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jerezano

Feb 16, 2011, 6:30 AM

Post #1 of 47 (5312 views)

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First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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Hello all,

Here is the first reported narco reten and killing of a US agent on Highway 57 north of San Luis Potosí on the way to Saltillo and Monterrey.

http://news.yahoo.com/...xico_ice_agents_shot

There is a conformation squib of this incident in the LA Times but no details.

So far no incidents have been reported on the Zacatecas to Saltillo highway.

As ever, jerezano

(This post was edited by jerezano on Feb 16, 2011, 6:34 AM)

lwmosher

Feb 16, 2011, 6:55 AM

Post #2 of 47 (5293 views)

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Re: [jerezano] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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One online report states that San Luis Potosi police said gunmen attacked two people in a blue Suburban on Highway 57 between Mexico City and Monterrey, near the town of Santa Maria Del Rio, at about 2:30 p.m.

CNN has reported that the incident took place near Mexico City. Hispanically Speaking News provides names of the officers and implicates the Zetas. The news reporting has been less than consistent.

A sad situation.

Reefhound

Feb 16, 2011, 7:10 AM

Post #3 of 47 (5280 views)

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Re: [lwmosher] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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I've seen lots of news reports on this and while the initial ones were sketchy most have been pretty consistent. It was SLP state police and military that responded. CNN is the only one placing it near D.F.

Most reports says the agents were identifying themselves then were fired on. I'm curious as to how one even survived. I wonder if the agents had weapons and returned fire...

Brian

Feb 16, 2011, 8:29 AM

Post #4 of 47 (5258 views)

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Re: [lwmosher] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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In Reply To

To give a sense of location for those who travel on 57, SMdR is the town that advertises itself as the rebozo making capital. It is a frequent stop for motorists who buy gas and other provisions for the trip north and southbound. It is scary that these professionals, like Nancy Davis' husband, made the wrong decision when approaching what looked like a legitimate checkpoint. Davis tried to drive through. The US agents stopped and identified themselves. Same result....

(This post was edited by Brian on Feb 16, 2011, 8:31 AM)

Reefhound

Feb 16, 2011, 9:01 AM

Post #5 of 47 (5247 views)

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Re: [Brian] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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I'm done with advising one whether to stop, flee, fight, cooperate, or whatever. There is no reliable procedure. One needs to consider all the possibilities with respect to their circumstances and decide for themselves.

Did the missionary make the wrong decision? It obviously didn't turn out right for her but did his decision to flee cost a life or save a life? Although they probably just wanted his truck.

The agents were in different circumstances. Doubtful they just wanted the truck since it had diplomatic plates and no indication they tried to take it. Lots of questions as to who they initially thought the attackers were (the "good guys" or the "bad guys") and what they were trying to communicate. One survived so officials will soon know exactly what happened (though we may not).

chinagringo

Feb 16, 2011, 10:17 AM

Post #6 of 47 (5214 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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In reading through numerous media reports, both Mexican and foreign, there seem to be numerous unanswered questions on this incident and even those stated as facts may be up for dispute.
1) I have not read any reports that the Suburban actually did have diplomatic plates. I looked at a number of photos that included the rear plate and after zooming in, it appeared that the plate had been distorted with some sort of paper affixed over the actual plate.
2) Do we know whether these agents were armed?
3) I personally wonder if they were carrying actual ID's or some form of identification designed to disguise their mission?
4) As of just a few minutes ago, CNN continues to broadcast inaccurate info on the actual location of this incident.

I think we can safely assume that these agents had undergone some form of training and maybe extra special training to be assigned to Mexico. It should be a "wake-up call" to all of us who travel the highways without a clue and absolutely no training on how to handle such a situation! Anyone who imagines or otherwise think that these guys follow any formal set of rules is simply fooling themselves.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Reefhound

Feb 16, 2011, 11:34 AM

Post #7 of 47 (5193 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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I think authorities know a lot more than we'll ever know. The latest account on BB describes the attack in such detail that either it is coming from the surviving agent or someone has a vivid imagination. It claims they were on a "black op" carrying a box possibly containing weapons, that they were targeted and perhaps even set up by an insider, that most of the reports are the "cover story".

norteño

Feb 16, 2011, 11:55 AM

Post #8 of 47 (5179 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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Many reports in the Mexican media say that the vehicle had diplomatic plates. ICE agents attached to the U. S. Embassy are openly identified as such and would not be armed or working undercover.

stevebrtx

Feb 16, 2011, 3:48 PM

Post #9 of 47 (5137 views)

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Re: [norteño] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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Yes, openly driving a car with diplomatic plates. Now, the big question no one is asking is "does this finally cross the line?" Are they willing to risk some level of direct US intervention, time will tell.
http://www.chapalaweather.net

wendy devlin

Feb 16, 2011, 4:11 PM

Post #10 of 47 (5123 views)

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Re: [stevebrtx] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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Got to ask...first, why where they driving?
Second, Without reliable military escort on Hwy 57...given recent reports from that area?

Stay tuned. Although the more 'important' this incident, likely the less, creditable domestic or international follow-up news stories available... leaving more questions than answers.

NJ2VER

Feb 17, 2011, 6:20 AM

Post #11 of 47 (5019 views)

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Re: [jerezano] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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The common denominater for these poor agents, and for the missionaries, was that they were driving very flashy vehicles. At this sad time the character Frank Lopez(Scarface) words ring true:"Hey, Tony. Remember when I told you when you first started working for me, the guys that last in this business, are the guys who fly straight. Low-key, quiet. But the guys who want it all, chicas, champagne, flash... they don't last.

rvcycleguy

Feb 17, 2011, 8:15 AM

Post #12 of 47 (4971 views)

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Re: [NJ2VER] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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local paper in Houston are reporting that the ICE armored vehicle was forced of the road by two other SUV's. The ICE driver agent placed the vehicle in park, which activated the door locks in the open position. The drivers door was opened and the driver was able to repel the assault and close the door and lock it. The driver or passenger then opened the window a couple of inches to declare they were diplomatic agents and offer credentials, The attackers placed an AK47 in the partially open window and sprayed the interior with bullets. The driver and passenger were hit. The driver was able to force one attacker vehicle in the front out of the way and drive off. After a few minutes, he died and the vehicle stopped. The surviving agent was able to make a mobile phone call for help. A Mexican federal police helicopter arrived shortly thereafter.

chinagringo

Feb 17, 2011, 8:48 AM

Post #13 of 47 (4961 views)

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Re: [NJ2VER] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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To categorize a pickup and a Suburban as "very flashy vehicles" seems to be a bit of a stretch to me. For security reasons, the Suburban had been armored. In order for a vehicle to have such modifications, they must start with a substantial vehicle that has the power and suspension capable of handling the extra weight. Smaller less desirable vehicles simply cannot qualify. While we typically drive a older well used Ford Windstar on our Mexico trips, I would venture a guess that on any given day, the cartels may desire such a vehicle if they needed to move a group. There is no question that the missionaries pickup and the Suburban both fit the list of typically desired vehicles but flashy?

I cannot for the life of me understand why the ICE agents would compromise the protection afforded to them by rolling down a window.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Reefhound

Feb 17, 2011, 8:49 AM

Post #14 of 47 (4961 views)

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Re: [rvcycleguy] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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If true, that is a serious vulnerability that the doors automatically unlock when vehicle is placed in park. I know some vehicles have that as a safety feature when a collision is detected but for security purposes there needs to be an override on this kind of vehicle. There seem to be a lot of things missing for such a supposedly high security vehicle.

Of course, the reality is that we don't know all the details and likely never will.

Anonimo

Feb 17, 2011, 9:26 AM

Post #15 of 47 (4941 views)

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Re: [norteño] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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What does "ICE" mean, in this context?

Saludos,
Anonimo

bournemouth

Feb 17, 2011, 9:45 AM

Post #16 of 47 (4932 views)

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Re: [Anonimo] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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US Customs & Immigration: http://www.ice.gov/

Altahabana

Feb 17, 2011, 10:47 AM

Post #17 of 47 (4914 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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In Reply To

I strongly disagree. For the typical reader of this forum the advice should be stop and not try to flee, escape or resist. It is a frightening experience to run up on a narco retén, but trying to escape is much more likely to produce a catastrophic result.

rvcycleguy

Feb 18, 2011, 6:44 AM

Post #18 of 47 (4757 views)

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Re: [Anonimo] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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Immigrations, Customs & Enforcement

dongringo_catemaco

Feb 18, 2011, 7:00 PM

Post #19 of 47 (4647 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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According to the WSJ, that armored vehicle was designed to lower its windows and open its doors in case of a crash. That was probably a vehicle designed by someone from Florida to respond to landing in a ditch. A Mexican designer would probably have included a James Bond ejection seat.
Visit Catemaco News

Reefhound

Feb 18, 2011, 7:10 PM

Post #20 of 47 (4644 views)

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Re: [dongringo_catemaco] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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That's a system found in several models now but it's incredibly stupid to have in a high security vehicle without an override or delay. So all attackers need to do is bump into the car. I'll bet they are making modifications as we speak.

As more details emerge it sounds like if the doors had remain locked and the windows up, we would be talking about a "close call" two agents had in a failed attack. (Or perhaps we'd never have heard of it). The vehicle took a lot of rounds to the exterior (87 casings found last report) and the attackers were unable to breach the cabin apart from the handful of shots fired in through the small opening in the window. I'm sure they have run-flat tires as well. They were able to flee the initial attack and stopped the second time only because the driver lost consciousness.

turnabout

Feb 19, 2011, 5:18 AM

Post #21 of 47 (4582 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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Interesting ( or not ) that the discussion has been steered to the car and not to the situation. What were they doing there at that time of day? Why did they stop and park? Why were they not escorted, as required ? Why only lip service from the media where as killings of less importent(?) people get driven by the press for weeks? Why and how could the Mexican helicopter respond so quickly? These guys were targeted since the stop at a convience store ( or well before ) but no calls were made from the agents. Was this a covert meeting gone bad ?

Altahabana

Feb 19, 2011, 7:09 AM

Post #22 of 47 (4559 views)

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Re: [turnabout] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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Was this a covert meeting gone bad ?

Or just an unfortunate encounter with a group of coked up, 20 something, uneducated street thugs (i.e. present day rank/file Zetas) who got in way over their heads and f'd up big time.

If you're serious who would the ICE guys have been meeting with----Zetas, a rival cartel, Mexican military intel, a federal (Mexican) black op agency? You talk about the discussion being steered in a particular direction and then toss out this red herring.

Reefhound

Feb 19, 2011, 8:16 AM

Post #23 of 47 (4532 views)

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Re: [turnabout] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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I think the car comes into it because it's a key part of their unusual circumstances. None of us would be in that kind of vehicle that can physically withstand an armed assault. Along with their extensive connections and support network (I'm pretty sure I couldn't phone in a call for help and have a helicopter on it's way) means this incident holds few lessons for the average traveler.

Most of those questions you ask are unanswerable, or at least I doubt they will be answered to the public. I wouldn't call the media coverage "lip service" though as I've seen more followup stories to this than any other incident I've heard about. This incident has also been described in immensely greater detail than most other incidents, it's just that nothing short of live video of the entire thing would satisfy our curiosity. People don't ask all those questions about other incidents. They haven't covered this story for weeks... because it hasn't been weeks since it happened.

chinagringo

Feb 19, 2011, 1:45 PM

Post #24 of 47 (4481 views)

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Re: [Altahabana] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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From BLOG NARCO: "The attack against two officials of the Bureau of Customs and U.S. Immigration Control, which killed one in San Luis Potosi, was perpetrated by Jesus Rejon Enrique Aguilar (a) The Mammy.

This portion was part of an announcement made by the Gulf Cartel and given in detail:

http://www.blogdelnarco.com/...les-unidos.html#more
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

jerezano

Feb 20, 2011, 7:02 AM

Post #25 of 47 (4378 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] First reported incident on Hwy 57 North of SLP on way to Monterrey

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Hello All,

Thanks to Neil in Albuquerque for the link

http://www.blogdelnarco.com/...les-unidos.html#more

which is a posting of united narco cárteles. I just read the entire post which is a disclaimer for various atrocities committed by Las Zetas and falsely (so say the united Cárteles) attributed to the Cárteles.

A very interesting document--in Spanish--but well written.

This link could possibly be a valuable source of information about the narco war here in México.

Hasta luego. jerezano

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