Thread: Texas sheriff: Drug war violence spilling over

Texas sheriff: Drug war violence spilling over

By AP Staff November 1, 2011 12:45 pm

MCALLEN, Texas (AP) - A shooting that injured a sheriff's deputy was the first indisputable case of spillover violence from the Mexican drug wars in Hidalgo County, the local sheriff said Monday.

Sheriff Lupe Trevino, who previously said there was no direct spillover violence in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, said the Sunday shootout erupted while one of his deputies investigated a reported kidnapping and drug deal.

"I have to say that with this particular incident, the way the witnesses and the information that we have gotten particularly in the federal system, this is the first recorded spillover violence event that we have experienced — and unfortunately got one of our deputies shot," Trevino said.

One suspect was killed and two were wounded. In all, six people were taken into custody, including the alleged kidnapping victim, and are awaiting charges, the sheriff said.

The sheriff said a protective vest probably saved the life of Deputy Hugo Rodriguez, who was shot in the chest, abdomen and leg. He is recovering at a hospital.

Trevino said the reported kidnapping was a bid to recover marijuana stolen when the Gulf cartel's reputed second-in-command, Samuel Flores Borrego, was killed in September.

"It started in Mexico, it had a violent confrontation in Mexico, that violent confrontation was spilled over here. This is the very first one that we can actually say, 'Yes, here it is. It has happened,'" Trevino said.

"Now, there are more cartel members living in Texas, in the Valley, in the United States. I'll guarantee you there's a ton of them," he said.

A message left Monday night for a Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman wasn't immediately returned.

http://www.gopusa.com/news/2011/11/01/t ... ling-over/

I wonder if Janet Napolitano will change her mind on whether or not the Border is as safe as it has ever been?

Related:
Sheriff: Police shooting marks 1st bona fide 'spillover' violence...
http://www.alipac.us/ftopicp-1280105.html#1280105

How long before all the hispanic cops in the border states are on the drug cartel's payroll?