 cartuchos y cargadores, así como 285 equipos de comunicación y cómputo, con base en datos preliminares elaborados por la Procuraduría General de la República (PGR).
Estas cifras concentran información de las acciones realizadas por la PGR, la Comisión Nacional de Seguridad a través de la Policía Federal y las Secretarías de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena) y Marina-Armada de México (Semar).
FIN
Note: Brings up a few questions: How and where he got the money and the truck? Since June 18?
On probation?
Updated Dec 27, 2013 - 1:20 pm
Man detained in Pinal County admits to being deported 10 prior times
By KTAR Newsroom
Originally published: Dec 27, 2013 - 11:21 am
http://ktar.com/22/1687866/Man-admits-to-being-deported-10-times-before
PHOENIX -- A man who was detained last week by a Pinal County Sheriff's deputy has admitted to being deported from the U.S. 10 times before.
A Pinal County Sheriff's Office statement said Alejandro Castillo-Padilla was originally pursued just after noon on Friday, Dec. 20, on Interstate 10 because he was driving recklessly, including speeding and weaving out of traffic.
The deputy tried to stop Castillo-Padilla's vehicle heading east, but the driver failed to yield and eventually led the officer to Sunshine Boulevard and headed south.
Police said Castillo-Padilla, 27, ran several stop signs and traveled as fast as 90 mph. He eventually stopped at Wheeler and Baumgartner roads and fled on foot toward a canal.
The suspect reportedly jumped in the 2-foot deep water, and the deputy had to send his K-9 after him after the he refused to stop running away.
Castillo-Padilla was booked into Pinal County Jail for felony flight and reckless driving. An immigration hold was also placed on him. The 1997 Ford Expedition he was driving was seized along with $498 in cash. The vehicle was registered to a fictitious person and address.
"Padilla told the deputy he ran because he has been deported 10 prior times back to Mexico from the United States," Sheriff Paul Babeu said in the statement. "The last time he was caught, he spent 15 months in a federal prison and he was worried he was going to get sent back. He told the deputy he is currently on probation as a result of being deported so many times. He said that he walked across the border again two weeks ago."
U.S. Border Patrol confirmed with PCSO that Castillo-Padilla had last been deported to Mexico on June 18, 2013, after spending 15 months in prison.
KTAR Newsroom,
Note: Define "serious"?
Arizona saw deportations drop by nearly 12 percent
Ina Ronquillo
CREATED 1:23 PM
http://www.jrn.com/kgun9/news/Arizona-saw-deportations-drop-by-nearly-12-percent-237566261.html
PHOENIX (AP) - New federal numbers show that Arizona saw a nearly 12 percent drop in the number of immigrants deported so far this year.
The Arizona Republic reports newly released data showed that in 2013 close to 35,000 people were deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's operations in Arizona
The decrease comes as President Barrack Obama has been under growing pressure from immigration advocates and some members of Congress to ease up on record deportations. Nationally, the country saw a 10 percent decrease from the previous year and the first time deportations dropped since Obama took office in 2009.
ICE officials say one of the reasons the agency deported fewer people in 2013 is that the agency is focusing more attention on catching and removing serious criminals.
end
Hallan armas y cartuchos ocultos en maleza
IONSA
28-12-2013
http://www.noroeste.com.mx/publicaciones.php?id=918719
CULIACÁN._ Dos armas largas y diversos artículos bélicos fueron localizados en una zona enmontada de Sinaloa de Leyva, por elementos de la Policía Estatal Preventiva destacamentados en ese municipio.
Según el informe de las fuerzas preventivas, el hallazgo se dio al realizar recorridos de vigilancia por la comunidad de La Cuevita, en Sinaloa, donde observaron entre los arbustos una bolsa color negro y una mochila.
Ante las sospechas, las fuerzas estatales se desplegaron en la zona para evitar ser emboscados y al revisar encontraron un fusil AK-47, marca Champion 2007 y una subametralladora Astra con siete tiros en el cargador.
También hallaron tres cargadores para AK-47 con 83 tiros, dos juegos de esposas, un guardamano para AK-47, una pechera porta cargadores, tres chalecos tácticos, dos pasamontañas.
Un par de porta pistolas, un juego de placas con la serie VKD-3023 que cuentan con reporte de robo y 16 piezas de metal para habilitar patrullas, mismas que quedaron a disposición del Ministerio Público.
FIN
Decomisaron más de 155 toneladas de drogas en noviembre
Organización Editorial Mexicana
28 de diciembre de 2013
http://www.oem.com.mx/elsoldemexico/notas/n3239690.htm
Notimex
Ciudad de México.- El gobierno de la República logró durante noviembre el decomiso de más de 155 toneladas y media de drogas, principalmente de marihuana y cocaína, de acuerdo con el informe federal de datos preliminares en materia de seguridad.
El Sistema Nacional de Seguridad Pública que coordina la Secretaría de Gobernación, informó que se incautaron un total de 155 mil 562 kilogramos de drogas, además de cuatro millones 960 mil 714 pesos mexicanos y un millón 95 mil 900 dólares estadunidenses.
Además, fueron asegurados 921 vehículos, 331 mil 950 litros de combustible, 732 armas, 76 mil 708 cartuchos y cargadores, así como 285 equipos de comunicación y cómputo, con base en datos preliminares elaborados por la Procuraduría General de la República (PGR).
Estas cifras concentran información de las acciones realizadas por la PGR, la Comisión Nacional de Seguridad a través de la Policía Federal y las Secretarías de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena) y Marina-Armada de México (Semar).
FIN
Friday, December 27, 2013
AZMEX UPDATE2 26-12-13
AZMEX UPDATE 2 26 DEC 2013
Note: don't usually get the details as in this one.
3 pursuits, 14 suspects in custody, all in a 24 hour period in Pinal County
Posted: Dec 24, 2013 10:00 AM by Faye DeHoff
http://www.kvoa.com/news/3-pursuits-14-suspects-in-custody-all-in-a-24-hour-period-in-pinal-county/
PINAL COUNTY - In a 24 hour time period, Pinal County deputies, along with other agencies, are involved in five separate investigations that result in three separate pursuits and 14 suspects taken into custody, all of which were tied to drug and human trafficking in Pinal County.
On Wednesday, Dec. 18, on Johnson Road near West Mayer Road, after a deputy saw the driver of a vehicle commit several traffic violations, he tried to pull it over, but the driver refused to stop and a pursuit began. The vehicle traveled at a high rate of speed and ran through several stop signs. The vehicle eventually went southbound on Powerline Road towards Vekol Valley. The vehicle drove into a large dip in the roadway and became stuck. The Hispanic male driver and passenger ran on foot into the desert in a southeasterly direction.
Inside the vehicle, the deputy observed several packaged bundles of marijuana which weighed 404 pounds, with a street value of $303,000. Deputies searched for four hours but were not able to locate the driver and passenger. The vehicle and marijuana were seized.
Later, at 7:27 p.m., members of the U.S. Border Patrol and deputies were involved in a pursuit with a Chevy Tahoe, which failed to stop for a traffic stop. The vehicle eventually drove into the desert near Interstate 8 and Thornton Road. Between 10 to 15 Hispanic males ran into the desert. The area was searched for the suspects but deputies had to leave to assist with the below listed pursuit. The vehicle was seized.
At 8:19 p.m., a Pinal County Sheriff's Deputy attempted to stop a Saab passenger car in the area of Highway 84 and Midway Road after he observed the driver of the vehicle commit several traffic violations. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit began. The driver was going at speeds in excess of 100 mph. In apparent desperation, the passenger in the vehicle began to toss packaged bundles of marijuana out of the vehicle. The driver headed into the desert and stopped. The Hispanic male driver and passenger ran into the desert.
Deputies collected the marijuana thrown out of the vehicle and also discovered additional packaged bundles inside of the vehicle in the backseat and trunk. The marijuana weighed 282.5 pounds with a street value of $211.875.
On Wednesday Dec.18 and Thursday Dec. 19, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office - Anti-Smuggling Unit and Narcotic Task Force working with the West Desert Task Force seized over 1,363 pounds of marijuana during five separate investigations. The marijuana has a street value of $1,022,250. A total of 14 suspects were arrested.
All 14 suspects were booked into the Pinal County Jail. The majority of the suspects were backpacking loads of marijuana from Mexico into the United States.
35-year old Daniel Medrano-Vasquez of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana. He is already a convicted felon in the United States from a prior criminal offense. He has been deported out of the United States already on prior occasions.
37-year old Roberto Israel Sanchez of Tucson - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.. He has two prior Failure to Appears for prior criminal charges. He also had a warrant out for his arrest for Driving on a Suspended License.
36-year old Bernardo Arturo Bejarhno-Portillo of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana. He also had an outstanding warrant out of the Maricopa County Superior, for Failure to Appear on a prior felony case. He has been arrested two previous times for felony drug offenses and has been deported out of the United States three prior times.
19-year old Rosario de Jesus Pacheco-Ramirez of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
44-year old Gustavo Ruvias-Gutierrez of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana. He has been arrested in the United States previously for Auto Theft and Possession of Stolen Property. He has been previously deported from the U.S. on several prior occasions.
22-year old Vacilio Alvarez-Dortez of Mexico - Possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and transportation of marijuana.
22-year old Armando Campas-Ozuna of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
26-year old Luis Villasuza-Talazoh of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
48-year old Rodrigo Jara-Corral of Mexico -Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
44-year old Jorge Beltran-Alcante of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
34-year old Rude Rene Romero of Tucson - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana. He has an outstanding warrant also for Driving on a Suspended License.
22-year old Marikzu Somoza-Montano of Tucson - She complained of medical issues and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Charges will be filed through the Pinal County Attorney's Office request she be charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
41-year old Humberto Rodriguez-Perez of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, "These eight cases all tied to drug and human smuggling occurred within a 24 hour time frame 70 miles north of the Mexican border."
The West Desert Task Force is a joint initiative between U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations and the Pinal County Sheriff's Department to combat narcotics trafficking in the West Desert region of Arizona. The task force is sponsored by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and works in association with the Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats (ACTT).
END
Note: Another cloned vehicle
BP stops migrant- and drug-smuggling attempts
Hidden in trunk
Courtesy U.S. Border Patrol
Hidden in trunk
This man was found in a trunk at the I-19 checkpoint on Dec. 20.
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/bp-stops-migrant--and-drug-smuggling-attempts/article_549b8166-6e84-11e3-aace-0019bb2963f4.html
Posted: Thursday, December 26, 2013 4:20 pm | Updated: 4:22 pm, Thu Dec 26, 2013.
Nogales International
Nogales-based Border Patrol agents made a human-smuggling bust one day last week, then seized 1,654 pounds of marijuana the next.
The first incident came at the I-19 checkpoint on Dec. 20 when a service dog alerted agents to a Ford Mustang driven by a U.S. citizen. The agents subsequently discovered an undocumented immigrant hidden in the trunk of the vehicle.
Then on Dec. 21, detection technology in the Nogales area led agents to a white Chevrolet Tahoe with what appeared to be a government license plate.
When the agents attempted to make contact with the driver, the vehicle sped off. Shortly thereafter, the driver abandoned the vehicle near the border and absconded into Mexico.
Agents then learned that the Tahoe was not owned by the government, the license plate was fictitious, and there were 86 bundles of marijuana inside the SUV worth $827,000.
END
Note: the war on Hispanic culture continues
2 arrested after officer sees cockfight in Phoenix yard
Posted: Dec 26, 2013 12:36 PM MST
Updated: Dec 26, 2013 12:41 PM MST
By Adriana Desiderio, FOX 10 Web Producer - bio
PHOENIX -
Two men were arrested on Wednesday afternoon for allegedly participating in cock fights.
Phoenix police say one of their officers was passing a home near 7th Street and Southern when the officer saw 10 to 12 people in the rear yard congregated around multiple chicken coops.
The officer saw two roosters fighting in a plywood ring in the center.
When the people saw the officer, police say most of them scattered.
However, Jesus Israel Avalos and Ademir Guzman Avalos were still in the ring cleaning up feathers and blood and dismantling the plywood ring.
Police say both men admitted to raising chickens in the yard and breeding them to sell in Mexico for about $150 to $200 each.
Both Jesus Avalos and Ademir Avalos allegedly admitted to participating in the fight by weighing the roosters. They also admitted there were bets a total of three fights.
A scale, a tool bag with twine, boots and gaffs, a betting ledger and syringes were found and taken in as evidence. All birds were seized.
The humane society confirmed to police that the items are used for cock fighting.
Both men were arrested and face three counts of cockfighting.
Read more: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/24308599/2013/12/26/2-arrested-after-officer-sees-cockfight-at-phoenix-home#ixzz2odN2tkjk
Inicia Alcalde operativo BOOM
Detalles Publicado el Jueves 26 de Diciembre de 2013, Escrito por Redacción / El Diario
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/nota.php?nota=24414
Nogales
Militares y elementos de las policías federales, estatales y municipales patrullan la ciudad.
Por instrucciones del presidente municipal Ramón Guzmán Muñoz inició el Operativo Boom (Base Operativo Militar), donde participan militares y elementos de las policías federales, estatales y municipales.
El director de Seguridad Pública, Miguel Ángel Portillo Lugo, comentó que la ciudadanía puede estar tranquila y segura, ya que este operativo se implementa con el hecho de prevenir cualquier delito patrullando toda la ciudad.
" El operativo estará durante el periodo vacacional y externo una invitación a la ciudadanía a que denuncien si ven algún disparo de arma de fuego que se presentan en estas fechas navideñas o algún delito que se vaya a cometer que lo denuncien al 066 para que acudan los elementos", expresó Portillo Lugo.
Agregó que el operativo se efectuó gracias a los acuerdos que realiza el Alcalde con el general de la 45 zona militar, Hilario Miguel Mata Tinoco
FIN
Note: don't usually get the details as in this one.
3 pursuits, 14 suspects in custody, all in a 24 hour period in Pinal County
Posted: Dec 24, 2013 10:00 AM by Faye DeHoff
http://www.kvoa.com/news/3-pursuits-14-suspects-in-custody-all-in-a-24-hour-period-in-pinal-county/
PINAL COUNTY - In a 24 hour time period, Pinal County deputies, along with other agencies, are involved in five separate investigations that result in three separate pursuits and 14 suspects taken into custody, all of which were tied to drug and human trafficking in Pinal County.
On Wednesday, Dec. 18, on Johnson Road near West Mayer Road, after a deputy saw the driver of a vehicle commit several traffic violations, he tried to pull it over, but the driver refused to stop and a pursuit began. The vehicle traveled at a high rate of speed and ran through several stop signs. The vehicle eventually went southbound on Powerline Road towards Vekol Valley. The vehicle drove into a large dip in the roadway and became stuck. The Hispanic male driver and passenger ran on foot into the desert in a southeasterly direction.
Inside the vehicle, the deputy observed several packaged bundles of marijuana which weighed 404 pounds, with a street value of $303,000. Deputies searched for four hours but were not able to locate the driver and passenger. The vehicle and marijuana were seized.
Later, at 7:27 p.m., members of the U.S. Border Patrol and deputies were involved in a pursuit with a Chevy Tahoe, which failed to stop for a traffic stop. The vehicle eventually drove into the desert near Interstate 8 and Thornton Road. Between 10 to 15 Hispanic males ran into the desert. The area was searched for the suspects but deputies had to leave to assist with the below listed pursuit. The vehicle was seized.
At 8:19 p.m., a Pinal County Sheriff's Deputy attempted to stop a Saab passenger car in the area of Highway 84 and Midway Road after he observed the driver of the vehicle commit several traffic violations. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit began. The driver was going at speeds in excess of 100 mph. In apparent desperation, the passenger in the vehicle began to toss packaged bundles of marijuana out of the vehicle. The driver headed into the desert and stopped. The Hispanic male driver and passenger ran into the desert.
Deputies collected the marijuana thrown out of the vehicle and also discovered additional packaged bundles inside of the vehicle in the backseat and trunk. The marijuana weighed 282.5 pounds with a street value of $211.875.
On Wednesday Dec.18 and Thursday Dec. 19, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office - Anti-Smuggling Unit and Narcotic Task Force working with the West Desert Task Force seized over 1,363 pounds of marijuana during five separate investigations. The marijuana has a street value of $1,022,250. A total of 14 suspects were arrested.
All 14 suspects were booked into the Pinal County Jail. The majority of the suspects were backpacking loads of marijuana from Mexico into the United States.
35-year old Daniel Medrano-Vasquez of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana. He is already a convicted felon in the United States from a prior criminal offense. He has been deported out of the United States already on prior occasions.
37-year old Roberto Israel Sanchez of Tucson - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.. He has two prior Failure to Appears for prior criminal charges. He also had a warrant out for his arrest for Driving on a Suspended License.
36-year old Bernardo Arturo Bejarhno-Portillo of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana. He also had an outstanding warrant out of the Maricopa County Superior, for Failure to Appear on a prior felony case. He has been arrested two previous times for felony drug offenses and has been deported out of the United States three prior times.
19-year old Rosario de Jesus Pacheco-Ramirez of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
44-year old Gustavo Ruvias-Gutierrez of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana. He has been arrested in the United States previously for Auto Theft and Possession of Stolen Property. He has been previously deported from the U.S. on several prior occasions.
22-year old Vacilio Alvarez-Dortez of Mexico - Possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and transportation of marijuana.
22-year old Armando Campas-Ozuna of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
26-year old Luis Villasuza-Talazoh of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
48-year old Rodrigo Jara-Corral of Mexico -Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
44-year old Jorge Beltran-Alcante of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
34-year old Rude Rene Romero of Tucson - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana. He has an outstanding warrant also for Driving on a Suspended License.
22-year old Marikzu Somoza-Montano of Tucson - She complained of medical issues and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Charges will be filed through the Pinal County Attorney's Office request she be charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
41-year old Humberto Rodriguez-Perez of Mexico - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale and Transportation of Marijuana.
Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, "These eight cases all tied to drug and human smuggling occurred within a 24 hour time frame 70 miles north of the Mexican border."
The West Desert Task Force is a joint initiative between U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations and the Pinal County Sheriff's Department to combat narcotics trafficking in the West Desert region of Arizona. The task force is sponsored by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and works in association with the Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats (ACTT).
END
Note: Another cloned vehicle
BP stops migrant- and drug-smuggling attempts
Hidden in trunk
Courtesy U.S. Border Patrol
Hidden in trunk
This man was found in a trunk at the I-19 checkpoint on Dec. 20.
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/bp-stops-migrant--and-drug-smuggling-attempts/article_549b8166-6e84-11e3-aace-0019bb2963f4.html
Posted: Thursday, December 26, 2013 4:20 pm | Updated: 4:22 pm, Thu Dec 26, 2013.
Nogales International
Nogales-based Border Patrol agents made a human-smuggling bust one day last week, then seized 1,654 pounds of marijuana the next.
The first incident came at the I-19 checkpoint on Dec. 20 when a service dog alerted agents to a Ford Mustang driven by a U.S. citizen. The agents subsequently discovered an undocumented immigrant hidden in the trunk of the vehicle.
Then on Dec. 21, detection technology in the Nogales area led agents to a white Chevrolet Tahoe with what appeared to be a government license plate.
When the agents attempted to make contact with the driver, the vehicle sped off. Shortly thereafter, the driver abandoned the vehicle near the border and absconded into Mexico.
Agents then learned that the Tahoe was not owned by the government, the license plate was fictitious, and there were 86 bundles of marijuana inside the SUV worth $827,000.
END
Note: the war on Hispanic culture continues
2 arrested after officer sees cockfight in Phoenix yard
Posted: Dec 26, 2013 12:36 PM MST
Updated: Dec 26, 2013 12:41 PM MST
By Adriana Desiderio, FOX 10 Web Producer - bio
PHOENIX -
Two men were arrested on Wednesday afternoon for allegedly participating in cock fights.
Phoenix police say one of their officers was passing a home near 7th Street and Southern when the officer saw 10 to 12 people in the rear yard congregated around multiple chicken coops.
The officer saw two roosters fighting in a plywood ring in the center.
When the people saw the officer, police say most of them scattered.
However, Jesus Israel Avalos and Ademir Guzman Avalos were still in the ring cleaning up feathers and blood and dismantling the plywood ring.
Police say both men admitted to raising chickens in the yard and breeding them to sell in Mexico for about $150 to $200 each.
Both Jesus Avalos and Ademir Avalos allegedly admitted to participating in the fight by weighing the roosters. They also admitted there were bets a total of three fights.
A scale, a tool bag with twine, boots and gaffs, a betting ledger and syringes were found and taken in as evidence. All birds were seized.
The humane society confirmed to police that the items are used for cock fighting.
Both men were arrested and face three counts of cockfighting.
Read more: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/24308599/2013/12/26/2-arrested-after-officer-sees-cockfight-at-phoenix-home#ixzz2odN2tkjk
Inicia Alcalde operativo BOOM
Detalles Publicado el Jueves 26 de Diciembre de 2013, Escrito por Redacción / El Diario
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/nota.php?nota=24414
Nogales
Militares y elementos de las policías federales, estatales y municipales patrullan la ciudad.
Por instrucciones del presidente municipal Ramón Guzmán Muñoz inició el Operativo Boom (Base Operativo Militar), donde participan militares y elementos de las policías federales, estatales y municipales.
El director de Seguridad Pública, Miguel Ángel Portillo Lugo, comentó que la ciudadanía puede estar tranquila y segura, ya que este operativo se implementa con el hecho de prevenir cualquier delito patrullando toda la ciudad.
" El operativo estará durante el periodo vacacional y externo una invitación a la ciudadanía a que denuncien si ven algún disparo de arma de fuego que se presentan en estas fechas navideñas o algún delito que se vaya a cometer que lo denuncien al 066 para que acudan los elementos", expresó Portillo Lugo.
Agregó que el operativo se efectuó gracias a los acuerdos que realiza el Alcalde con el general de la 45 zona militar, Hilario Miguel Mata Tinoco
FIN
AZMEX UPDATE 26-12-13
AZMEX UPDATE 26 DEC 2013
Note: The next two for your weekend reading pleasure
Border Patrol arrests 15 smugglers, seizes marijuana
Posted: Monday, December 23, 2013 4:38 pm
By James Gilbert @YSJAMESGILBERT
Posted on December 23, 2013
http://www.yumasun.com/news/border-patrol-arrests-smugglers-seizes-marijuana/article_8bf6b76c-6c2b-11e3-86d2-0019bb30f31a.html
U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector's Wellton Station seized 13 bundles of marijuana and arrested 15 suspected smugglers near Gila Bend on Friday.
According to agent Douglas Choi of the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office, agents were on routine patrol near Sentinel when they spotted a large group of people walking toward Interstate 8.
"We have been seeing some activity around that area," Choi said. "It's kind of an open area. The closest towns would be Gila Bend and Dateland."
Choi said agents and an Office of Air and Marine (OAM) helicopter responded to the area, locating 13 bundles of marijuana and apprehending 15 Mexican nationals, all of whom had all entered the country illegally.
"Agents had observed them, so they responded to the area and apprehended them," Choi said.
The marijuana had a combined weight of 572 pounds and was worth an estimated $286,000.
The 15 men and 13 bundles of marijuana were turned over to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
END
BP agents arrest 9, seize 488 pounds of pot
Posted: Tuesday, December 24, 2013 10:30 pm
From staff reports
http://www.yumasun.com/news/bp-agents-arrest-seize-pounds-of-pot/article_da1331e2-6ccf-11e3-9397-0019bb30f31a.html
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Wellton Station seized 488 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $244,000 and arrested nine suspected drug smugglers Monday.
After agents patrolling near Gila Bend observed a large group of people walking toward Interstate 8 near Citrus Valley, an Office of Air and Marine helicopter responded to the area and observed nine men hiding behind brush along with 10 bundles.
Cardiovascular Center of Yuma 14566 300 x 250 Now accepting new patientsBeam Speed 13415 300 x 250
Agents responded to the area and apprehended the nine men, all Mexican citizens that had entered the country illegally. The bundles, which reported contained pot, were seized.
The men and pot were turned over to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
end
Note: corruption not limited to the RGV
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Commander Padilla arrested
Posted: Tuesday, December 24, 2013 10:12 am
Ildefonso Ortiz | iortiz@themonitor.com
Posted on December 24, 2013
Ildefonso Ortiz
http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/article_333d434e-6cb6-11e3-840f-001a4bcf6878.html
McALLEN – Federal authorities have arrested the second-highest ranking law enforcement official in the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office.
On Tuesday morning, Hidalgo County Sheriff's Commander Jose Padilla was arrested by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations assisted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, a former federal law enforcement official said on condition of anonymity.
While details of the arrest have not been released by any law enforcement agency, Padilla was arrested at 1:30 a.m. while he was returning from Las Vegas and is the latest lawman tied to the ongoing Panama Unit scandal for which nine former lawmen were set to be sentenced on December 19, however the sentencing was pushed back "in the interest of justice" court records show.
The postponing of the sentencing came just days before Padilla's arrest. He is expected to be formally charged on Tuesday morning, meaning that the sheriff's commander may spend the Christmas holidays behind bars.
Padilla is accused of helping suspected drug traffickers by providing protection during drug transactions, another law enforcement official familiar with the case confirmed. He is facing charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and money laundering.
The nine lawmen were set to receive their punishment for various drug conspiracy charges involving the stealing of drug loads from suspects which were then sold to another drug trafficker for profit.
The case got their name from the Panama Unit, a street level drug enforcement task force made up of sheriff's deputies and Mission Police Detective Jonathan Trevino, son of Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino. The arrest sparked public interest because, in addition to Trevino, Alexis Espinoza another Mission police officer also convicted in the case came from a law enforcement family; he is the son of Hidalgo Police Chief Rudy Espinoza.
While most of the former officers pleaded guilty during the trial, Deputy Jorge Garza fought the charges unsuccessfully and went to trial in early August. During the week-long trial, Garza's attorney Lilly Ann Gutierrez put the spotlight on Sheriff Lupe Trevino and his department rather than on Garza. Gutierrez called several people to the stand with several current and former police officers, including Padilla, asking for protection under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution granting him protection from self-incrimination.
Various witnesses portrayed Padilla as a ruthless enforcer who forced deputies to bring cash to him for political purposes regardless of the costs, a claim that Lupe Trevino denied when he took the stand.
Tomas Gonzalez, the owner of a Weslaco produce company and suspected drug trafficker, was mentioned during the trial as a political supporter who was ready to donate campaign money.
Gonzalez was arrested by federal agents on August 2 during the time of the Panama Unit trial and remains in federal custody facing various drug conspiracy charges. A law enforcement official confirmed that Padilla is believed to have helped Gonzalez by having deputies around when drug deals were carried out in order to scare off rival drug dealers looking to steal the drugs.
END
Note: computer english
AUC , last exit to social glut : Archbishop of Morelia
EDITOR
23 DECEMBER 2013
Self-defense and takes Ixtapita The Huacana , Michoacán .
Photo: Francisco Castellanos
http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=361038
MEXICO CITY , ( ap ) - . Archbishop of Morelia, Alberto Suárez Inda , accepted that self-defense groups operating in unconstitutional , but justified his presence because people are fed up with the onslaught of organized crime.
"The Church does not see well the formation of self-defense , but we see that there are times when people have resorted to this as a last choice " the prelate said at a press conference .
To disarm these groups , he said, the authorities need to first remove the weapons from the criminals that threaten the peace of the people.
Is necessary, he stressed that authorities restore order and establish the basis for trust in the authorities there .
"We need to restore order to put bases there reliable authorities for municipalities are really serving the people and not the people to serve the servants ( ... ) live in a situation of violence , sadly it's something terrible and uncertainty " he explained.
Suárez Inda said it is unconstitutional for some people - want - the paramilitaries take justice into their own hands but so is the other - organized - crime act with impunity " destroying all righteousness and crushing the dignity of people , living with the threat or extortion or kidnapping , which can not be granted , "he said .
The prelate said that " the Church will continue to denounce anything that goes against human dignity , in addition to continue to work towards converting those engaged in crime ."
Restore order and fight for better administration of justice , he added, will be the challenge for Michoacán in 2014.
end
DECOMISO
Asegura Ejército Mexicano armas y granadas en Sinaloa
El armamento fue asegurado a varios miembros de un grupo armado que abandonaron sus vehículos cerca de Sinaloa de Leyva
UNIV
24-12-2013 | 12:28 PM
http://www.noroeste.com.mx/publicaciones.php?id=918201
CULIACÁN, Sin._ Elementos del Ejército decomisaron un arsenal compuesto por 18 armas de fuego (en su mayoría fusiles automáticos), tres granadas, dos mil cartuchos útiles y chalecos tácticos.
El armamento fue asegurado a varios miembros de un grupo armado que abandonaron sus vehículos cerca de Sinaloa de Leyva.
Los sujetos lograron huir del cerco que los soldados tendieron en el lugar.
En esa misma zona, en lo que va de este mes, elementos castrenses han tenido varios enfrentamientos con grupos armados.
El primero ocurrió el pasado 11 de diciembre en la zona del Batamote, rumbo a la cabecera municipal de Sinaloa.
Los delincuentes que en este entonces lograron eludir a los soldados abandonaron en un rancho 4 fusiles AK-47, cinco granadas, mil 200 cartuchos, uniformes tipo militar y se localizó un tigre encadenado.
Dos días después, en un recorrido por el mismo poblado, los soldados se percataron que en dos humildes viviendas se ocultaban varios hombres armados y mantenían estacionadas camionetas blindadas, por lo que al intentar verificar el lugar fueron recibidos a tiros.
FIN
Autodefensas, última salida al hartazgo social: arzobispo de Morelia
LA REDACCIÓN
23 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2013
DESTACADO
La autodefensa toma Ixtapita y La Huacana, Michoacán.
Foto: Francisco Castellanos
La autodefensa toma Ixtapita y La Huacana, Michoacán.
Foto: Francisco Castellanos
http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=361038
MÉXICO, D.F., (apro).- El arzobispo de Morelia, Alberto Suárez Inda, aceptó que los grupos de autodefensa operan en la inconstitucionalidad, aunque justificó su presencia porque la población está harta ante el embate del crimen organizado.
"La Iglesia no ve bien la conformación de las autodefensas, pero vemos que hay momentos en que la gente ha recurrido a esto como una última salida" afirmó el prelado en rueda de prensa.
Para poder desarmar a estos grupos, dijo, es necesario que las autoridades quiten primero las armas a quienes amenazan la paz de las poblaciones.
Es necesario, subrayó, que las autoridades restauren el orden y establezcan las bases para que haya confianza en las autoridades.
"Necesitamos restaurar el orden poner bases para que haya autoridades confiables para que los municipios realmente sean al servicio de la gente y no la gente al servicio de los funcionarios (…) vivimos una situación de violencia, tristemente es algo terrible y de incertidumbre", abundó.
Suárez Inda afirmó que es inconstitucional que algunas personas –las autodefensas—quieran hacer justicia por su propia mano pero también lo es que otras –del rimen organizado—actúen impunemente "destruyendo toda justicia y aplastando la dignidad de las personas, viviendo a través de la extorsión o la amenaza o de secuestros, lo que no es posible conceder", sostuvo.
El prelado sostuvo que "la Iglesia continuará denunciando todo aquello que vaya en contra de la dignidad humana, además de que seguirá trabajando para lograr la conversión de quienes se dedican a delinquir".
Restaurar el orden y pugnar por una mejor impartición de justicia, abundó, será el reto para Michoacán en 2014.
fin
Note: The next two for your weekend reading pleasure
Border Patrol arrests 15 smugglers, seizes marijuana
Posted: Monday, December 23, 2013 4:38 pm
By James Gilbert @YSJAMESGILBERT
Posted on December 23, 2013
http://www.yumasun.com/news/border-patrol-arrests-smugglers-seizes-marijuana/article_8bf6b76c-6c2b-11e3-86d2-0019bb30f31a.html
U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector's Wellton Station seized 13 bundles of marijuana and arrested 15 suspected smugglers near Gila Bend on Friday.
According to agent Douglas Choi of the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office, agents were on routine patrol near Sentinel when they spotted a large group of people walking toward Interstate 8.
"We have been seeing some activity around that area," Choi said. "It's kind of an open area. The closest towns would be Gila Bend and Dateland."
Choi said agents and an Office of Air and Marine (OAM) helicopter responded to the area, locating 13 bundles of marijuana and apprehending 15 Mexican nationals, all of whom had all entered the country illegally.
"Agents had observed them, so they responded to the area and apprehended them," Choi said.
The marijuana had a combined weight of 572 pounds and was worth an estimated $286,000.
The 15 men and 13 bundles of marijuana were turned over to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
END
BP agents arrest 9, seize 488 pounds of pot
Posted: Tuesday, December 24, 2013 10:30 pm
From staff reports
http://www.yumasun.com/news/bp-agents-arrest-seize-pounds-of-pot/article_da1331e2-6ccf-11e3-9397-0019bb30f31a.html
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Wellton Station seized 488 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $244,000 and arrested nine suspected drug smugglers Monday.
After agents patrolling near Gila Bend observed a large group of people walking toward Interstate 8 near Citrus Valley, an Office of Air and Marine helicopter responded to the area and observed nine men hiding behind brush along with 10 bundles.
Cardiovascular Center of Yuma 14566 300 x 250 Now accepting new patientsBeam Speed 13415 300 x 250
Agents responded to the area and apprehended the nine men, all Mexican citizens that had entered the country illegally. The bundles, which reported contained pot, were seized.
The men and pot were turned over to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
end
Note: corruption not limited to the RGV
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Commander Padilla arrested
Posted: Tuesday, December 24, 2013 10:12 am
Ildefonso Ortiz | iortiz@themonitor.com
Posted on December 24, 2013
Ildefonso Ortiz
http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/article_333d434e-6cb6-11e3-840f-001a4bcf6878.html
McALLEN – Federal authorities have arrested the second-highest ranking law enforcement official in the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office.
On Tuesday morning, Hidalgo County Sheriff's Commander Jose Padilla was arrested by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations assisted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, a former federal law enforcement official said on condition of anonymity.
While details of the arrest have not been released by any law enforcement agency, Padilla was arrested at 1:30 a.m. while he was returning from Las Vegas and is the latest lawman tied to the ongoing Panama Unit scandal for which nine former lawmen were set to be sentenced on December 19, however the sentencing was pushed back "in the interest of justice" court records show.
The postponing of the sentencing came just days before Padilla's arrest. He is expected to be formally charged on Tuesday morning, meaning that the sheriff's commander may spend the Christmas holidays behind bars.
Padilla is accused of helping suspected drug traffickers by providing protection during drug transactions, another law enforcement official familiar with the case confirmed. He is facing charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and money laundering.
The nine lawmen were set to receive their punishment for various drug conspiracy charges involving the stealing of drug loads from suspects which were then sold to another drug trafficker for profit.
The case got their name from the Panama Unit, a street level drug enforcement task force made up of sheriff's deputies and Mission Police Detective Jonathan Trevino, son of Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino. The arrest sparked public interest because, in addition to Trevino, Alexis Espinoza another Mission police officer also convicted in the case came from a law enforcement family; he is the son of Hidalgo Police Chief Rudy Espinoza.
While most of the former officers pleaded guilty during the trial, Deputy Jorge Garza fought the charges unsuccessfully and went to trial in early August. During the week-long trial, Garza's attorney Lilly Ann Gutierrez put the spotlight on Sheriff Lupe Trevino and his department rather than on Garza. Gutierrez called several people to the stand with several current and former police officers, including Padilla, asking for protection under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution granting him protection from self-incrimination.
Various witnesses portrayed Padilla as a ruthless enforcer who forced deputies to bring cash to him for political purposes regardless of the costs, a claim that Lupe Trevino denied when he took the stand.
Tomas Gonzalez, the owner of a Weslaco produce company and suspected drug trafficker, was mentioned during the trial as a political supporter who was ready to donate campaign money.
Gonzalez was arrested by federal agents on August 2 during the time of the Panama Unit trial and remains in federal custody facing various drug conspiracy charges. A law enforcement official confirmed that Padilla is believed to have helped Gonzalez by having deputies around when drug deals were carried out in order to scare off rival drug dealers looking to steal the drugs.
END
Note: computer english
AUC , last exit to social glut : Archbishop of Morelia
EDITOR
23 DECEMBER 2013
Self-defense and takes Ixtapita The Huacana , Michoacán .
Photo: Francisco Castellanos
http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=361038
MEXICO CITY , ( ap ) - . Archbishop of Morelia, Alberto Suárez Inda , accepted that self-defense groups operating in unconstitutional , but justified his presence because people are fed up with the onslaught of organized crime.
"The Church does not see well the formation of self-defense , but we see that there are times when people have resorted to this as a last choice " the prelate said at a press conference .
To disarm these groups , he said, the authorities need to first remove the weapons from the criminals that threaten the peace of the people.
Is necessary, he stressed that authorities restore order and establish the basis for trust in the authorities there .
"We need to restore order to put bases there reliable authorities for municipalities are really serving the people and not the people to serve the servants ( ... ) live in a situation of violence , sadly it's something terrible and uncertainty " he explained.
Suárez Inda said it is unconstitutional for some people - want - the paramilitaries take justice into their own hands but so is the other - organized - crime act with impunity " destroying all righteousness and crushing the dignity of people , living with the threat or extortion or kidnapping , which can not be granted , "he said .
The prelate said that " the Church will continue to denounce anything that goes against human dignity , in addition to continue to work towards converting those engaged in crime ."
Restore order and fight for better administration of justice , he added, will be the challenge for Michoacán in 2014.
end
DECOMISO
Asegura Ejército Mexicano armas y granadas en Sinaloa
El armamento fue asegurado a varios miembros de un grupo armado que abandonaron sus vehículos cerca de Sinaloa de Leyva
UNIV
24-12-2013 | 12:28 PM
http://www.noroeste.com.mx/publicaciones.php?id=918201
CULIACÁN, Sin._ Elementos del Ejército decomisaron un arsenal compuesto por 18 armas de fuego (en su mayoría fusiles automáticos), tres granadas, dos mil cartuchos útiles y chalecos tácticos.
El armamento fue asegurado a varios miembros de un grupo armado que abandonaron sus vehículos cerca de Sinaloa de Leyva.
Los sujetos lograron huir del cerco que los soldados tendieron en el lugar.
En esa misma zona, en lo que va de este mes, elementos castrenses han tenido varios enfrentamientos con grupos armados.
El primero ocurrió el pasado 11 de diciembre en la zona del Batamote, rumbo a la cabecera municipal de Sinaloa.
Los delincuentes que en este entonces lograron eludir a los soldados abandonaron en un rancho 4 fusiles AK-47, cinco granadas, mil 200 cartuchos, uniformes tipo militar y se localizó un tigre encadenado.
Dos días después, en un recorrido por el mismo poblado, los soldados se percataron que en dos humildes viviendas se ocultaban varios hombres armados y mantenían estacionadas camionetas blindadas, por lo que al intentar verificar el lugar fueron recibidos a tiros.
FIN
Autodefensas, última salida al hartazgo social: arzobispo de Morelia
LA REDACCIÓN
23 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2013
DESTACADO
La autodefensa toma Ixtapita y La Huacana, Michoacán.
Foto: Francisco Castellanos
La autodefensa toma Ixtapita y La Huacana, Michoacán.
Foto: Francisco Castellanos
http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=361038
MÉXICO, D.F., (apro).- El arzobispo de Morelia, Alberto Suárez Inda, aceptó que los grupos de autodefensa operan en la inconstitucionalidad, aunque justificó su presencia porque la población está harta ante el embate del crimen organizado.
"La Iglesia no ve bien la conformación de las autodefensas, pero vemos que hay momentos en que la gente ha recurrido a esto como una última salida" afirmó el prelado en rueda de prensa.
Para poder desarmar a estos grupos, dijo, es necesario que las autoridades quiten primero las armas a quienes amenazan la paz de las poblaciones.
Es necesario, subrayó, que las autoridades restauren el orden y establezcan las bases para que haya confianza en las autoridades.
"Necesitamos restaurar el orden poner bases para que haya autoridades confiables para que los municipios realmente sean al servicio de la gente y no la gente al servicio de los funcionarios (…) vivimos una situación de violencia, tristemente es algo terrible y de incertidumbre", abundó.
Suárez Inda afirmó que es inconstitucional que algunas personas –las autodefensas—quieran hacer justicia por su propia mano pero también lo es que otras –del rimen organizado—actúen impunemente "destruyendo toda justicia y aplastando la dignidad de las personas, viviendo a través de la extorsión o la amenaza o de secuestros, lo que no es posible conceder", sostuvo.
El prelado sostuvo que "la Iglesia continuará denunciando todo aquello que vaya en contra de la dignidad humana, además de que seguirá trabajando para lograr la conversión de quienes se dedican a delinquir".
Restaurar el orden y pugnar por una mejor impartición de justicia, abundó, será el reto para Michoacán en 2014.
fin
Thursday, December 26, 2013
AZMEX F&F EXTRA 26-12-13
AZMEX F&F EXTRA 26 DEC 2013
Agent: FBI key in border agent Terry slaying
Book claims feds had ties to killers of Ariz. border agent
RELATED NEWS
Judge dismisses suit filed by Terry's parents
Behind operation
Investigation finds fault in 'Fast and Furious'
Feds blamed
By Dennis Wagner
The Republic | azcentral.com
Thu Dec 26, 2013 7:33 AM
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/20131226fast-furious-agent-terry-killing-book.html
A federal agent who exposed the Justice Department's flawed gun-trafficking investigation known as Operation Fast and Furious says the FBI played a key role in events leading to the 2010 murder near Nogales, Ariz., of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.
John Dodson, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, contends that the bandits who killed Terry were working for FBI operatives and were sent to the border to do a drug rip-off using intelligence from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
"I don't think the (FBI) assets were part of the rip-off crew," Dodson said. "I think they were directing the rip crew."
Dodson's comments to The Arizona Republic amplify assertions he made in his recently released book, "The Unarmed Truth," about his role as a whistle-blower in the Fast and Furious debacle.
Terry belonged to an elite Border Patrol tactical team sent to a remote area known as Peck Canyon, roughly a dozen miles northwest of Nogales, where violence had escalated because criminal gangs were stealing narcotics from drug runners known as mules. He was slain in a shootout with several bandits. Two assault-type rifles found at the scene were subsequently traced to Fast and Furious.
The operation, based in Phoenix, was launched in 2009 to identify and prosecute drug lords, but instead allowed guns to be "walked" into the hands of Mexican criminals. ATF agents encouraged licensed firearms dealers in Arizona to sell more than 2,000 weapons to known "straw buyers" who were working for cartels. Instead of arresting suspects immediately, surveillance agents took notes and let them disappear with the guns.
After the Terry slaying and an attempted cover-up within the Justice Department, Dodson provided evidence and testimony to Congress. His revelations, later verified by an Office of the Inspector General's report, ignited a national scandal over Fast and Furious that resulted in a congressional contempt citation against Attorney General Eric Holder and the replacement of top ATF and Justice Department officials.
In his book, Dodson uses cautious language to characterize his account of circumstances surrounding Terry's death, saying the information is based on firsthand knowledge, personal opinion and press reports. He asserts that the DEA had information about, and may have orchestrated, a large drug shipment through Peck Canyon that December night. He alleges that DEA agents shared that intelligence with FBI counterparts, who advised criminal informants from another cartel that the load would be "theirs for the taking."
"Stealing such a shipment would increase the clout of the FBI informants in the cartel organization they had penetrated," Dodson wrote, "and thus lead to better intel for them in the future."
Representatives of the FBI, ATF and DEA declined to discuss that agent's assertions or to answer questions about Terry's death.
Some of Dodson's narrative is documented in the Justice Department inspector general's review, which described how Fast and Furious became tangled with collateral cases under the FBI and DEA. The inspector general's report says the agencies' failure to appreciate the significance of the inter-connected cases was "troubling." However, it does not allege that the DEA knew of a drug shipment going through Peck Canyon, or that the FBI passed such information to informants.
The primary target of Fast and Furious was a Phoenix man named Manuel Celis-Acosta, who federal authorities believe was responsible for more than 1,500 weapons purchases during the 15-month probe. After the operation began in 2009, DEA officials informed ATF that they had a wiretap on Celis-Acosta and were monitoring his firearm activities. About the same time, according to congressional documents, two of Celis-Acosta's associates who had financed gun purchases were cultivated as FBI informants.
Dodson alleges in his book that they even used "FBI money to ultimately purchase a significant portion of the firearms."
Of the five men accused in the shooting, two are awaiting trial, one is reportedly in the custody of Mexican authorities and two remain at large. U.S. District Court records concerning the case have been sealed at the request of the Justice Department.
Dodson told The Arizona Republic that ATF administrators unsuccessfully tried to block publication of his manuscript and insisted that he qualify allegations about the Terry homicide to indicate they were not based upon classified information he gained as an agent. "They were very strict and stern about that," he noted.
Dodson, who worked on an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force after Fast and Furious, said the FBI began using foreign counter-intelligence methods to investigate drug cartels domestically after the 9/11 attacks. He said agents sometimes allow or encourage criminal conduct by operatives to help them rise within organizations, and thus to produce better intelligence. He alleged that the attempted border rip-off that ended in Terry's death was one such case.
"If they can get these guys (informants) in a position so they're closer to the Tier 1 or Tier 2 guy (in the cartel), they'll do it," he said. "They want to make these guys (operatives) rock stars" in the eyes of drug lords.
Dodson said the practice is justified in the bureau by a perception that "it doesn't matter what they (informants) are doing; these crimes are going to be happening anyway." However, he added, the result is that agents strengthen a cartel to gain intelligence — and other agents or informants may do the same for rival crime syndicates.
"Essentially, the United States government is involved in cartel-building," Dodson said.
A high-ranking cartel official facing trial in Chicago has made similar allegations in seeking to have charges against him thrown out. Jesus Zambada-Niebla, an associate of drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and son of another narcotics boss, filed federal court motions claiming the Sinaloa Cartel leaders had a longtime arrangement with U.S. law enforcement.
"(They) were given carte blanche to continue to smuggle tons of illicit drugs into Chicago and the rest of the United States and were also protected by the United States government from arrest and prosecution in return for providing information against rival cartels which helped Mexican and United States authorities capture or kill thousands of rival cartel members," the motion stated.
Zambada-Niebla asserted that he was granted immunity during a 2011 meeting with DEA agents and their operative, cartel attorney Humberto Loya-Castro. Federal prosecutors admitted to a longtime informant relationship with Loya-Castro, and confirmed he was allowed to participate in criminal conduct "as specifically authorized" by Justice Department officials.
Zambada-Niebla is awaiting trial. A judge has rejected his motion for a dismissal based on informant immunity.
Dodson, who remains an ATF agent, is now based in Tucson, where he says he is treated as a pariah. "The Unarmed Truth" is a personal account of his saga as a whistle-blower, but also a critique of Fast and Furious that portrays colleagues as a gang that couldn't think straight.
The book contains few revelations beyond the assertions about Terry's death. The narrative style sometimes resembles prose in a detective novel, as when Dodson describes his decision to go public on a televised news broadcast.
"I didn't start this war and I sure as hell wasn't the cause of it," he wrote. "But now that I was in it, I'd rather go down charging the pillbox than be sniped while sitting on my ass in the hedgerow. Here I come."
During a phone interview, Dodson was asked whether cartel operatives would have been able to smuggle guns out of Arizona — as they'd been doing for years — even if the government had not aided them with Fast and Furious.
"Yes," he answered. "But would it have happened in the same numbers? No, I don't think so."
He also was asked if a "gun-walking" strategy would have been justified if Fast and Furious had included some method of tracking the weapons to cartel kingpins.
"Does sometimes the ends justify the means? Yeah, I guess it does," Dodson said. Phoenix investigators, however, had no such plan, he said, "and there was no way we were going to take down a cartel with what we were doing."
END
Agent: FBI key in border agent Terry slaying
Book claims feds had ties to killers of Ariz. border agent
RELATED NEWS
Judge dismisses suit filed by Terry's parents
Behind operation
Investigation finds fault in 'Fast and Furious'
Feds blamed
By Dennis Wagner
The Republic | azcentral.com
Thu Dec 26, 2013 7:33 AM
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/20131226fast-furious-agent-terry-killing-book.html
A federal agent who exposed the Justice Department's flawed gun-trafficking investigation known as Operation Fast and Furious says the FBI played a key role in events leading to the 2010 murder near Nogales, Ariz., of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.
John Dodson, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, contends that the bandits who killed Terry were working for FBI operatives and were sent to the border to do a drug rip-off using intelligence from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
"I don't think the (FBI) assets were part of the rip-off crew," Dodson said. "I think they were directing the rip crew."
Dodson's comments to The Arizona Republic amplify assertions he made in his recently released book, "The Unarmed Truth," about his role as a whistle-blower in the Fast and Furious debacle.
Terry belonged to an elite Border Patrol tactical team sent to a remote area known as Peck Canyon, roughly a dozen miles northwest of Nogales, where violence had escalated because criminal gangs were stealing narcotics from drug runners known as mules. He was slain in a shootout with several bandits. Two assault-type rifles found at the scene were subsequently traced to Fast and Furious.
The operation, based in Phoenix, was launched in 2009 to identify and prosecute drug lords, but instead allowed guns to be "walked" into the hands of Mexican criminals. ATF agents encouraged licensed firearms dealers in Arizona to sell more than 2,000 weapons to known "straw buyers" who were working for cartels. Instead of arresting suspects immediately, surveillance agents took notes and let them disappear with the guns.
After the Terry slaying and an attempted cover-up within the Justice Department, Dodson provided evidence and testimony to Congress. His revelations, later verified by an Office of the Inspector General's report, ignited a national scandal over Fast and Furious that resulted in a congressional contempt citation against Attorney General Eric Holder and the replacement of top ATF and Justice Department officials.
In his book, Dodson uses cautious language to characterize his account of circumstances surrounding Terry's death, saying the information is based on firsthand knowledge, personal opinion and press reports. He asserts that the DEA had information about, and may have orchestrated, a large drug shipment through Peck Canyon that December night. He alleges that DEA agents shared that intelligence with FBI counterparts, who advised criminal informants from another cartel that the load would be "theirs for the taking."
"Stealing such a shipment would increase the clout of the FBI informants in the cartel organization they had penetrated," Dodson wrote, "and thus lead to better intel for them in the future."
Representatives of the FBI, ATF and DEA declined to discuss that agent's assertions or to answer questions about Terry's death.
Some of Dodson's narrative is documented in the Justice Department inspector general's review, which described how Fast and Furious became tangled with collateral cases under the FBI and DEA. The inspector general's report says the agencies' failure to appreciate the significance of the inter-connected cases was "troubling." However, it does not allege that the DEA knew of a drug shipment going through Peck Canyon, or that the FBI passed such information to informants.
The primary target of Fast and Furious was a Phoenix man named Manuel Celis-Acosta, who federal authorities believe was responsible for more than 1,500 weapons purchases during the 15-month probe. After the operation began in 2009, DEA officials informed ATF that they had a wiretap on Celis-Acosta and were monitoring his firearm activities. About the same time, according to congressional documents, two of Celis-Acosta's associates who had financed gun purchases were cultivated as FBI informants.
Dodson alleges in his book that they even used "FBI money to ultimately purchase a significant portion of the firearms."
Of the five men accused in the shooting, two are awaiting trial, one is reportedly in the custody of Mexican authorities and two remain at large. U.S. District Court records concerning the case have been sealed at the request of the Justice Department.
Dodson told The Arizona Republic that ATF administrators unsuccessfully tried to block publication of his manuscript and insisted that he qualify allegations about the Terry homicide to indicate they were not based upon classified information he gained as an agent. "They were very strict and stern about that," he noted.
Dodson, who worked on an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force after Fast and Furious, said the FBI began using foreign counter-intelligence methods to investigate drug cartels domestically after the 9/11 attacks. He said agents sometimes allow or encourage criminal conduct by operatives to help them rise within organizations, and thus to produce better intelligence. He alleged that the attempted border rip-off that ended in Terry's death was one such case.
"If they can get these guys (informants) in a position so they're closer to the Tier 1 or Tier 2 guy (in the cartel), they'll do it," he said. "They want to make these guys (operatives) rock stars" in the eyes of drug lords.
Dodson said the practice is justified in the bureau by a perception that "it doesn't matter what they (informants) are doing; these crimes are going to be happening anyway." However, he added, the result is that agents strengthen a cartel to gain intelligence — and other agents or informants may do the same for rival crime syndicates.
"Essentially, the United States government is involved in cartel-building," Dodson said.
A high-ranking cartel official facing trial in Chicago has made similar allegations in seeking to have charges against him thrown out. Jesus Zambada-Niebla, an associate of drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and son of another narcotics boss, filed federal court motions claiming the Sinaloa Cartel leaders had a longtime arrangement with U.S. law enforcement.
"(They) were given carte blanche to continue to smuggle tons of illicit drugs into Chicago and the rest of the United States and were also protected by the United States government from arrest and prosecution in return for providing information against rival cartels which helped Mexican and United States authorities capture or kill thousands of rival cartel members," the motion stated.
Zambada-Niebla asserted that he was granted immunity during a 2011 meeting with DEA agents and their operative, cartel attorney Humberto Loya-Castro. Federal prosecutors admitted to a longtime informant relationship with Loya-Castro, and confirmed he was allowed to participate in criminal conduct "as specifically authorized" by Justice Department officials.
Zambada-Niebla is awaiting trial. A judge has rejected his motion for a dismissal based on informant immunity.
Dodson, who remains an ATF agent, is now based in Tucson, where he says he is treated as a pariah. "The Unarmed Truth" is a personal account of his saga as a whistle-blower, but also a critique of Fast and Furious that portrays colleagues as a gang that couldn't think straight.
The book contains few revelations beyond the assertions about Terry's death. The narrative style sometimes resembles prose in a detective novel, as when Dodson describes his decision to go public on a televised news broadcast.
"I didn't start this war and I sure as hell wasn't the cause of it," he wrote. "But now that I was in it, I'd rather go down charging the pillbox than be sniped while sitting on my ass in the hedgerow. Here I come."
During a phone interview, Dodson was asked whether cartel operatives would have been able to smuggle guns out of Arizona — as they'd been doing for years — even if the government had not aided them with Fast and Furious.
"Yes," he answered. "But would it have happened in the same numbers? No, I don't think so."
He also was asked if a "gun-walking" strategy would have been justified if Fast and Furious had included some method of tracking the weapons to cartel kingpins.
"Does sometimes the ends justify the means? Yeah, I guess it does," Dodson said. Phoenix investigators, however, had no such plan, he said, "and there was no way we were going to take down a cartel with what we were doing."
END
Saturday, December 21, 2013
AZMEX I3 19-12-13
AZMEX I3 19 DEC 2013
Note: Didn't think it could get any worse? For those who may have missed it.
Homeland Security helps smuggle illegal immigrant children into the U.S.
By Stephen Dinan-The Washington Times Thursday, December 19, 2013
A federal judge in Texas late last week accused the Obama administration of aiding drug cartels, saying that instead of enforcing immigration laws, agents knowingly helped smuggle an illegal immigrant girl into the U.S. to live with her mother, also an illegal immigrant, in Virginia.
In a 10-page order, Judge Andrew S. Hanen said the case was the fourth such case he's seen over the last month, and in each instance Customs and Border Protection agents have helped to locate and deliver the children to their illegal immigrant parents.
PHOTOS: Top 10 handguns in the U.S.
The judge said in each case, the taxpayers footed the bill for flights — including flights to multiple locations in different parts of the U.S. that it took to find one of the children's parents.
"The DHS is rewarding criminal conduct instead of enforcing the current laws. More troubling, the DHS is encouraging parents to seriously jeopardize the safety of their children," the judge said, adding that some of the children have been made to swim the Rio Grande River or traverse remote areas as part of the smuggling.
In the case before the judge last week, a 10-year-old girl whose mother, Patricia Elizabeth Salmeron Santos, paid a smuggler to get the daughter from El Salvador across the border and to Virginia.
The agents apprehended the smuggler and the young girl, and prosecuted the smuggler, but delivered the daughter to Ms. Salmeron Santos in Virginia, even though agents were aware she was in the country illegally.
"The DHS, instead of enforcing our border security laws, actually assisted the criminal conspiracy in achieving its illegal goals," the judge said. "It completed the mission of the conspiracy initiated by Salmeron Santos. In summary, instead of enforcing the laws of the United States, the government took direct steps to help the individuals who violated it. A private citizen would, and should, be prosecuted for this conduct."
Judge Hanen said that Homeland Security officials regularly testify that the drug cartels control immigrant smuggling operations along the border, and he said the department's actions in helping finish the smuggling actually end up benefitting the very cartels U.S. officials say they are trying to damage.
PHOTOS: President Obama's favorite footstool: The famous Resolute desk
"The big economic losers in this scenario are the citizens of the United States who, by virtue of this DHS policy, are helping fund these evil ventures with their tax dollars," the judge wrote.
Homeland Security officials told the court they won't prosecute the illegal immigrant parents for their role in the smuggling, and Judge Hanen said it appeared to be a department-wide policy. Officials did say they are considering trying to deport Salmeron Santos, though it was unclear whether that had been done.
The cases highlight a growing problem along the border of what the government terms unaccompanied alien children, or UACs. Apprehensions of UACs jumped 81 percent from 2010 to 2012, suggesting more and more illegal immigrant parents are taking the risk of having their children leave home to join them in the U.S.
The young children present sympathetic cases, just as do those already in the country, known as Dreamers, after the Dream Act legislation.
President Obama last year announced a new policy to halt deportations of those young illegal immigrants, arguing they were brought to the U.S. by their parents with no say in the decision, and so should be allotted special treatment.
Immigrant-rights advocates now want the parents of the Dreamers to be spared deportation, arguing it is morally wrong to separate families.
But Judge Hanen said in the cases before him the illegal immigrants made that decision themselves, often years before. In the case of the 10-year-old, he said Ms. Salmeron Santos chose to come to the U.S. without her daughter years ago.
"She purposefully chose this course of action. Her decision to smuggle the child across the border, even if motivated by the best of motives, is not an excuse for the United States government to further a criminal conspiracy, and by doing so, encourage others to break the law and endanger additional children," the judge wrote.
"To put this in another context, the DHS policy is as logical as taking illegal drugs or weapons that it has seized from smugglers and delivering them to the criminals who initially solicited their illegal importation/exportation. Legally, this situation is no different."
Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/dec/19/border-patrol-helps-smuggle-illegal-immigrant-chil/#ixzz2nxrH9plx
Note: Didn't think it could get any worse? For those who may have missed it.
Homeland Security helps smuggle illegal immigrant children into the U.S.
By Stephen Dinan-The Washington Times Thursday, December 19, 2013
A federal judge in Texas late last week accused the Obama administration of aiding drug cartels, saying that instead of enforcing immigration laws, agents knowingly helped smuggle an illegal immigrant girl into the U.S. to live with her mother, also an illegal immigrant, in Virginia.
In a 10-page order, Judge Andrew S. Hanen said the case was the fourth such case he's seen over the last month, and in each instance Customs and Border Protection agents have helped to locate and deliver the children to their illegal immigrant parents.
PHOTOS: Top 10 handguns in the U.S.
The judge said in each case, the taxpayers footed the bill for flights — including flights to multiple locations in different parts of the U.S. that it took to find one of the children's parents.
"The DHS is rewarding criminal conduct instead of enforcing the current laws. More troubling, the DHS is encouraging parents to seriously jeopardize the safety of their children," the judge said, adding that some of the children have been made to swim the Rio Grande River or traverse remote areas as part of the smuggling.
In the case before the judge last week, a 10-year-old girl whose mother, Patricia Elizabeth Salmeron Santos, paid a smuggler to get the daughter from El Salvador across the border and to Virginia.
The agents apprehended the smuggler and the young girl, and prosecuted the smuggler, but delivered the daughter to Ms. Salmeron Santos in Virginia, even though agents were aware she was in the country illegally.
"The DHS, instead of enforcing our border security laws, actually assisted the criminal conspiracy in achieving its illegal goals," the judge said. "It completed the mission of the conspiracy initiated by Salmeron Santos. In summary, instead of enforcing the laws of the United States, the government took direct steps to help the individuals who violated it. A private citizen would, and should, be prosecuted for this conduct."
Judge Hanen said that Homeland Security officials regularly testify that the drug cartels control immigrant smuggling operations along the border, and he said the department's actions in helping finish the smuggling actually end up benefitting the very cartels U.S. officials say they are trying to damage.
PHOTOS: President Obama's favorite footstool: The famous Resolute desk
"The big economic losers in this scenario are the citizens of the United States who, by virtue of this DHS policy, are helping fund these evil ventures with their tax dollars," the judge wrote.
Homeland Security officials told the court they won't prosecute the illegal immigrant parents for their role in the smuggling, and Judge Hanen said it appeared to be a department-wide policy. Officials did say they are considering trying to deport Salmeron Santos, though it was unclear whether that had been done.
The cases highlight a growing problem along the border of what the government terms unaccompanied alien children, or UACs. Apprehensions of UACs jumped 81 percent from 2010 to 2012, suggesting more and more illegal immigrant parents are taking the risk of having their children leave home to join them in the U.S.
The young children present sympathetic cases, just as do those already in the country, known as Dreamers, after the Dream Act legislation.
President Obama last year announced a new policy to halt deportations of those young illegal immigrants, arguing they were brought to the U.S. by their parents with no say in the decision, and so should be allotted special treatment.
Immigrant-rights advocates now want the parents of the Dreamers to be spared deportation, arguing it is morally wrong to separate families.
But Judge Hanen said in the cases before him the illegal immigrants made that decision themselves, often years before. In the case of the 10-year-old, he said Ms. Salmeron Santos chose to come to the U.S. without her daughter years ago.
"She purposefully chose this course of action. Her decision to smuggle the child across the border, even if motivated by the best of motives, is not an excuse for the United States government to further a criminal conspiracy, and by doing so, encourage others to break the law and endanger additional children," the judge wrote.
"To put this in another context, the DHS policy is as logical as taking illegal drugs or weapons that it has seized from smugglers and delivering them to the criminals who initially solicited their illegal importation/exportation. Legally, this situation is no different."
Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/dec/19/border-patrol-helps-smuggle-illegal-immigrant-chil/#ixzz2nxrH9plx
AZMEX UPDATE 19-12-13
AZMEX UPDATE 19 DEC 2013
CBP officers seize several loads of pot
The rear quarter panels of a smuggling vehicle were uncovered, leading CBP officers to seize the marijuana shipment.
Posted: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 10:25 am
by Trisha Maldonado
http://www.douglasdispatch.com/news/article_68156f4e-6809-11e3-9dd4-001a4bcf887a.html
Customs and Border Protection officers at the Douglas Port of Entry nearly $132,000 worth of marijuana in two separate incidents Wednesday, Dec. 11.
A 22-year-old Mexican national was referred for inspection of his Nissan sedan as he attempted to enter the United States. During the inspection, officers located 140 small packages of marijuana with a combined weight exceeding 204 pounds and worth an estimated $102,000.
Later that day, a 24-year-old Tucson man was taken into custody after officers discovered nearly 61 pounds of marijuana worth in excess of $30,000. The marijuana, in 55 packages, was discovered in the subject's Scion sedan.
On Friday, Dec. 6, a 32-year-old Agua Prieta woman was referred for inspection of her GMC SUV as she attempted to enter the United States. After a CBP narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs in her tires, officers found metal boxes inside the tires containing a combined 169 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $84,500.
On Sunday Dec. 8, a 19-year-old Cananea man was taken into custody after officers discovered more than 104.5 pounds of marijuana, worth in excess of $52,000, in the rear quarter panels of his Dodge SUV.
All drugs and vehicles were seized. Both subjects were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.
The identities of the people arrested were not released.
END
Drug-smuggling tunnel found in backyard of Arizona home
By Associated Press
Originally published: Dec 19, 2013 - 2:56 pm
http://ktar.com/22/1686514/Drugsmuggling-tunnel-found-in-AZ-backyard-
NOGALES, Ariz. -- Federal authorities said they've shut down a drug-smuggling tunnel discovered in a backyard in southern Arizona.
Members of the Nogales Tunnel Task Force developed information that a drug-smuggling tunnel was located at a Nogales house about 1 1/2 miles north of the international border.
Authorities discovered the tunnel entrance in a shed.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said the crude, hand-dug tunnel was approximately 52 feet long and roughly 2 feet wide by 3 feet tall with some wood shoring.
The tunnel ran to an underground sewage line that ultimately crossed the international boundary.
No people or drugs were found inside the passageway. Authorities seized eight pounds of white heroin, three pounds of marijuana and more than $1,400 in cash from the house.
END
CBP officers seize several loads of pot
The rear quarter panels of a smuggling vehicle were uncovered, leading CBP officers to seize the marijuana shipment.
Posted: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 10:25 am
by Trisha Maldonado
http://www.douglasdispatch.com/news/article_68156f4e-6809-11e3-9dd4-001a4bcf887a.html
Customs and Border Protection officers at the Douglas Port of Entry nearly $132,000 worth of marijuana in two separate incidents Wednesday, Dec. 11.
A 22-year-old Mexican national was referred for inspection of his Nissan sedan as he attempted to enter the United States. During the inspection, officers located 140 small packages of marijuana with a combined weight exceeding 204 pounds and worth an estimated $102,000.
Later that day, a 24-year-old Tucson man was taken into custody after officers discovered nearly 61 pounds of marijuana worth in excess of $30,000. The marijuana, in 55 packages, was discovered in the subject's Scion sedan.
On Friday, Dec. 6, a 32-year-old Agua Prieta woman was referred for inspection of her GMC SUV as she attempted to enter the United States. After a CBP narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs in her tires, officers found metal boxes inside the tires containing a combined 169 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $84,500.
On Sunday Dec. 8, a 19-year-old Cananea man was taken into custody after officers discovered more than 104.5 pounds of marijuana, worth in excess of $52,000, in the rear quarter panels of his Dodge SUV.
All drugs and vehicles were seized. Both subjects were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.
The identities of the people arrested were not released.
END
Drug-smuggling tunnel found in backyard of Arizona home
By Associated Press
Originally published: Dec 19, 2013 - 2:56 pm
http://ktar.com/22/1686514/Drugsmuggling-tunnel-found-in-AZ-backyard-
NOGALES, Ariz. -- Federal authorities said they've shut down a drug-smuggling tunnel discovered in a backyard in southern Arizona.
Members of the Nogales Tunnel Task Force developed information that a drug-smuggling tunnel was located at a Nogales house about 1 1/2 miles north of the international border.
Authorities discovered the tunnel entrance in a shed.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said the crude, hand-dug tunnel was approximately 52 feet long and roughly 2 feet wide by 3 feet tall with some wood shoring.
The tunnel ran to an underground sewage line that ultimately crossed the international boundary.
No people or drugs were found inside the passageway. Authorities seized eight pounds of white heroin, three pounds of marijuana and more than $1,400 in cash from the house.
END
Friday, December 20, 2013
AZMEX UPDATE 15-12-13 b
AZMEX UPDATE 15 DEC 2013
Note: Mostly local events Also for locals, very heavy traffic and long waits at border crossings already for the holidays.
Note: video showed couple long barreled pump shotguns, lever action rifle, and a AK clone.
MCSO: 10 arrested, drugs found at Phoenix house
Posted: 9:09 PM
Last Updated: 1 hour and 3 minutes ago
By: abc15.com staff
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_phoenix_metro/central_phoenix/mcso-10-arrested-drugs-found-at-phoenix-house
PHOENIX - Authorities say 10 people have been arrested and bundles of marijuana seized at a home in Central Phoenix.
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office spokesman Chris Hegstrom said the incident began when a detective patrolling in Buckeye noticed marijuana in the back of a car.
The detective followed the car to a house near 36th Street and Thomas Road where the drugs were dropped off. Four people then left and were arrested at a nearby Home Depot.
About an hour later, a SWAT team set up and six other people jumped the fence at the house but were arrested.
Officials believe the home was used to stash undocumented immigrants and drugs.
They reportedly found 17 bales of marijuana from Mexico and a stash of weapons. Officials said the drugs weighed approximately 300 pounds and is worth over $150,000.
Officials said at least six of the 10 arrested are undocumented immigrants.
Neighbors told ABC15 they weren't surprised because they see lots of cars going in and out all the time.
The investigation is ongoing.
Read more: http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_phoenix_metro/central_phoenix/mcso-10-arrested-drugs-found-at-phoenix-house#ixzz2nWDBH9Il
Nearly $1M worth of pot found hidden in watermelon shipment
Officers found 200 bundles of marijuana worth about $924,000 hidden among a shipment of watermelons.
2 hours ago •
Arizona Daily Star
http://azstarnet.com/news/local/crime/nearly-m-worth-of-pot-found-hidden-in-watermelon-shipment/article_56d2ec61-07f2-5a8b-b072-fa8791f07411.html
A Mexican national was arrested Thursday on charges that he tried to smuggle nearly 1,850 pounds of marijuana in the United States.
The Nogales, Sonora, man was sent to secondary inspection of his tractor-trailer rig while trying to cross the Mariposa Port of Entry, according to a news release from Customs and Border Protection.
Officers found 200 bundles of marijuana worth about $924,000 hidden among a shipment of watermelons.
The drugs and vehicle were seized. The 32-year-old driver was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.
Meanwhile, CBP officers at the Port of Douglas seized nearly $132,000 worth of marijuana in two separate incidents Wednesday.
— A 22-year-old Mexican national was arrested for trying to smuggle 140 small packages of marijuana with a combined weight exceeding 204 pounds in his vehicle. The drugs were worth an estimated $102,000.
— Also, a 24-year-old Tucson man was taken into custody after officers discovered nearly 61 pounds of marijuana worth in excess of $30,000. The marijuana, in 55 packages, was discovered in the man's Scion sedan.
END
BP agents seize pot, meth, arrest smuggling suspects
Posted: Friday, December 13, 2013 11:10 pm
From Staff Reports
Posted on December 13, 2013
by Amy Crawford
http://www.yumasun.com/news/bp-agents-seize-pot-meth-arrest-smuggling-suspects/article_afe2f4ee-6486-11e3-afdb-001a4bcf6878.html
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents seized marijuana and methamphetamine and arrested several smuggling suspects during two separate incidents Thursday.
During the first incident, agents referred a black Hyundai Sonata to a secondary inspection area after a working dog indicated the possible presence of contraband inside the vehicle.
Agents searched the Sonata and allegedly found a black duffle bag in the vehicle's trunk containing vacuum-sealed plastic bags filled with methamphetamine and a small amount of marijuana.
The meth had a combined weight of 1.6 pounds. The estimated value was $18,869.
The driver and two passengers, all U.S. citizens whose identities have not been released to the public, were subsequently arrested, and along with the contraband and vehicle, were later turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
In a separate incident, agents on patrol in Gila Bend became suspicious of two individuals approaching Interstate 8 with large rectangular backpacks.
Agents responded and seized the backpacks, which reportedly contained 304 pounds of pot worth an estimated $152,000.
The two men were arrested, and along with the marijuana, were transported to the Wellton Station for further processing.
end
Man jailed after two-hour standoff at City Hall in San Luis Rio Colorado
SLRC standoff
A city police officer and a state police officer lead Juan Manuel Duarte Mejia to jail after he surrendered following a two-hour standoff at City Hall in San Luis Rio Colorado on Friday.
Posted: Saturday, December 14, 2013 11:24 pm | Updated: 11:31 pm, Sat Dec 14, 2013.
By Cesar Neyoy
http://www.yumasun.com/news/man-jailed-after-two-hour-standoff-at-city-hall-in/article_dc9fe084-6551-11e3-9110-001a4bcf6878.html
SAN LUIS RIO COLORADO, Son – A man is in custody after taking over the city council chambers in an armed standoff that ended peacefully Friday afternoon after nearly two hours, a city spokesman said.
Juan Manuel Duarte Mejia, 56, told employees at City Hall he was occupying the chambers in what he said was a protest over taxes and Mexico's economic problems, spokesman Manuel Angulo said.
Duarte Mejia did not try to hold anyone captive and no one was injured during the incident that ended after the city's police chief and assistant chief convinced him to give up, Angulo said.
He said the man was carrying a .45-caliber handgun, a shotgun and a quantity of ammunition that fit neither firearm.
"He expressed no complaint against the municipal government," said Angulo. "His only grievance was over decisions at the federal level."
Angulo was referring to the decision by Mexico's legislature in October to increase the federal sales tax from 11 percent to 16 percent along the nation's northern border and in varying amounts elsewhere along the border. The tax increase prompted demonstrations around Mexico, but, according to Angulo, led to few if any protests in San Luis Rio Colorado before Friday's incident.
The incident, said Angulo, began about 1 p.m. Friday when Duarte Mejia appeared at the city council chambers, located at the City Hall building several blocks south of the border.
He told the staff that he wanted to be interviewed by a local reporter about a topic unrelated to city government, although he did not specify whether the interview had been scheduled or whether we wanted a reporter summoned, Angulo said.
Duarte Mejia remained at the municipal building until 3 p.m., at which time it was scheduled to close, Angulo said.
"It wasn't until a city employee told him that the office was closing and that he would have to leave that the person said he was armed and that he going to stay there until Monday."
The building was surrounded in an operation headed by city police with the support of state and federal police officers. Snipers were also stationed nearby as the city's police chief, Franciso Vazquez, and the assistant chief, Rafael Vazquez, sought to convince Duarte Mejia to surrender.
Angulo said Duarte Mejia gave up at about 5 p.m. and was booked into the city jail.
end
Note: Most likely cartel associates, as usual home boys don't have more than a few rounds of ammo these days. All from Sinaloa.
Arrested subjects had ' horned goat ' (AK clone)
Details Published on Saturday 14 December 2013 ,
Written by Cesar Barragan / El Diario
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/nota.php?nota=23897
Nogales Sonora
Municipal agents achieve their catch after a chase .
Four suspected gunmen were arrested for possession of heavy weapons by Municipal Agents during an operation in this city, after residents of several colonies brought info to the authorities .
Public Safety reports indicate this is Jorge Ivan Lopez Reyes, " el carnal " , 24 ; Sergio Omar López Méndez , "El Gordo ," 22, both originally from Culiacan , Sinaloa.
As Zapien Daniel Ramirez , a native of Guasave , Sinaloa , 23, and Jose Guadalupe Montes Vega, "el sepia", 20 , who were turned over to the appropriate authorities .
The arrest occurred when that authority was alerted to the presence of several armed men circulating aboard a white pickup and a Jeep Liberty , military green , on the peripheral Luis Donaldo Colosio .
Therefore, the Municipal Police officers conducted a search operation by locating the crew of the Jeep Liberty , when circulating about agenda de Los Maestros , where they were stopped .
The Jeep driver refused to stop so a pursuit began on the avenue where other units of the municipal police blocked their way, making the arrest.
Inside the car officers secured an assault rifle called " goat horns " with supplied charger and more than 80 rounds of ammunition 7.62 x 39 , two magazines for this rifle .
They also seized a 9-mm semi auto gun, magazine supplied with 8 rounds of ammunition , handcuffs , a tactical vest and a cell phone.
END
Note: Mostly local events Also for locals, very heavy traffic and long waits at border crossings already for the holidays.
Note: video showed couple long barreled pump shotguns, lever action rifle, and a AK clone.
MCSO: 10 arrested, drugs found at Phoenix house
Posted: 9:09 PM
Last Updated: 1 hour and 3 minutes ago
By: abc15.com staff
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_phoenix_metro/central_phoenix/mcso-10-arrested-drugs-found-at-phoenix-house
PHOENIX - Authorities say 10 people have been arrested and bundles of marijuana seized at a home in Central Phoenix.
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office spokesman Chris Hegstrom said the incident began when a detective patrolling in Buckeye noticed marijuana in the back of a car.
The detective followed the car to a house near 36th Street and Thomas Road where the drugs were dropped off. Four people then left and were arrested at a nearby Home Depot.
About an hour later, a SWAT team set up and six other people jumped the fence at the house but were arrested.
Officials believe the home was used to stash undocumented immigrants and drugs.
They reportedly found 17 bales of marijuana from Mexico and a stash of weapons. Officials said the drugs weighed approximately 300 pounds and is worth over $150,000.
Officials said at least six of the 10 arrested are undocumented immigrants.
Neighbors told ABC15 they weren't surprised because they see lots of cars going in and out all the time.
The investigation is ongoing.
Read more: http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_phoenix_metro/central_phoenix/mcso-10-arrested-drugs-found-at-phoenix-house#ixzz2nWDBH9Il
Nearly $1M worth of pot found hidden in watermelon shipment
Officers found 200 bundles of marijuana worth about $924,000 hidden among a shipment of watermelons.
2 hours ago •
Arizona Daily Star
http://azstarnet.com/news/local/crime/nearly-m-worth-of-pot-found-hidden-in-watermelon-shipment/article_56d2ec61-07f2-5a8b-b072-fa8791f07411.html
A Mexican national was arrested Thursday on charges that he tried to smuggle nearly 1,850 pounds of marijuana in the United States.
The Nogales, Sonora, man was sent to secondary inspection of his tractor-trailer rig while trying to cross the Mariposa Port of Entry, according to a news release from Customs and Border Protection.
Officers found 200 bundles of marijuana worth about $924,000 hidden among a shipment of watermelons.
The drugs and vehicle were seized. The 32-year-old driver was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.
Meanwhile, CBP officers at the Port of Douglas seized nearly $132,000 worth of marijuana in two separate incidents Wednesday.
— A 22-year-old Mexican national was arrested for trying to smuggle 140 small packages of marijuana with a combined weight exceeding 204 pounds in his vehicle. The drugs were worth an estimated $102,000.
— Also, a 24-year-old Tucson man was taken into custody after officers discovered nearly 61 pounds of marijuana worth in excess of $30,000. The marijuana, in 55 packages, was discovered in the man's Scion sedan.
END
BP agents seize pot, meth, arrest smuggling suspects
Posted: Friday, December 13, 2013 11:10 pm
From Staff Reports
Posted on December 13, 2013
by Amy Crawford
http://www.yumasun.com/news/bp-agents-seize-pot-meth-arrest-smuggling-suspects/article_afe2f4ee-6486-11e3-afdb-001a4bcf6878.html
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents seized marijuana and methamphetamine and arrested several smuggling suspects during two separate incidents Thursday.
During the first incident, agents referred a black Hyundai Sonata to a secondary inspection area after a working dog indicated the possible presence of contraband inside the vehicle.
Agents searched the Sonata and allegedly found a black duffle bag in the vehicle's trunk containing vacuum-sealed plastic bags filled with methamphetamine and a small amount of marijuana.
The meth had a combined weight of 1.6 pounds. The estimated value was $18,869.
The driver and two passengers, all U.S. citizens whose identities have not been released to the public, were subsequently arrested, and along with the contraband and vehicle, were later turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
In a separate incident, agents on patrol in Gila Bend became suspicious of two individuals approaching Interstate 8 with large rectangular backpacks.
Agents responded and seized the backpacks, which reportedly contained 304 pounds of pot worth an estimated $152,000.
The two men were arrested, and along with the marijuana, were transported to the Wellton Station for further processing.
end
Man jailed after two-hour standoff at City Hall in San Luis Rio Colorado
SLRC standoff
A city police officer and a state police officer lead Juan Manuel Duarte Mejia to jail after he surrendered following a two-hour standoff at City Hall in San Luis Rio Colorado on Friday.
Posted: Saturday, December 14, 2013 11:24 pm | Updated: 11:31 pm, Sat Dec 14, 2013.
By Cesar Neyoy
http://www.yumasun.com/news/man-jailed-after-two-hour-standoff-at-city-hall-in/article_dc9fe084-6551-11e3-9110-001a4bcf6878.html
SAN LUIS RIO COLORADO, Son – A man is in custody after taking over the city council chambers in an armed standoff that ended peacefully Friday afternoon after nearly two hours, a city spokesman said.
Juan Manuel Duarte Mejia, 56, told employees at City Hall he was occupying the chambers in what he said was a protest over taxes and Mexico's economic problems, spokesman Manuel Angulo said.
Duarte Mejia did not try to hold anyone captive and no one was injured during the incident that ended after the city's police chief and assistant chief convinced him to give up, Angulo said.
He said the man was carrying a .45-caliber handgun, a shotgun and a quantity of ammunition that fit neither firearm.
"He expressed no complaint against the municipal government," said Angulo. "His only grievance was over decisions at the federal level."
Angulo was referring to the decision by Mexico's legislature in October to increase the federal sales tax from 11 percent to 16 percent along the nation's northern border and in varying amounts elsewhere along the border. The tax increase prompted demonstrations around Mexico, but, according to Angulo, led to few if any protests in San Luis Rio Colorado before Friday's incident.
The incident, said Angulo, began about 1 p.m. Friday when Duarte Mejia appeared at the city council chambers, located at the City Hall building several blocks south of the border.
He told the staff that he wanted to be interviewed by a local reporter about a topic unrelated to city government, although he did not specify whether the interview had been scheduled or whether we wanted a reporter summoned, Angulo said.
Duarte Mejia remained at the municipal building until 3 p.m., at which time it was scheduled to close, Angulo said.
"It wasn't until a city employee told him that the office was closing and that he would have to leave that the person said he was armed and that he going to stay there until Monday."
The building was surrounded in an operation headed by city police with the support of state and federal police officers. Snipers were also stationed nearby as the city's police chief, Franciso Vazquez, and the assistant chief, Rafael Vazquez, sought to convince Duarte Mejia to surrender.
Angulo said Duarte Mejia gave up at about 5 p.m. and was booked into the city jail.
end
Note: Most likely cartel associates, as usual home boys don't have more than a few rounds of ammo these days. All from Sinaloa.
Arrested subjects had ' horned goat ' (AK clone)
Details Published on Saturday 14 December 2013 ,
Written by Cesar Barragan / El Diario
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/nota.php?nota=23897
Nogales Sonora
Municipal agents achieve their catch after a chase .
Four suspected gunmen were arrested for possession of heavy weapons by Municipal Agents during an operation in this city, after residents of several colonies brought info to the authorities .
Public Safety reports indicate this is Jorge Ivan Lopez Reyes, " el carnal " , 24 ; Sergio Omar López Méndez , "El Gordo ," 22, both originally from Culiacan , Sinaloa.
As Zapien Daniel Ramirez , a native of Guasave , Sinaloa , 23, and Jose Guadalupe Montes Vega, "el sepia", 20 , who were turned over to the appropriate authorities .
The arrest occurred when that authority was alerted to the presence of several armed men circulating aboard a white pickup and a Jeep Liberty , military green , on the peripheral Luis Donaldo Colosio .
Therefore, the Municipal Police officers conducted a search operation by locating the crew of the Jeep Liberty , when circulating about agenda de Los Maestros , where they were stopped .
The Jeep driver refused to stop so a pursuit began on the avenue where other units of the municipal police blocked their way, making the arrest.
Inside the car officers secured an assault rifle called " goat horns " with supplied charger and more than 80 rounds of ammunition 7.62 x 39 , two magazines for this rifle .
They also seized a 9-mm semi auto gun, magazine supplied with 8 rounds of ammunition , handcuffs , a tactical vest and a cell phone.
END
AZMEX ARMS TRADE EXTRA 13-12-13
AZMEX ARMS TRADE EXTRA 13 DEC 2013
Note: Yet another example of govt. agendas at work
Arms dealer associate convicted in NY case
Source: United States News
Originally published: Dec 13, 2013 - 6:37 pm
http://ktar.com/23/1499299/Arms-dealer-associate-convicted-in-NY-case
NEW YORK (AP) - A Syrian associate of notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout was convicted on Friday of charges he tried to make an illegal purchase of two airplanes to transport weapons to international war zones.
A jury in federal court in Manhattan also found Richard Chichakli guilty of money laundering and other charges. He's scheduled to be sentenced next March.
Bout is serving a 25-year sentence for a 2011 conviction on charges he conspired to sell millions of dollars of weapons to rebels in Colombia. Prosecutors said Chichakli had helped Bout manage a network of aircraft companies since the mid-1990s.
Chichakli had said that his indictment was "absurd" and "crazy" and that he feared he wouldn't get a fair trial. But he said he was determined to disprove the allegations against him. He said in 2010 that he had never worked for Bout although they had discussed business deals that never came to fruition.
"I have never done business with Viktor Bout," Chichakli said then. "I challenge anyone to prove otherwise."
His lawyer didn't immediately return a telephone message or an email on Friday.
In 2004, American authorities banned Bout from doing business in the United States because of his role in pouring arms into violent conflicts around the world. Prosecutors allege that Bout and Chichakli violated the sanctions by forming a front company that contracted to buy two Boeing airplanes.
For nearly two decades, Bout, dubbed the Merchant of Death, had built a worldwide air cargo operation, amassing a fleet of more than 60 transport planes, hundreds of companies and a multibillion-dollar fortune- exploits that were the main inspiration for the Nicolas Cage film "Lord of War."
His aircraft flew from Afghanistan to Angola, carrying everything from raw minerals to gladiolas, drilling equipment to frozen fish. But, according to authorities, the network's specialty was black market arms- assault rifles, ammunition, anti-aircraft missiles, helicopter gunships and a full range of sophisticated weapons systems, almost always sourced from Russian stocks or from Eastern European factories.
In the months before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, U.S., British and United Nations authorities heard growing reports that Bout's planes and maintenance operations, then headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, were aiding the Taliban while it sheltered al-Qaida militants in Afghanistan. Bout denied that he worked with the Taliban or al-Qaida and denied ever participating in black market arms deals.
In 2008, while under economic sanctions and a U.N. travel ban, Bout was approached in Moscow by a close associate about supplying weapons on the black market to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
Bout was told that the group wanted to use drug trafficking proceeds to pay for surface-to-air missiles and other weapons, making it clear it wanted to attack helicopter pilots and other Americans in Colombia, prosecutors said. He finalized the phony deal with the two DEA informants in a bugged hotel room in Bangkok in March 2008, they said.
Throughout the case, Bout maintained he was a legitimate businessman who wasn't selling arms when the American operatives came knocking.
END
Note: Yet another example of govt. agendas at work
Arms dealer associate convicted in NY case
Source: United States News
Originally published: Dec 13, 2013 - 6:37 pm
http://ktar.com/23/1499299/Arms-dealer-associate-convicted-in-NY-case
NEW YORK (AP) - A Syrian associate of notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout was convicted on Friday of charges he tried to make an illegal purchase of two airplanes to transport weapons to international war zones.
A jury in federal court in Manhattan also found Richard Chichakli guilty of money laundering and other charges. He's scheduled to be sentenced next March.
Bout is serving a 25-year sentence for a 2011 conviction on charges he conspired to sell millions of dollars of weapons to rebels in Colombia. Prosecutors said Chichakli had helped Bout manage a network of aircraft companies since the mid-1990s.
Chichakli had said that his indictment was "absurd" and "crazy" and that he feared he wouldn't get a fair trial. But he said he was determined to disprove the allegations against him. He said in 2010 that he had never worked for Bout although they had discussed business deals that never came to fruition.
"I have never done business with Viktor Bout," Chichakli said then. "I challenge anyone to prove otherwise."
His lawyer didn't immediately return a telephone message or an email on Friday.
In 2004, American authorities banned Bout from doing business in the United States because of his role in pouring arms into violent conflicts around the world. Prosecutors allege that Bout and Chichakli violated the sanctions by forming a front company that contracted to buy two Boeing airplanes.
For nearly two decades, Bout, dubbed the Merchant of Death, had built a worldwide air cargo operation, amassing a fleet of more than 60 transport planes, hundreds of companies and a multibillion-dollar fortune- exploits that were the main inspiration for the Nicolas Cage film "Lord of War."
His aircraft flew from Afghanistan to Angola, carrying everything from raw minerals to gladiolas, drilling equipment to frozen fish. But, according to authorities, the network's specialty was black market arms- assault rifles, ammunition, anti-aircraft missiles, helicopter gunships and a full range of sophisticated weapons systems, almost always sourced from Russian stocks or from Eastern European factories.
In the months before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, U.S., British and United Nations authorities heard growing reports that Bout's planes and maintenance operations, then headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, were aiding the Taliban while it sheltered al-Qaida militants in Afghanistan. Bout denied that he worked with the Taliban or al-Qaida and denied ever participating in black market arms deals.
In 2008, while under economic sanctions and a U.N. travel ban, Bout was approached in Moscow by a close associate about supplying weapons on the black market to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
Bout was told that the group wanted to use drug trafficking proceeds to pay for surface-to-air missiles and other weapons, making it clear it wanted to attack helicopter pilots and other Americans in Colombia, prosecutors said. He finalized the phony deal with the two DEA informants in a bugged hotel room in Bangkok in March 2008, they said.
Throughout the case, Bout maintained he was a legitimate businessman who wasn't selling arms when the American operatives came knocking.
END
Thursday, December 19, 2013
AZMEX UPDATE 12-12-13
AZMEX UPDATE 12 DEC 2013
8 accused in $1.6M Tucson money laundering scheme
Posted: Dec 12, 2013 2:42 PM MST
Updated: Dec 12, 2013 3:01 PM MST
By Breann Bierman - email
http://www.kpho.com/story/24207549/8-accused-in-16m-tucson-money-laundering-scheme
Luis Villagrana and Julio Villagrana, who police are still looking for, are in the middle bottom of the photo.
Luis Villagrana and Julio Villagrana, who police are still looking for, are in the middle bottom of the photo.
TUCSON, AZ (CBS5) -
Eight people have been identified for allegedly taking part in a $1.6 million money laundering scheme out of Tucson.
Two of the suspects are still on the run.
Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne said Armando Robles Urrea, Conception Suarez-Montijo, Gladis Celaya-Reuelas, Noemi Suarez-Montijo, Frank Babcock, and Maria Yvette Sanchez-Arvizu were involved in the laundering of drug trafficking proceeds through various bank accounts and a Tucson casino from June 2010 to May 2013.
Police said Sanchez-Arvizu is the ring leader and is accused of laundering more than $750,000 alone.
Through the investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Pima County Sheriff's Department and the Counter Narcotics Alliance, detectives also found a large shipment of marijuana that was sent to the East Coast by the group.
In October, officers intercepted an 84-pound load of pot that was sent through commercial shipping.
Luis Villagrana and Julio Villagrana were spotted Tuesday night but fled from officers and have not yet been located. If you have information, call 88-CRIME or 520-882-7463 if you're outside of Tucson.
END
2 men held after running from I-10 traffic stop
Posted: Dec 12, 2013 9:31 AM MST
Updated: Dec 12, 2013 12:36 PM MST
CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (AP) - Law enforcement officers apprehended two men who ran into the desert near Casa Grande Thursday morning after the Highway Patrol stopped their car on Interstate 10.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Raul Garcia says the men were taken into custody at a dairy farm several miles from I-10 after officers from several agencies set up a perimeter.
Garcia says circumstances of the incident raise the possibility that the men were involved with drug smuggling.
According to Garcia, weapons and a large quantity of marijuana were found in the car. Photos released later by the DPS spokesman showed the impounded car, two handguns and several backpacks.
He said that two females remained in the car while the two men fled.
Read more: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/24204361/officers-seek-2-men-who-ran-off-after-stop-on-i-10#ixzz2nIImQQgM
end
Suspects in camo gear flee traffic stop, leave guns, drugs behind
Video report by Bruce Haffner, Fort McDowell Casino News Chopper
Posted on December 12, 2013 at 8:51 AM
Updated today at 11:42 AM
Gallery
SEE ALL 12 PHOTOS »
Map: I-10 and McCartney Road
http://www.azfamily.com/news/Suspects-in-camo-gear-fleeing-trafic-stop-leave-guns-drugs-behind-235579801.html
CASA GRANDE, Ariz. -- Two suspects who fled from a traffic stop outside Casa Grande were taken into custody Thursday morning.
According to Raul Garcia, the stop took place at about 7:20 a.m. along Interstate 10 near McCartney Road.
Aerial video from the Fort McDowell Casino News Chopper showed two guns on the roof of the suspects' vehicle.
Investigators reportedly also found marijuana in the vehicle's trunk.
The suspects, both of whom were wearing camouflage pants, fled into the desert.
Officers with DPS, Border Patrol, Pinal County Sheriff's Office and the Casa Grande Police Department fanned out to search the area for the suspects.
A Black Hawk helicopter was brought in to provide air support.
By 9:20 a.m. the suspects, who had apparently hidden inside a dairy barn about five miles away, were in custody.
Two women who also were in the vehicle are in custody, as well.
It's not clear what precipitated the initial traffic stop.
No other details were immediately available.
end
Camp Paisano installed in Km 18 With up to 350 cars
Details Published on Thursday 12 December, 2013 ,
Written by Diana Gastelum / The Journal
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/nota.php?nota=23810
Nogales
It will provide support and guidance to Mexican nationals admitted for this border.
With a capacity of up to 350 vehicles , was installed yesterday Camp Paisano 2013 at kilometer 18 of the highway Nogales -Hermosillo , which provide support and guidance to nationals admitted for this border.
In this regard, Claudio Aranda Auditors , Executive Coordinator of Trade Verification ( Cevce ) said the camp will be available for countrymen until 22 December.
He added that among the services offered is the parking area , rest , food, bathrooms plus phone and internet as well as transportation to the Agua Zarca checkpoint processing permits for cars or migration .
Arana Auditors noted that part of the purpose of this camp who is 10 years settling , is to promote the safest Sonora border state and the peasants know the various locations are there in the organization as well as provide information about the roads and detours because of repair work .
The Cevce official said the camp has a capacity to receive daily basis to 350 vehicles and an estimated two thousand people, while during the two week period installation treats between 25 thousand and 27 thousand civilians.
He said that this camp Paisano , is joining forces and working together of the three levels of government, who joins fellow countrymen to give a warm welcome to their country .
Auditors Arana said the flow of compatriots in recent years had fallen by the conditions of the U.S. economy and that the same could not travel often , but expected a rebound this year.
end
8 accused in $1.6M Tucson money laundering scheme
Posted: Dec 12, 2013 2:42 PM MST
Updated: Dec 12, 2013 3:01 PM MST
By Breann Bierman - email
http://www.kpho.com/story/24207549/8-accused-in-16m-tucson-money-laundering-scheme
Luis Villagrana and Julio Villagrana, who police are still looking for, are in the middle bottom of the photo.
Luis Villagrana and Julio Villagrana, who police are still looking for, are in the middle bottom of the photo.
TUCSON, AZ (CBS5) -
Eight people have been identified for allegedly taking part in a $1.6 million money laundering scheme out of Tucson.
Two of the suspects are still on the run.
Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne said Armando Robles Urrea, Conception Suarez-Montijo, Gladis Celaya-Reuelas, Noemi Suarez-Montijo, Frank Babcock, and Maria Yvette Sanchez-Arvizu were involved in the laundering of drug trafficking proceeds through various bank accounts and a Tucson casino from June 2010 to May 2013.
Police said Sanchez-Arvizu is the ring leader and is accused of laundering more than $750,000 alone.
Through the investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Pima County Sheriff's Department and the Counter Narcotics Alliance, detectives also found a large shipment of marijuana that was sent to the East Coast by the group.
In October, officers intercepted an 84-pound load of pot that was sent through commercial shipping.
Luis Villagrana and Julio Villagrana were spotted Tuesday night but fled from officers and have not yet been located. If you have information, call 88-CRIME or 520-882-7463 if you're outside of Tucson.
END
2 men held after running from I-10 traffic stop
Posted: Dec 12, 2013 9:31 AM MST
Updated: Dec 12, 2013 12:36 PM MST
CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (AP) - Law enforcement officers apprehended two men who ran into the desert near Casa Grande Thursday morning after the Highway Patrol stopped their car on Interstate 10.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Raul Garcia says the men were taken into custody at a dairy farm several miles from I-10 after officers from several agencies set up a perimeter.
Garcia says circumstances of the incident raise the possibility that the men were involved with drug smuggling.
According to Garcia, weapons and a large quantity of marijuana were found in the car. Photos released later by the DPS spokesman showed the impounded car, two handguns and several backpacks.
He said that two females remained in the car while the two men fled.
Read more: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/24204361/officers-seek-2-men-who-ran-off-after-stop-on-i-10#ixzz2nIImQQgM
end
Suspects in camo gear flee traffic stop, leave guns, drugs behind
Video report by Bruce Haffner, Fort McDowell Casino News Chopper
Posted on December 12, 2013 at 8:51 AM
Updated today at 11:42 AM
Gallery
SEE ALL 12 PHOTOS »
Map: I-10 and McCartney Road
http://www.azfamily.com/news/Suspects-in-camo-gear-fleeing-trafic-stop-leave-guns-drugs-behind-235579801.html
CASA GRANDE, Ariz. -- Two suspects who fled from a traffic stop outside Casa Grande were taken into custody Thursday morning.
According to Raul Garcia, the stop took place at about 7:20 a.m. along Interstate 10 near McCartney Road.
Aerial video from the Fort McDowell Casino News Chopper showed two guns on the roof of the suspects' vehicle.
Investigators reportedly also found marijuana in the vehicle's trunk.
The suspects, both of whom were wearing camouflage pants, fled into the desert.
Officers with DPS, Border Patrol, Pinal County Sheriff's Office and the Casa Grande Police Department fanned out to search the area for the suspects.
A Black Hawk helicopter was brought in to provide air support.
By 9:20 a.m. the suspects, who had apparently hidden inside a dairy barn about five miles away, were in custody.
Two women who also were in the vehicle are in custody, as well.
It's not clear what precipitated the initial traffic stop.
No other details were immediately available.
end
Camp Paisano installed in Km 18 With up to 350 cars
Details Published on Thursday 12 December, 2013 ,
Written by Diana Gastelum / The Journal
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/nota.php?nota=23810
Nogales
It will provide support and guidance to Mexican nationals admitted for this border.
With a capacity of up to 350 vehicles , was installed yesterday Camp Paisano 2013 at kilometer 18 of the highway Nogales -Hermosillo , which provide support and guidance to nationals admitted for this border.
In this regard, Claudio Aranda Auditors , Executive Coordinator of Trade Verification ( Cevce ) said the camp will be available for countrymen until 22 December.
He added that among the services offered is the parking area , rest , food, bathrooms plus phone and internet as well as transportation to the Agua Zarca checkpoint processing permits for cars or migration .
Arana Auditors noted that part of the purpose of this camp who is 10 years settling , is to promote the safest Sonora border state and the peasants know the various locations are there in the organization as well as provide information about the roads and detours because of repair work .
The Cevce official said the camp has a capacity to receive daily basis to 350 vehicles and an estimated two thousand people, while during the two week period installation treats between 25 thousand and 27 thousand civilians.
He said that this camp Paisano , is joining forces and working together of the three levels of government, who joins fellow countrymen to give a warm welcome to their country .
Auditors Arana said the flow of compatriots in recent years had fallen by the conditions of the U.S. economy and that the same could not travel often , but expected a rebound this year.
end
AZMEX POLICY 12-12-13
AZMEX POLICY 12 DEC 2013
Divisive Mayorkas nomination advances in Senate
By Zach Rausnitz
http://www.fiercehomelandsecurity.com/story/divisive-mayorkas-nomination-advances-senate/2013-12-12?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal
The nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas for deputy secretary of the Homeland Security Department advanced to the full Senate after a party-line vote Dec. 11 in the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
The committee's Republicans all voted "present" and had boycotted the confirmation hearing held in July for Mayorkas, currently the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Mayorkas is the subject of a DHS office of inspector general investigation into allegations that he helped Terry McAuliffe--now the governor-elect of Virginia--obtain EB-5 investor visas from USCIS. He and Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), the committee chairman, both said they learned of the investigation days before the July hearing, and only after word of its existence leaked to Congress.
Before members voted on the nomination Wednesday, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), the ranking member, said the vote should be delayed until investigators release their findings. Coburn said he was not blindly obstructing the process, noting that he has supported nearly all of President Obama's nominees that the committee has considered this year.
To approve Mayorkas now would violate a well-established precedent for how the Senate handles nominees under investigation, he said. He also argued that Mayorkas will suffer a shortage of credibility and trust in his new role if he takes it on before his name is cleared.
Additionally, Coburn said, approving Mayorkas would send a message to OIGs that lawmakers do not take their investigations seriously.
Carper said the OIG's investigation has taken too long. It first received the allegations regarding Mayorkas in September 2012, but took nearly a year to begin the investigation, Carper said, and it remains months from completion. He said the OIG has so far found no evidence of criminal misconduct.
The position of deputy secretary has been vacant since May, when Jane Holl Lute left DHS. The department has also had an acting secretary since Janet Napolitano left in September.
"In a perfect world, I would prefer to have the OIG complete its report on the allegations" before voting on Mayorkas, Carper said. "The Department of Homeland Security is in dire need of Senate-confirmed leadership."
Carper also said his staff have tried to meet with the whistleblowers who made the allegations against Mayorkas but have not been given an opportunity, even though the whistleblowers did meet with the committee's minority staff. The minority staff have not shared what they know with their majority counterparts, he added.
Coburn said whistleblowers may prefer not to meet with Carper's staff because his actions "suggest the chairman has made up his mind."
Carper's approach to the nomination "does not suggest to potential witnesses of wrongdoing that their information will be received with willingness, interest or discretion," Coburn said.
For more:
- go to the meeting webpage (webcast available)
Topics: Border Protection | Immigration
Deportees report abuse, theft in U.S. custody
December 11, 2013 | By Zach Rausnitz
http://www.fiercehomelandsecurity.com/story/deportees-report-abuse-theft-us-custody/2013-12-11?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal
Eleven percent of recently deported Mexican migrants said they suffered physical abuse while in U.S. custody, and 34 percent said one of their possessions was stolen, a report from the Immigration Policy Center says.
The findings stem from the Migrant Border Crossing Study, a project of the University of Arizona and George Washington University. In 2011 and 2012, researchers interviewed more than 1,000 recently deported migrants upon their return to Mexico, randomly selecting participants at ports of entry and migrant shelters.
Each participant was asked 250 questions in face-to-face interviews that lasted about 45 minutes.
Of the 11 percent who reported physical abuse while in U.S. custody, 70 percent characterized the abuse as something other than a blow to the body, the the Immigration Policy Center report says. They may have been pushed, dragged, lifted, placed in painful positions or spat upon.
Thirty percent of those who reported physical abuse said they were hit, kicked or thrown.
Six percent of them said they received lasting injuries, and three percent said they were sexually abused while in U.S. custody. Migrants who reported lasting injuries or sexual abuse represented less than 1 percent of all the study's participants.
Multiple past academic studies have found similar rates of physical abuse, suggesting that "abuse of migrants while in U.S. custody is a systematic problem relating to an ongoing institutional culture rather than simply a consequence of a few people who are acting inappropriately," the report says.
Nearly one-fourth of all migrants interviewed said they were subjected to verbal abuse. Some recalled being cursed at, yelled at or threatened. Others said they were the targets of nationalistic or racial slurs, or anti-immigrant remarks.
Stealing from apprehended migrants "is a systemic problem," the report says. More than one-third of the study's participants said they had belongings taken and not returned. Clothes, backpacks, cellphones and Mexican identification documents were among the items commonly lost.
One-fifth of those who said they lost possessions in custody said they had cash taken from them. The median amount reported lost was $55.
The report says one challenge to studying migrant mistreatment is that victims may have no way to take effective action.
"It is imperative that U.S. officials create transparent avenues with which to file complaints of mistreatment and ways in which interested parties can follow up on pending investigations," it says.
For more:
- download part one of the report, "Bordering on Criminal: The Routine Abuse of Migrants in the Removal System" (.pdf)
- download part two of the report (.pdf)
Read more: Deportees report abuse, theft in U.S. custody - FierceHomelandSecurity http://www.fiercehomelandsecurity.com/story/deportees-report-abuse-theft-us-custody/2013-12-11#ixzz2nIfMX3df
Subscribe at FierceHomelandSecurity
Divisive Mayorkas nomination advances in Senate
By Zach Rausnitz
http://www.fiercehomelandsecurity.com/story/divisive-mayorkas-nomination-advances-senate/2013-12-12?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal
The nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas for deputy secretary of the Homeland Security Department advanced to the full Senate after a party-line vote Dec. 11 in the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
The committee's Republicans all voted "present" and had boycotted the confirmation hearing held in July for Mayorkas, currently the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Mayorkas is the subject of a DHS office of inspector general investigation into allegations that he helped Terry McAuliffe--now the governor-elect of Virginia--obtain EB-5 investor visas from USCIS. He and Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), the committee chairman, both said they learned of the investigation days before the July hearing, and only after word of its existence leaked to Congress.
Before members voted on the nomination Wednesday, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), the ranking member, said the vote should be delayed until investigators release their findings. Coburn said he was not blindly obstructing the process, noting that he has supported nearly all of President Obama's nominees that the committee has considered this year.
To approve Mayorkas now would violate a well-established precedent for how the Senate handles nominees under investigation, he said. He also argued that Mayorkas will suffer a shortage of credibility and trust in his new role if he takes it on before his name is cleared.
Additionally, Coburn said, approving Mayorkas would send a message to OIGs that lawmakers do not take their investigations seriously.
Carper said the OIG's investigation has taken too long. It first received the allegations regarding Mayorkas in September 2012, but took nearly a year to begin the investigation, Carper said, and it remains months from completion. He said the OIG has so far found no evidence of criminal misconduct.
The position of deputy secretary has been vacant since May, when Jane Holl Lute left DHS. The department has also had an acting secretary since Janet Napolitano left in September.
"In a perfect world, I would prefer to have the OIG complete its report on the allegations" before voting on Mayorkas, Carper said. "The Department of Homeland Security is in dire need of Senate-confirmed leadership."
Carper also said his staff have tried to meet with the whistleblowers who made the allegations against Mayorkas but have not been given an opportunity, even though the whistleblowers did meet with the committee's minority staff. The minority staff have not shared what they know with their majority counterparts, he added.
Coburn said whistleblowers may prefer not to meet with Carper's staff because his actions "suggest the chairman has made up his mind."
Carper's approach to the nomination "does not suggest to potential witnesses of wrongdoing that their information will be received with willingness, interest or discretion," Coburn said.
For more:
- go to the meeting webpage (webcast available)
Topics: Border Protection | Immigration
Deportees report abuse, theft in U.S. custody
December 11, 2013 | By Zach Rausnitz
http://www.fiercehomelandsecurity.com/story/deportees-report-abuse-theft-us-custody/2013-12-11?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal
Eleven percent of recently deported Mexican migrants said they suffered physical abuse while in U.S. custody, and 34 percent said one of their possessions was stolen, a report from the Immigration Policy Center says.
The findings stem from the Migrant Border Crossing Study, a project of the University of Arizona and George Washington University. In 2011 and 2012, researchers interviewed more than 1,000 recently deported migrants upon their return to Mexico, randomly selecting participants at ports of entry and migrant shelters.
Each participant was asked 250 questions in face-to-face interviews that lasted about 45 minutes.
Of the 11 percent who reported physical abuse while in U.S. custody, 70 percent characterized the abuse as something other than a blow to the body, the the Immigration Policy Center report says. They may have been pushed, dragged, lifted, placed in painful positions or spat upon.
Thirty percent of those who reported physical abuse said they were hit, kicked or thrown.
Six percent of them said they received lasting injuries, and three percent said they were sexually abused while in U.S. custody. Migrants who reported lasting injuries or sexual abuse represented less than 1 percent of all the study's participants.
Multiple past academic studies have found similar rates of physical abuse, suggesting that "abuse of migrants while in U.S. custody is a systematic problem relating to an ongoing institutional culture rather than simply a consequence of a few people who are acting inappropriately," the report says.
Nearly one-fourth of all migrants interviewed said they were subjected to verbal abuse. Some recalled being cursed at, yelled at or threatened. Others said they were the targets of nationalistic or racial slurs, or anti-immigrant remarks.
Stealing from apprehended migrants "is a systemic problem," the report says. More than one-third of the study's participants said they had belongings taken and not returned. Clothes, backpacks, cellphones and Mexican identification documents were among the items commonly lost.
One-fifth of those who said they lost possessions in custody said they had cash taken from them. The median amount reported lost was $55.
The report says one challenge to studying migrant mistreatment is that victims may have no way to take effective action.
"It is imperative that U.S. officials create transparent avenues with which to file complaints of mistreatment and ways in which interested parties can follow up on pending investigations," it says.
For more:
- download part one of the report, "Bordering on Criminal: The Routine Abuse of Migrants in the Removal System" (.pdf)
- download part two of the report (.pdf)
Read more: Deportees report abuse, theft in U.S. custody - FierceHomelandSecurity http://www.fiercehomelandsecurity.com/story/deportees-report-abuse-theft-us-custody/2013-12-11#ixzz2nIfMX3df
Subscribe at FierceHomelandSecurity
AZMEX UPDATE 11-12-13
Note: Some "catch-up" for your weekend reading pleasure
AZMEX UPDATE 11 DEC 2013
BP agents seize $170K in pot
Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 3:11 pm
From Staff Reports
http://www.yumasun.com/news/article_7ef81890-62b1-11e3-b1c6-0019bb30f31a.html
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested 10 suspected drug smugglers and seized about 343 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $170,000 Tuesday.
Agents patrolling the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge found footprints near Davidson Canyon, and with the help of Customs and Border Protection Air Interdiction agents tracked the prints to a group 10 Mexican citizens who had entered the U.S. illegally. All 10 men were allegedly hauling backpacks full of pot.
The Border Patrol presented the men to the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecution and seized the marijuana for destruction.
end
Arizona police: Detective in US illegally resigns
Source: United States News
Originally published: Dec 11, 2013 - 11:53 am
http://ktar.com/23/1684317/Arizona-police-Detective-in-US-illegally-resigns
PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona's state police agency says one of its detectives has resigned following the discovery that she was in the United States illegally after being brought from Mexico at a young age.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Bart Graves says Carmen Figueroa apparently was told by her family that she was born in the United States, though she was actually born in Mexico.
Graves says Figueroa's status was discovered during processing of a passport application by a brother serving in the U.S. military.
Graves says Figueroa resigned Monday but would have been fired if she hadn't stepped down. He says a criminal investigation continues.
Figueroa worked for DPS in southern Arizona and was with the department for 10 years.
Her status was first reported by Tucson television station KVOA.
END
Pima Sheriff: Man found dead in desert was kidnapped
Body found on SW side is ID'd
Veronica Cruz
Fabian Maldonado-Leon (mug shot?)
11 hours ago • By Veronica Cruz
http://azstarnet.com/news/blogs/police-beat/pima-sheriff-man-found-dead-in-desert-was-kidnapped/article_770aeaae-62de-11e3-9a77-0019bb2963f4.html
A man found dead in the desert Monday on Tucson's southwest side was the victim of a kidnapping, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said.
Fabian Maldonado-Leon, 22, was kidnapped from an apartment complex near South Campbell Avenue and East Irvington Road and the suspect demanded money for his return, Deputy Tracy Suitt, an agency spokesman said in a news release.
Maldonado-Leon was found dead from a gunshot wound Monday morning near San Joaquin and Snyder Hill roads.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME (882-7463).
end
Note: first reported in Mex. media a few days ago
CBP conducts full-scale binational exercise in local area
Photos courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
binational exercise
A suspect is apprehended during the drill.
Posted: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 9:48 am
Nogales International
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/cbp-conducts-full-scale-binational-exercise-in-local-area/article_d537a5ba-61ba-11e3-a688-001a4bcf887a.html
Federal law enforcement led what they are calling one of the largest-ever readiness exercises on the U.S.-Mexico border last Thursday in the Ambos Nogales area.
Local U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel, along with their Mexican, Tohono O'odham tribal and Arizona law enforcement counterparts were all part of the simulation that involved "multiple challenges of international significance," CBP said in a news release.
"Participants were required to make difficult decisions while carrying out essential functions and maintaining a common operating picture – law enforcement lingo for 'cross-organizational communication,'" CBP said.
The main areas of focus were the responding capabilities of federal, state and local law enforcement; mass rescue operations; responding to potential casualties; survivor accountability and public information outreach.
"Not only did this exercise involve dozens of partner agencies, it also extended across borders. This is particularly important in the southwest region where cross-border events occur on a daily basis," said Martin Vaughan, acting commander of Arizona's Joint Field Command in Tucson.
"This was one of the largest full-scale exercises ever conducted along the shared U.S. and Mexican border," Vaughan said. "Lessons learned (Thursday) will enable us to improve close-working relationships between our international, federal, state, local and industry partners."
END
Note: For all you staff and tech types. No idea if he is related to Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong.
Mexico's National Institute Of Immigration Selects ARINC's E-Government Solution For Enhanced Accountability And Improved Border Security
12/12/2013 ( 8:26am)
http://www.hstoday.us/single-article/mexicos-national-institute-of-immigration-selects-arincs-e-government-solution-for-enhanced-accountability-and-improved-border-security/561ce83e49623899219c8737f342ba0a.html
ARINC Incorporated announced it was selected by the Mexican Government's National Institute of Immigration (INM) to deploy an international network and message processing solution. ARINC's e-Government solution supports Mexico's immigration policies and enables the government to improve its ability to process individuals entering and exiting the country.
Mexico's National Institute of Immigration needed an efficient method to collect Advanced Passenger Information (API) and turn that data into useful information. The solution will allow government and airport authorities to review passenger information even before aircraft land at their airport of destination. This will enable the Mexican government to benefit greatly from improved control of passengers as well as enhanced accounting for tariffs paid by inbound, outbound, and transit passengers. INM believes that it will have a positive impact on its border operations and will enhance Mexico's overall border security and control.
With over 250 commercial airlines operating in Mexico, ARINC will transport a majority of all API traffic into the country once final airline implementations are complete. ARINC will carry out a rapid deployment for the Mexican government to meet the National Institute of Immigration's goal of having the system operational by December 31st, 2013.
"ARINC looks forward to a long and productive relationship with the government of Mexico and our close partners, INM," said Yun Chong, vice president, ARINC Global Network and IT Solutions. "Airports and other points of entry must meet border security requirements while still providing the highest levels of customer service. We are committed to helping INM meet its current and future border security and control objectives."
e-Government solutions form a part of ARINC's electronic borders' portfolio, which was developed to meet modern border security and government challenges. It utilizes ARINC's expertise in aviation, government, and maritime worldwide transportation, messaging, and systems integration to deliver the most efficient, cost-effective solutions possible.
end
AZMEX UPDATE 11 DEC 2013
BP agents seize $170K in pot
Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 3:11 pm
From Staff Reports
http://www.yumasun.com/news/article_7ef81890-62b1-11e3-b1c6-0019bb30f31a.html
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested 10 suspected drug smugglers and seized about 343 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $170,000 Tuesday.
Agents patrolling the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge found footprints near Davidson Canyon, and with the help of Customs and Border Protection Air Interdiction agents tracked the prints to a group 10 Mexican citizens who had entered the U.S. illegally. All 10 men were allegedly hauling backpacks full of pot.
The Border Patrol presented the men to the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecution and seized the marijuana for destruction.
end
Arizona police: Detective in US illegally resigns
Source: United States News
Originally published: Dec 11, 2013 - 11:53 am
http://ktar.com/23/1684317/Arizona-police-Detective-in-US-illegally-resigns
PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona's state police agency says one of its detectives has resigned following the discovery that she was in the United States illegally after being brought from Mexico at a young age.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Bart Graves says Carmen Figueroa apparently was told by her family that she was born in the United States, though she was actually born in Mexico.
Graves says Figueroa's status was discovered during processing of a passport application by a brother serving in the U.S. military.
Graves says Figueroa resigned Monday but would have been fired if she hadn't stepped down. He says a criminal investigation continues.
Figueroa worked for DPS in southern Arizona and was with the department for 10 years.
Her status was first reported by Tucson television station KVOA.
END
Pima Sheriff: Man found dead in desert was kidnapped
Body found on SW side is ID'd
Veronica Cruz
Fabian Maldonado-Leon (mug shot?)
11 hours ago • By Veronica Cruz
http://azstarnet.com/news/blogs/police-beat/pima-sheriff-man-found-dead-in-desert-was-kidnapped/article_770aeaae-62de-11e3-9a77-0019bb2963f4.html
A man found dead in the desert Monday on Tucson's southwest side was the victim of a kidnapping, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said.
Fabian Maldonado-Leon, 22, was kidnapped from an apartment complex near South Campbell Avenue and East Irvington Road and the suspect demanded money for his return, Deputy Tracy Suitt, an agency spokesman said in a news release.
Maldonado-Leon was found dead from a gunshot wound Monday morning near San Joaquin and Snyder Hill roads.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME (882-7463).
end
Note: first reported in Mex. media a few days ago
CBP conducts full-scale binational exercise in local area
Photos courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
binational exercise
A suspect is apprehended during the drill.
Posted: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 9:48 am
Nogales International
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/cbp-conducts-full-scale-binational-exercise-in-local-area/article_d537a5ba-61ba-11e3-a688-001a4bcf887a.html
Federal law enforcement led what they are calling one of the largest-ever readiness exercises on the U.S.-Mexico border last Thursday in the Ambos Nogales area.
Local U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel, along with their Mexican, Tohono O'odham tribal and Arizona law enforcement counterparts were all part of the simulation that involved "multiple challenges of international significance," CBP said in a news release.
"Participants were required to make difficult decisions while carrying out essential functions and maintaining a common operating picture – law enforcement lingo for 'cross-organizational communication,'" CBP said.
The main areas of focus were the responding capabilities of federal, state and local law enforcement; mass rescue operations; responding to potential casualties; survivor accountability and public information outreach.
"Not only did this exercise involve dozens of partner agencies, it also extended across borders. This is particularly important in the southwest region where cross-border events occur on a daily basis," said Martin Vaughan, acting commander of Arizona's Joint Field Command in Tucson.
"This was one of the largest full-scale exercises ever conducted along the shared U.S. and Mexican border," Vaughan said. "Lessons learned (Thursday) will enable us to improve close-working relationships between our international, federal, state, local and industry partners."
END
Note: For all you staff and tech types. No idea if he is related to Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong.
Mexico's National Institute Of Immigration Selects ARINC's E-Government Solution For Enhanced Accountability And Improved Border Security
12/12/2013 ( 8:26am)
http://www.hstoday.us/single-article/mexicos-national-institute-of-immigration-selects-arincs-e-government-solution-for-enhanced-accountability-and-improved-border-security/561ce83e49623899219c8737f342ba0a.html
ARINC Incorporated announced it was selected by the Mexican Government's National Institute of Immigration (INM) to deploy an international network and message processing solution. ARINC's e-Government solution supports Mexico's immigration policies and enables the government to improve its ability to process individuals entering and exiting the country.
Mexico's National Institute of Immigration needed an efficient method to collect Advanced Passenger Information (API) and turn that data into useful information. The solution will allow government and airport authorities to review passenger information even before aircraft land at their airport of destination. This will enable the Mexican government to benefit greatly from improved control of passengers as well as enhanced accounting for tariffs paid by inbound, outbound, and transit passengers. INM believes that it will have a positive impact on its border operations and will enhance Mexico's overall border security and control.
With over 250 commercial airlines operating in Mexico, ARINC will transport a majority of all API traffic into the country once final airline implementations are complete. ARINC will carry out a rapid deployment for the Mexican government to meet the National Institute of Immigration's goal of having the system operational by December 31st, 2013.
"ARINC looks forward to a long and productive relationship with the government of Mexico and our close partners, INM," said Yun Chong, vice president, ARINC Global Network and IT Solutions. "Airports and other points of entry must meet border security requirements while still providing the highest levels of customer service. We are committed to helping INM meet its current and future border security and control objectives."
e-Government solutions form a part of ARINC's electronic borders' portfolio, which was developed to meet modern border security and government challenges. It utilizes ARINC's expertise in aviation, government, and maritime worldwide transportation, messaging, and systems integration to deliver the most efficient, cost-effective solutions possible.
end
AZMEX EXTRA & I3 18-12-13
AZMEX EXTRA & I3 18 DEC 2013
Note: Precedent? "Imagine what might happen should a city ( or a state? ) declare in similar fashion that it was exempt from enforcing federal gun-control laws."
Subject: Resisting Immigration Reform Identity politics rejects ending illegal immigration and reforming legal immigration.
By Victor Davis Hanson
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/366482/resisting-immigration-reform-victor-davis-hanson
We are fast approaching what promises to be the year of "comprehensive immigration reform." In the manner of the "Affordable Care Act," it will not be comprehensive nor will it reform immigration.
All sorts of new trends have emerged in the American Southwest to address the fact that federal immigration law does not really apply to those who arrived here illegally from Mexico or Latin America. In-state tuition discounts at public universities are now customarily extended to those without citizenship in effect, privileging the foreign national over the U.S.-citizen student from out of state who helps subsidize the cost. Cities establish sanctuary zones that protect illegal immigrants from the enforcement of federal immigration laws and the taxpayer picks up the additional tab in social services.
Imagine what might happen should a city declare in similar fashion that it was exempt from enforcing federal gun-control laws.
Another trend is the effort to end penalties for past use of multiple Social Security numbers. Many who crossed the border illegally adopted various and thus fraudulent identities and acquired numerous Social Security numbers. When they later obtained green cards or citizenship, their poly-personas were found out. But isn't it discriminatory to count such illegal behavior against the job applicant, if such criteria apply disproportionately to a particular ethnic group?
In other words, there is an effort to make the idea of immigration law per se mostly irrelevant, and instead to focus only on the immigrant in terms of his ethnic makeup and place of origin. Otherwise, who would oppose simply closing the border? Many Latinos, of course, would object should Kenyans, Slovakians, and Koreans be coming by boat by the thousands and landing illegally on the coast near San Diego. Like other Americans, they would probably demand enforcement of common-sense federal immigration law.political conundrum were not about identity but only about the issue of immigration per se, then compromise would be rather easy. For example, in regard to the several million foreign nationals estimated to be residing in the U.S. illegally, but without arrest records, not on public assistance, and with a record of residence going back several years, many Americans would be willing to offer some sort of path to citizenship that would entail paying a fine, demonstrating English proficiency, and passing a basic citizenship test while in the meantime allowing the applicant provisional legal residence on a green card.
Unfortunately, open-borders advocates would object to the idea that the borders should be closed and thus illegal immigration from Latin America and Mexico, as we have known it, should essentially end. Especially bothersome would be establishing criteria to determine whether those who broke the law to enter the U.S. at least have not arrived only recently on rumors of amnesty, have been able to avoid arrest, and have worked steadily and not gone on public assistance.
Who would oppose deportation for those who did not meet such reasonable requisites? After all, would any country in the world allow foreign nationals to cross illegally into its territory, commit crimes, draw public assistance and then be rewarded with citizenship?
If there were good-faith efforts to reform legal immigration, again compromise would be easy. We would simply establish criteria that would privilege those with educational degrees and skill sets, make completely crime-free backgrounds mandatory, and ignore ethnic and racial makeup. Yet in the topsy-turvy world we live in today, such reasonable criteria would be anathema to the open-borders lobby, which will fight ferociously against the idea that conviction for a crime or public dependency should be grounds for not extending amnesties to those who came illegally and broke laws to remain in the United States. This, after all, might result not, as is the case at present, in the vast majority of new immigrants coming from Latin America and Mexico but, instead, in classically liberal fashion, in a true diversity of immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Europe as well as our own hemisphere.
If the illegal-immigration debate is not just about providing amnesty for long-residing aliens who, after once breaking immigration law, have avoided arrest and who have been gainfully employed, and if the legal-immigration controversy is not about establishing meritocratic criteria that would promote diversity and ignore race and ethnicity, then what drives the current acrimony?
Identity politics. The crux of present-day immigration, both legal and illegal, is the agenda of demography and politics. In crude terms, that translates into absorbing a large pool of mostly liberal future voters who look to government to provide themselves some sort of rough parity with their hosts. If someone comes from Oaxaca to Fresno without English, a diploma, and legality, then soon in his life a government program will have to offer him some sort of assistance, whether for legal advice, food, housing, education, or health care.
More important, a vast cadre of Spanish-speaking citizens is needed to serve the illegal-immigrant community, whether as translators in emergency rooms or to facilitate licensing at the DMV. They too are invested in expansions of state and federal government as are left-wing politicians.
Note: Precedent? "Imagine what might happen should a city ( or a state? ) declare in similar fashion that it was exempt from enforcing federal gun-control laws."
Subject: Resisting Immigration Reform Identity politics rejects ending illegal immigration and reforming legal immigration.
By Victor Davis Hanson
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/366482/resisting-immigration-reform-victor-davis-hanson
We are fast approaching what promises to be the year of "comprehensive immigration reform." In the manner of the "Affordable Care Act," it will not be comprehensive nor will it reform immigration.
All sorts of new trends have emerged in the American Southwest to address the fact that federal immigration law does not really apply to those who arrived here illegally from Mexico or Latin America. In-state tuition discounts at public universities are now customarily extended to those without citizenship in effect, privileging the foreign national over the U.S.-citizen student from out of state who helps subsidize the cost. Cities establish sanctuary zones that protect illegal immigrants from the enforcement of federal immigration laws and the taxpayer picks up the additional tab in social services.
Imagine what might happen should a city declare in similar fashion that it was exempt from enforcing federal gun-control laws.
Another trend is the effort to end penalties for past use of multiple Social Security numbers. Many who crossed the border illegally adopted various and thus fraudulent identities and acquired numerous Social Security numbers. When they later obtained green cards or citizenship, their poly-personas were found out. But isn't it discriminatory to count such illegal behavior against the job applicant, if such criteria apply disproportionately to a particular ethnic group?
In other words, there is an effort to make the idea of immigration law per se mostly irrelevant, and instead to focus only on the immigrant in terms of his ethnic makeup and place of origin. Otherwise, who would oppose simply closing the border? Many Latinos, of course, would object should Kenyans, Slovakians, and Koreans be coming by boat by the thousands and landing illegally on the coast near San Diego. Like other Americans, they would probably demand enforcement of common-sense federal immigration law.political conundrum were not about identity but only about the issue of immigration per se, then compromise would be rather easy. For example, in regard to the several million foreign nationals estimated to be residing in the U.S. illegally, but without arrest records, not on public assistance, and with a record of residence going back several years, many Americans would be willing to offer some sort of path to citizenship that would entail paying a fine, demonstrating English proficiency, and passing a basic citizenship test while in the meantime allowing the applicant provisional legal residence on a green card.
Unfortunately, open-borders advocates would object to the idea that the borders should be closed and thus illegal immigration from Latin America and Mexico, as we have known it, should essentially end. Especially bothersome would be establishing criteria to determine whether those who broke the law to enter the U.S. at least have not arrived only recently on rumors of amnesty, have been able to avoid arrest, and have worked steadily and not gone on public assistance.
Who would oppose deportation for those who did not meet such reasonable requisites? After all, would any country in the world allow foreign nationals to cross illegally into its territory, commit crimes, draw public assistance and then be rewarded with citizenship?
If there were good-faith efforts to reform legal immigration, again compromise would be easy. We would simply establish criteria that would privilege those with educational degrees and skill sets, make completely crime-free backgrounds mandatory, and ignore ethnic and racial makeup. Yet in the topsy-turvy world we live in today, such reasonable criteria would be anathema to the open-borders lobby, which will fight ferociously against the idea that conviction for a crime or public dependency should be grounds for not extending amnesties to those who came illegally and broke laws to remain in the United States. This, after all, might result not, as is the case at present, in the vast majority of new immigrants coming from Latin America and Mexico but, instead, in classically liberal fashion, in a true diversity of immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Europe as well as our own hemisphere.
If the illegal-immigration debate is not just about providing amnesty for long-residing aliens who, after once breaking immigration law, have avoided arrest and who have been gainfully employed, and if the legal-immigration controversy is not about establishing meritocratic criteria that would promote diversity and ignore race and ethnicity, then what drives the current acrimony?
Identity politics. The crux of present-day immigration, both legal and illegal, is the agenda of demography and politics. In crude terms, that translates into absorbing a large pool of mostly liberal future voters who look to government to provide themselves some sort of rough parity with their hosts. If someone comes from Oaxaca to Fresno without English, a diploma, and legality, then soon in his life a government program will have to offer him some sort of assistance, whether for legal advice, food, housing, education, or health care.
More important, a vast cadre of Spanish-speaking citizens is needed to serve the illegal-immigrant community, whether as translators in emergency rooms or to facilitate licensing at the DMV. They too are invested in expansions of state and federal government as are left-wing politicians.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
AZMEX UPDATE 18-12-13
AZMEX UPDATE 18 DEC 2013
Note: The busy AZMEX days and nights continue
Note: This one addresses F&F, related and others issues
http://www.examiner.com/article/stunning-walters-admits-obama-viewed-as-next-messiah?cid=db_articles
Authorities announce drug arrests, seizures
By Associated Press
Originally published: Dec 18, 2013 - 7:42 am
http://ktar.com/22/1686042/Authorities-announce-drug-arrests-seizures
PHOENIX -- Authorities said 12 people have been arrested as part of a yearlong multi-agency investigation into drug trafficking in Arizona.
The Drug Enforcement Administration along with U.S. Border Patrol and the Internal Revenue Service have been conducting an investigation into the Luis Armando Cruz drug-trafficking organization. Authorities said the group worked on behalf of the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel.
Officials accused the Phoenix-based organization of being responsible for importing thousands of pounds of marijuana from Mexico into the U.S., while smuggling the proceeds back across the border.
Authorities said in addition to the arrests, they seized thousands of pounds of marijuana, weapons, homes, vehicles and more than $200,000.
The suspects face counts including intent to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to launder money.
END
Note: Rocky Point, mucho coverage on this one in AZ media, the mayor says don't worry be happy
Puerto Peñasco shootout leaves at least five dead
This image, posted to Mexican news websites and credited to "social media," reportedly shows a truck that was destroyed during Wednesday morning's shoot out in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora.
Posted: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 2:14 pm | Updated: 4:07 pm, Wed Dec 18, 2013.
Nogales International
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/puerto-pe-asco-shootout-leaves-at-least-five-dead/article_5f322014-6829-11e3-bb76-001a4bcf887a.html
Five people are reportedly dead in the aftermath of a gun battle with federal authorities Wednesday in the Sandy Beach area of Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, also known as Rocky Point.
The Sinaloa-based newspaper El Debate, citing unnamed official sources, is reporting that Gonzalo "El Macho Prieto" Inzunza, a high-ranking enforcer for the Sinaloa Cartel, is among the dead.
Carlos Navarro Sugich, attorney general for the state of Sonora, confirmed the number of deaths in an announcement on his Twitter feed, but did not offer the names of the dead.
According to the Hermosillo daily El Imparcial, Navarro Sugich said during a subsequent news conference that two civilians were killed during an early morning shootout in front of a Sandy Beach hotel, and two more died when the truck they were fleeing in crashed into a wall and caught fire. The civilians were apparently all armed, he said.
Navarro Sugich said the details of the fifth death were still unclear, El Imparcial reported.
Gunfire from the confrontation can reportedly be heard on this video posted to YouTube.
Puerto Peñasco is popular vacation destination for U.S. tourists, and the Sandy Beach area is home to high-rise hotels and condos frequented by Americans.
The U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora used its Twitter feed during the shootout to advise citizens "to shelter in place until gunfire is over."
In a message posted later to its website, the consulate alerted all U.S. citizens of the incident, and offered this general advice:
"In the event of gunfire, take shelter immediately and stay clear of doors and windows. Additionally, you should review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security."
end
Federal agents make 2 meth busts on Arizona border
Border Patrol agents at the checkpoint on Interstate 19 on Monday night arrested one woman and seized nearly 30 pounds of methamphetamine valued at more than $460,000.
15 hours ago • Arizona Daily Star
Related Galleries
http://azstarnet.com/news/local/crime/federal-agents-make-meth-busts-on-arizona-border/article_20eba410-6775-11e3-a23b-0019bb2963f4.html
Federal agents made two large methamphetamine busts on the Arizona border:
Border Patrol agents at the checkpoint on Interstate 19 on Monday night arrested one woman and seized nearly 30 pounds of methamphetamine worth more than $460,000, according to a Customs and Border Protection news release.
Agents found 27 packages of meth during the inspection of a Mercury sedan driven by a U.S. citizen. A drug dog alerted agents to the vehicle, leading to the discovery of meth, which was wrapped in clear packaging tape between the back seat and trunk of the vehicle, the release said.
The car and drugs were seized. The driver was arrested.
In a separate incident in Nogales, Ariz., two female Mexican nationals were arrested Saturday for attempting to smuggle about 41 pounds of meth, worth an estimated $635,500, across the border, the CBP said in a separate news release.
CBP officers sent the driver and passenger of a 2006 Jeep Liberty for secondary inspection when the driver tried to cross at the Mariposa Port of Entry. During the inspection, officers found 30 packages of meth in the vehicle's gas tank.
The drugs and vehicle were seized.
The driver, Rosalinda Salazar-Lopez, 21, and her 19-year-old passenger, were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.
END
Note: Update
Attorney General Horne Indicts Nine Members Of Money Laundering Operation
Group Laundered $1.1 Million in Cash from 2010 through Beginning of 2013
Phoenix, AZ (Wednesday, December 18, 2013) - Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne is today announcing the indictment of nine members of the Manuel Duarte, Jr. Money Laundering Organization in Tucson. Manuel Duarte, Jr., Jesus Roberto Urrutia-Ramirez, Justine Calderon, Geraldine Calderon, Alexis Goevanni Cervantes, Kathleen Duarte, Manuel Flores Duarte, Englantina Burrola Duarte, and Glenda Duarte Moreno were all indicted by a Pima County Grand Jury for charges relating to their involvement in the laundering of drug proceeds.
These individuals have been charged with Illegally Conducting an Enterprise, Assisting a Criminal Syndicate, and various counts of Money Laundering.
In 2012, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation into a cocaine trafficking organization operating in the Tucson area. As a result of that investigation, the Border Crimes Enforcement Section of the Arizona Attorney General's Office began an investigation into possible money laundering activities of Manuel Duarte, Jr. and his friends and family. That investigation uncovered that this group laundered approximately $1.1 million in cash from 2010 through the beginning of 2013 utilizing various bank accounts.
The head of this operation, Manuel Duarte, Jr., was responsible for laundering over $500,000 in his own bank accounts from 2010 through 2012 alone.
In addition, this group also laundered drug proceeds through real estate purchases. This investigation identified nine properties that were involved in money laundering transactions conducted by this group. Racketeering liens have been placed on these properties by the Arizona Attorney General's Office. Any property or cash forfeited as a result of this investigation will go towards supporting further law enforcement efforts targeted at investigating and prosecuting other racketeering offenses.
This case was investigated by the Border Crimes Section of the Arizona Attorney General's Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Photos of those indicted are attached. Defendants are innocent until proven guilty.
END
2 illegal immigrants arrested after high-speed chase
by Christina O'Haver
azfamily.com
Posted on December 18, 2013 at 5:20 PM
Updated today at 5:24 PM
http://www.azfamily.com/news/2-illegal-immigrants-arrested-after-high-speed-chase-236468541.html
PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. -- Two illegal immigrants were arrested Tuesday after allegedly leading a Pinal County Sheriff's deputy on a high-speed chase in Southern Arizona.
About 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, a deputy in an area northwest of Casa Grande saw a Chevrolet Tahoe driving at a high speed, the sheriff's office said.
According to the sheriff's office, the vehicle ran a stop sign as it turned south from Miller Road onto Anderson Road.
The driver allegedly failed to stop for the deputy and a pursuit was initiated. The Tahoe reportedly accelerated to 100 mph.
The pursuit continued along Highway 84 and southbound on Montgomery Road, where another deputy set up spike strips.
The Tahoe ran over the strips, and its right rear tire and front left tire were deflated when it reached Interstate 8, the sheriff's office said.
The vehicle then reportedly crossed the center medium and two eastbound lanes of traffic, and drove through a fence. It continued south through a dirt field, where it came to a stop, the sheriff's office said.
The driver and passenger doors opened and two men ran from the vehicle in a southeast direction, the sheriff's office said.
The driver, Jesus Lozano-Vicarra, 35, of Mexico, reportedly stopped running as a deputy approached him. He was taken into custody.
The passenger, Gustavo Ramirez-Zavala, 24, of Mexico, was found hiding underneath a mesquite tree, the sheriff's office said. He allegedly resisted the arrest and was Tased by the deputy.
The sheriff's office said Lozano-Vicarra admitted to driving the vehicle, and said he fled from the deputy because he did not want to be deported to Mexico again.
The man reportedly told the sheriff's office he had been in the United States illegally for more than a month, paying his way across the border by backpacking marijuana from Mexico. The sheriff's office said Lozano-Vicarra admitted to smuggling marijuana to enter the country in the past.
He was booked into Pinal County Jail on suspicion of felony flight.
The sheriff's office said Gustavo also admitted to being in the U.S. illegally and was turned over to Border Patrol.
The Tahoe was seized, and the sheriff's office said it would request forfeiture.
end
Note: Roundup
Wellton Border Patrol arrests 21
Posted: Monday, December 16, 2013 5:55 pm | Updated: 5:59 pm, Mon Dec 16, 2013.
By Darin Fenger Features Editor
Posted on December 16, 2013
by Amy Crawford
http://www.yumasun.com/news/wellton-border-patrol-arrests/article_29e6e616-66b6-11e3-90d9-001a4bcf6878.html
U.S. Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector's Wellton Station arrested 21 individuals and seized a combined 846 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $423,000, in separate weekend incidents.
On Friday, agents were tracking a group of suspected illegal immigrants near the Granite Mountains on the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range when they found 12 makeshift backpacks of marijuana weighing 548 pounds, the agency announced Monday.
A Mexican national hiding near the backpacks was arrested. Agents continued tracking the footprints until they found and arrested an additional 11 Mexican nationals on Sunday. Agents seized the marijuana for destruction.
Saturday, agents arrested 9 Mexican nationals discovered on the west side of the Sierra Pinta Mountains, located on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge; all of whom were in the U.S. illegally. In close proximity to the apprehension site, agents located six bundles of marijuana weighing 298 pounds. The suspects and marijuana were turned over to the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force.
Citizens 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
END
Note: The busy AZMEX days and nights continue
Note: This one addresses F&F, related and others issues
http://www.examiner.com/article/stunning-walters-admits-obama-viewed-as-next-messiah?cid=db_articles
Authorities announce drug arrests, seizures
By Associated Press
Originally published: Dec 18, 2013 - 7:42 am
http://ktar.com/22/1686042/Authorities-announce-drug-arrests-seizures
PHOENIX -- Authorities said 12 people have been arrested as part of a yearlong multi-agency investigation into drug trafficking in Arizona.
The Drug Enforcement Administration along with U.S. Border Patrol and the Internal Revenue Service have been conducting an investigation into the Luis Armando Cruz drug-trafficking organization. Authorities said the group worked on behalf of the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel.
Officials accused the Phoenix-based organization of being responsible for importing thousands of pounds of marijuana from Mexico into the U.S., while smuggling the proceeds back across the border.
Authorities said in addition to the arrests, they seized thousands of pounds of marijuana, weapons, homes, vehicles and more than $200,000.
The suspects face counts including intent to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to launder money.
END
Note: Rocky Point, mucho coverage on this one in AZ media, the mayor says don't worry be happy
Puerto Peñasco shootout leaves at least five dead
This image, posted to Mexican news websites and credited to "social media," reportedly shows a truck that was destroyed during Wednesday morning's shoot out in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora.
Posted: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 2:14 pm | Updated: 4:07 pm, Wed Dec 18, 2013.
Nogales International
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/puerto-pe-asco-shootout-leaves-at-least-five-dead/article_5f322014-6829-11e3-bb76-001a4bcf887a.html
Five people are reportedly dead in the aftermath of a gun battle with federal authorities Wednesday in the Sandy Beach area of Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, also known as Rocky Point.
The Sinaloa-based newspaper El Debate, citing unnamed official sources, is reporting that Gonzalo "El Macho Prieto" Inzunza, a high-ranking enforcer for the Sinaloa Cartel, is among the dead.
Carlos Navarro Sugich, attorney general for the state of Sonora, confirmed the number of deaths in an announcement on his Twitter feed, but did not offer the names of the dead.
According to the Hermosillo daily El Imparcial, Navarro Sugich said during a subsequent news conference that two civilians were killed during an early morning shootout in front of a Sandy Beach hotel, and two more died when the truck they were fleeing in crashed into a wall and caught fire. The civilians were apparently all armed, he said.
Navarro Sugich said the details of the fifth death were still unclear, El Imparcial reported.
Gunfire from the confrontation can reportedly be heard on this video posted to YouTube.
Puerto Peñasco is popular vacation destination for U.S. tourists, and the Sandy Beach area is home to high-rise hotels and condos frequented by Americans.
The U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora used its Twitter feed during the shootout to advise citizens "to shelter in place until gunfire is over."
In a message posted later to its website, the consulate alerted all U.S. citizens of the incident, and offered this general advice:
"In the event of gunfire, take shelter immediately and stay clear of doors and windows. Additionally, you should review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security."
end
Federal agents make 2 meth busts on Arizona border
Border Patrol agents at the checkpoint on Interstate 19 on Monday night arrested one woman and seized nearly 30 pounds of methamphetamine valued at more than $460,000.
15 hours ago • Arizona Daily Star
Related Galleries
http://azstarnet.com/news/local/crime/federal-agents-make-meth-busts-on-arizona-border/article_20eba410-6775-11e3-a23b-0019bb2963f4.html
Federal agents made two large methamphetamine busts on the Arizona border:
Border Patrol agents at the checkpoint on Interstate 19 on Monday night arrested one woman and seized nearly 30 pounds of methamphetamine worth more than $460,000, according to a Customs and Border Protection news release.
Agents found 27 packages of meth during the inspection of a Mercury sedan driven by a U.S. citizen. A drug dog alerted agents to the vehicle, leading to the discovery of meth, which was wrapped in clear packaging tape between the back seat and trunk of the vehicle, the release said.
The car and drugs were seized. The driver was arrested.
In a separate incident in Nogales, Ariz., two female Mexican nationals were arrested Saturday for attempting to smuggle about 41 pounds of meth, worth an estimated $635,500, across the border, the CBP said in a separate news release.
CBP officers sent the driver and passenger of a 2006 Jeep Liberty for secondary inspection when the driver tried to cross at the Mariposa Port of Entry. During the inspection, officers found 30 packages of meth in the vehicle's gas tank.
The drugs and vehicle were seized.
The driver, Rosalinda Salazar-Lopez, 21, and her 19-year-old passenger, were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.
END
Note: Update
Attorney General Horne Indicts Nine Members Of Money Laundering Operation
Group Laundered $1.1 Million in Cash from 2010 through Beginning of 2013
Phoenix, AZ (Wednesday, December 18, 2013) - Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne is today announcing the indictment of nine members of the Manuel Duarte, Jr. Money Laundering Organization in Tucson. Manuel Duarte, Jr., Jesus Roberto Urrutia-Ramirez, Justine Calderon, Geraldine Calderon, Alexis Goevanni Cervantes, Kathleen Duarte, Manuel Flores Duarte, Englantina Burrola Duarte, and Glenda Duarte Moreno were all indicted by a Pima County Grand Jury for charges relating to their involvement in the laundering of drug proceeds.
These individuals have been charged with Illegally Conducting an Enterprise, Assisting a Criminal Syndicate, and various counts of Money Laundering.
In 2012, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation into a cocaine trafficking organization operating in the Tucson area. As a result of that investigation, the Border Crimes Enforcement Section of the Arizona Attorney General's Office began an investigation into possible money laundering activities of Manuel Duarte, Jr. and his friends and family. That investigation uncovered that this group laundered approximately $1.1 million in cash from 2010 through the beginning of 2013 utilizing various bank accounts.
The head of this operation, Manuel Duarte, Jr., was responsible for laundering over $500,000 in his own bank accounts from 2010 through 2012 alone.
In addition, this group also laundered drug proceeds through real estate purchases. This investigation identified nine properties that were involved in money laundering transactions conducted by this group. Racketeering liens have been placed on these properties by the Arizona Attorney General's Office. Any property or cash forfeited as a result of this investigation will go towards supporting further law enforcement efforts targeted at investigating and prosecuting other racketeering offenses.
This case was investigated by the Border Crimes Section of the Arizona Attorney General's Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Photos of those indicted are attached. Defendants are innocent until proven guilty.
END
2 illegal immigrants arrested after high-speed chase
by Christina O'Haver
azfamily.com
Posted on December 18, 2013 at 5:20 PM
Updated today at 5:24 PM
http://www.azfamily.com/news/2-illegal-immigrants-arrested-after-high-speed-chase-236468541.html
PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. -- Two illegal immigrants were arrested Tuesday after allegedly leading a Pinal County Sheriff's deputy on a high-speed chase in Southern Arizona.
About 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, a deputy in an area northwest of Casa Grande saw a Chevrolet Tahoe driving at a high speed, the sheriff's office said.
According to the sheriff's office, the vehicle ran a stop sign as it turned south from Miller Road onto Anderson Road.
The driver allegedly failed to stop for the deputy and a pursuit was initiated. The Tahoe reportedly accelerated to 100 mph.
The pursuit continued along Highway 84 and southbound on Montgomery Road, where another deputy set up spike strips.
The Tahoe ran over the strips, and its right rear tire and front left tire were deflated when it reached Interstate 8, the sheriff's office said.
The vehicle then reportedly crossed the center medium and two eastbound lanes of traffic, and drove through a fence. It continued south through a dirt field, where it came to a stop, the sheriff's office said.
The driver and passenger doors opened and two men ran from the vehicle in a southeast direction, the sheriff's office said.
The driver, Jesus Lozano-Vicarra, 35, of Mexico, reportedly stopped running as a deputy approached him. He was taken into custody.
The passenger, Gustavo Ramirez-Zavala, 24, of Mexico, was found hiding underneath a mesquite tree, the sheriff's office said. He allegedly resisted the arrest and was Tased by the deputy.
The sheriff's office said Lozano-Vicarra admitted to driving the vehicle, and said he fled from the deputy because he did not want to be deported to Mexico again.
The man reportedly told the sheriff's office he had been in the United States illegally for more than a month, paying his way across the border by backpacking marijuana from Mexico. The sheriff's office said Lozano-Vicarra admitted to smuggling marijuana to enter the country in the past.
He was booked into Pinal County Jail on suspicion of felony flight.
The sheriff's office said Gustavo also admitted to being in the U.S. illegally and was turned over to Border Patrol.
The Tahoe was seized, and the sheriff's office said it would request forfeiture.
end
Note: Roundup
Wellton Border Patrol arrests 21
Posted: Monday, December 16, 2013 5:55 pm | Updated: 5:59 pm, Mon Dec 16, 2013.
By Darin Fenger Features Editor
Posted on December 16, 2013
by Amy Crawford
http://www.yumasun.com/news/wellton-border-patrol-arrests/article_29e6e616-66b6-11e3-90d9-001a4bcf6878.html
U.S. Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector's Wellton Station arrested 21 individuals and seized a combined 846 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $423,000, in separate weekend incidents.
On Friday, agents were tracking a group of suspected illegal immigrants near the Granite Mountains on the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range when they found 12 makeshift backpacks of marijuana weighing 548 pounds, the agency announced Monday.
A Mexican national hiding near the backpacks was arrested. Agents continued tracking the footprints until they found and arrested an additional 11 Mexican nationals on Sunday. Agents seized the marijuana for destruction.
Saturday, agents arrested 9 Mexican nationals discovered on the west side of the Sierra Pinta Mountains, located on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge; all of whom were in the U.S. illegally. In close proximity to the apprehension site, agents located six bundles of marijuana weighing 298 pounds. The suspects and marijuana were turned over to the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force.
Citizens 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
END
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