The Gulf Cartel is still instilling fear in Tamaulipas, Mexico, despite government assurances of a crackdown on drug trafficking organizations. The U.S. government designates the Gulf Cartel as a terrorist group.
Violence has sharply increased lately, with Gulf Cartel gunmen launching attacks on various law enforcement agencies and even innocent families. In recent months, the level of violence has escalated, with criminal organizations aiming at average citizens and engaging in armed robberies.
This surge in brutality coincides with increased border enforcement measures introduced during the Trump administration.
The latest wave of violence was reported on Friday afternoon when gunmen attempted to lure two factory workers in the southwestern part of the city.
The incident took place along the Reinosa-San Fernando Highway while the workers were approaching their company’s truck. A group of armed men blocked their path, seized their vehicle, and abducted them.
Tamaulipas state authorities arrived quickly and discovered Chevrolet vehicles used by the assailants. They attempted to halt the vehicle, but the driver opened fire, which resulted in a brief shootout. Authorities eventually cornered the vehicle and arrested the driver, who sustained various injuries.
Inside, authorities discovered one of the abducted victims. Investigators are now working to locate the second victim and the stolen truck.
Just a day earlier, on Thursday, a convoy of Gulf Cartel gunmen tried to ambush the Tamaulipas State Attorney General’s office and a group of detectives, leading to a violent exchange of gunfire. During this chaotic incident, a family traveling in a car was caught in the crossfire. Tragically, the child died from gunshot injuries, while the parents required medical attention.
The incident sparked significant backlash, as local media suggested that innocent families were mistakenly targeted by law enforcement after they confused the gunfire. However, the Tamaulipas Attorney General’s office stated that, according to ballistic and forensic evidence, the shots that struck the family appeared to have originated from the shooters’ vehicles, not from the authorities.
