Jennifer Ray’s Legal Blog

The word about town is the Mexican Gulf Cartel is stockpiling high-powered weapons and recruiting local gang members on both sides of the border to prepare for possible confrontations with U.S. law enforcement.  These replacements are believed to be armed with assault rifles, bulletproof vests and grenades and are occupying safe houses throughout the McAllen area.  Texas Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department feel the smugglers have become increasingly confrontational.  Hidalgo County deputies will soon be issued high powered rifles and authorized to return fire on cartel members.  In September alone, over 175 cartel members and affiliates were arrested in South Texas, but apparently there are more arrests or captures to be made.