Mexican border shootings close US crossing after capo arrest

Gunfire and burning automobiles within the Mexican border metropolis of Nuevo Laredo led U.S. officers to shut the U.S. consulate there and briefly shut down shut border crossings Monday.

The gunfire erupted late Sunday after the arrest of a pacesetter of 1 faction of the Northeast Cartel, the successor group to the previous Zetas Cartel, Mexico’s most bloodthirsty gang. Suspected cartel members opened fireplace and hijacked and burned automobiles, apparently in retaliation for the arrest.

220,000 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS EVADED BORDER PATROL SINCE OCTOBER: SOURCE

U.S Customs and Border Safety mentioned southbound site visitors from Laredo, Texas, into Nuevo Laredo on the Juarez-Lincoln and Gateway to the Americas bridges was suspended, however re-opened early Monday morning.

The U.S. consulate in Nuevo Laredo was closed to the general public, and appointments have been to be rescheduled. There have been stories the consulate constructing was hit by gunfire, however the U.S. Embassy in Mexico Metropolis didn’t instantly verify that.

U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar mentioned, “I’ve raised our grave considerations about these incidents and the security and safety of our staff instantly with the federal government of Mexico.”

The arrested suspect was not recognized by his full identify, in step with Mexican regulation.

BIDEN CALLS FOR REGIONAL FRAMEWORK TO ‘DRAMATICALLY EXPAND’ MIGRATION PATHWAYS

The Mexican military mentioned he was the chief of cartel gunmen generally known as “The Troops of Hell.” They’re an especially violent and closely armed gang of hitmen.

The suspect’s nickname – “The Egg” – corresponds to Juan Gerardo Treviño, a nephew of imprisoned Zetas chief Miguel Angel Treviño.

The suspect, who reportedly had two unlawful weapons when he was detained, faces fees of extortion, murder and terrorism in Mexico. He additionally is needed for extradition to the U.S. on fees of conspiracy to site visitors medicine and launder cash.