Poinsettia

Here is another version of the legend of the Poinsettia

A charming story is told of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl who had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy.

"I am sure, Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes," said Pedro consolingly.

Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, fashioning them into a small bouquet. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering. She fought back a tear as she entered the small village chapel.

As she approached the alter, she remembered Pedro's kind words: "Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes." She felt her spirit lift as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the nativity scene.

Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes.

From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season.

Today, the common name for this plant is the poinsettia!

ATV Arctic Cat

1,384 Arctic Cat ATVs recalled for crash hazard 2011 and 2012 XC-450

Nov 11, 2011 2:30 PM

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, made by Arctic Cat Inc. of Thief River Falls, Minn. The four-wheeled off-road vehicles have faulty steering tie-rods which can bend and cause a rider to lose control.

The recall affects all 2011 model year Arctic Cat XC 450 ATVs and some from the 2012 model year. The 2012 XC 450 ATVs have Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) where the last six digits fall between 6V0101 through 6V0178 and 700101 through 700230. (The VIN is located on the lower front frame tube, below the ATV's front bumper.)

The faulty XC 450 ATVs have either a black and orange or a black and lime green color scheme. Both versions feature "Arctic Cat" on both sides of the ATV's front cowl and "450 XC" printed in the center. They ATVs were sold at Arctic Cat dealerships nationwide since February for about $6,500 to $6,900.

Arctic Cat has received three reports of tie-rods bending, but riders were unhurt in each incident.

The CPSC warns consumers should immediately stop using these recalled ATVs and contact their local Arctic Cat dealership to arrange for a free repair.

For more information, consumers can call Arctic Cat's toll-free number (800-279-6851) or visit the company's website: www.ArcticCat.com.

Welcome winter visitors 2011

Saturday 3 Dec, 2011
Welcome winter Visitors 9 to 2 on 1st Street, across from the border turnstile.

In Town Free Food, Drinks, Beer, Margaritas, Tequila and More.

Fun for everyone
Door Prizes

Come One Come all.
Look for me on second St., In front of Gator Dental or the Green Door.

Welcome Back To "LA".

Border Series Part 3:

Mexicali port administrator responds to internal corruption allegations Story by Stephanie Sanchez, Reporter

Mexicali, B.C.--Everyday tens of thousands of travelers cross thru the Mexicali port of entry.

Recently the Mexicali port was named as an open door to get the majority of guns, ammo and grenades into Mexico which then falls into the hands of cartel members.

Despite all the obstacles drug and human smugglers face when crossing the U.S. border some still make it across.

Mexico's port of entries like this one in Mexicali are the last line of defense where Mexican federal agents try to cut off the completion of an illegal deal.

Whether its thousands of dollars smuggled to pay a coyote in Mexico or guns sent to arm cartel members.

In September, Spanish media reported that a high ranking member of the Sinaloa drug cartel called the Mexicali port of entry "an open door" for thousands of weapons smuggled south of the border.

Reports said it caused a major shake-up and employee transfers were made left and right, even removing the port's director.

KSWT News 13's spoke with the port's new administrator regarding the allegations.

"No, the 33 transfers were already programmed. This was at a state level. It's not like one person was transferred to another port but there were a total of 33 changes here," Mexicali Port Administrator Frida Garcia said in Spanish.

According to a press release from Mexico's port of entry administration services, changes were made at 49 ports nationally including mexicali.

Garcia denies that any changes were made due to internal corruption.

"No, it's not because of that, like I said, the selections were made since may of this yea," Garcia said.

Garcia said she's skeptical of a suspect being arrested.

She said the suspect's name was never brought to light but they do take any information seriously.

She said when she first arrived, she increased security as her first task.

"I did increase certain levels of security, inspections, and contact with the American port as well." Garcia said. "Whether either of us face any threats."

Cars crossing through the port are scanned with Gamma ray technology and pass over an underground weight scale.

Agents question anybody carrying thousands of dollars in cash as it could be a payment making it's way to a smuggler.

Alarms go off if a car exceeds the average weight as it could be carrying illegal merchandise or guns.

"I come from a port in the state of Tamaulipas where security was really strong," Garcia said. "So when I got here, certain levels were increased whenever merchandise or cargo is passes thru the port. I also placed trustworthy people at the port."

Not even 6 months into the job, Garcia was already facing a bomb threat from the Mexico side of the border.

Though the ports remained opened, agents were on high alert.

Border Series Part 2

Number of illegal immigrant transfers are up

Story by Stephanie Sanchez, Reporter

El Centro, CA--The number of illegal border crosser s arrested and trying to regain entry through the Desert Southwest has dropped.

On the ground, U.S. Border Patrol agents use century-old tracking skills to find illegal border crossers.

Most illegal immigrants know footprints can give them away.

While news 13 was taking a tour of the border with El Centro sector agents, 3 men were caught illegally crossing the border from Mexicali.

"The idea is to not leave any prints because they check the roads and this way our prints will hardly be seen," one illegal immigrant said.

We're told they use different tactics hoping not to get caught.

Agents said they will walk in the same steps of other people in front of them, walk backwards, they'll crawl or they'll brush away their footprints with branches.

One method used, agents say makes it even more difficult to detect is when they glue big sponges to the soles of their shoes.

Agents said the group of men, will most likely be transferred to other sectors along the southwest border like San Diego or Texas and then sent back to Mexico.

For these men that takes them farther away from their home, being they're from Sinaloa and Guadalajara.

Agents said they do this as part of the Alien Transfer Exit Progam which started in 2008.

"It breaks the cycle of smuggling. So what were trying to do is break away the people that entered the U.S. from a smuggling organization that facilitated their entry here into the U.S., Agent Adrian Corona, of the El Centro sector said.

Recently, the number of transfers have skyrocketed for all 7 participating sectors including Yuma and El Centro.

For this current fiscal year, border patrol's el centro sector have transferred 2,100 illegal immigrants to other ports.

Its a big jump from last years when 741 illegals were transferred.

Despite the increase of transfers, the number of illegal immigrants returning have decreased.

According to statistics, 3 out of 10 illegal immigrants try their fate at crossing the border again.

"They can either be federally prosecuted for re-entering country illegally or they can be subject to ATEP," Corona said.

As for the Yuma sector, aside from the ATEP program, if an illegal border crosser is caught they face jail time no matter what.

Yuma sector stats show as of July 31st of this fiscal year about 870 illegal immigrants arrested were transferred to either Nogales or Calexico.

That's about a 50 percent jump from the number transferred in 2010.

"We are seeing a couple of different things, number one it could be the amount of people who are coming in to the Yuma sector actually fit the program, more males in ages of 20 thru 60 who never been apprehended before whereas in the past it may not have been the case," Agent Robert Lowry of the Yuma sector said. "We might have been apprehending individuals more frequently because we didn't have operation streamline or ATEP in place."

Agents said a common misconception is that illegals caught, with or without criminal history, are dropped off back into Mexico in the middle of the night or that agents are separating families.

However, some illegal border crossers aren't easily discouraged by the program.

They said they're just looking to provide a better lifestyle for them and their families.

"Life is tough in Mexico, we're trying to make ends meet," an illegal immigrant said. "We don't come here to steal or do anything bad. We are working people, we come to work during harvest. We don't have any criminal records or anything like that."

When illegal immigrants are transferred to other ports, agents say Mexican immigration officials gain custody of the illegal immigrants.

In some cases, they're given funds to return to their point of origin or state.

Border Patrol information of illegal sex offenders

IMPERIAL VALLEY, Calif. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection has released new information regarding convicted sex offenders who are illegal immigrants.

El Centro Border Patrol agents say they have arrested and charged 30 undocumented sex offenders after they attempted to cross the U.S.-Mexican border illegally.

All apprehensions took place near Calexico and El Centro during the 2011 fiscal year.

Officials say all the immigrants taken into custody were male.

So far about 19 detainees have been convicted.

The rest are awaiting prosecution on federal immigration charges.

CBP some goods prohibited entry into U.S.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - With the holiday spirit in full effect, many local residents are picking up goods across the border to cook their thanksgiving dinner.

But U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding everyone that some goods are prohibited from entering the U.S.

Some of these ingredients include: guavas, hawthorn apples and, sugar cane.

CBP say the prohibited items pose a significant pest risk. They say some of these crops are host to exotic fruit flies.

Anyone caught attempting to brings these items into the U.S. will be fined.

Do you think Oklahoma is going too Far

Do You Think Oklahoma is Going To Far An update from Oklahoma :
Oklahoma law passed, 37 to 9, had a few liberals in the mix, an amendment to place the Ten Commandments on the front entrance to the state capitol.
The feds in D.C., along with the ACLU, said it would be a mistake. Hey this is a conservative state, based on Christian values...! HB 1330 Guess what..........Oklahoma did it anyway.
Oklahoma recently passed a law in the state to incarcerate all illegal immigrants, and ship them back to where they came from unless they want to get a green card and become an American citizen. They all scattered.
HB 1804. Hope we didn't send any of them to your state. This was against the advice of the Federal Government, and the ACLU, they said it would be a mistake. Guess what..........Oklahoma did it anyway.
Recently we passed a law to include DNA samples from any and all illegal's to the Oklahoma database, for criminal investigative purposes. Pelosi said it was unconstitutional SB 1102 Guess what........Oklahoma did it anyway.
Several weeks ago, we passed a law, declaring Oklahoma as a Sovereign state, not under the Federal Government directives. Joining Texas , Montana and Utah as the only states to do so. More states are likely to follow: Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolina's, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri,
Arkansas, West Virginia, Mississippi, Florida. Save your confederate money, it appears the South is about to rise up once again. HJR 1003
The federal Government has made bold steps to take away our guns. Oklahoma, a week ago, passed a law confirming people in this state have the right to bear arms and transport them in their vehicles. I'm sure that was a set back for the criminals. The Liberals didn't like it... But..Guess what...........Oklahoma did it anyway.
Just this month, the state has voted and passed a law that ALL driver's license exams will be printed in English, and only English, and no other language. They have been called racist for doing this, but the fact is that ALL of the road signs are in English only. If you want to drive in Oklahoma , you must read and write English. Really simple. By the way, the Liberals don't like any of this either. Guess what... Who cares... Oklahoma is doing it anyway.

illegal border crosser fires

AP Exclusive: Report links wildfires to immigrants

Posted: Nov 22, 2011 12:15 AM Updated: Nov 22, 2011 12:15 AM

By FELICIA FONSECA Associated Press

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - A study by Congress' investigative arm says 30 wildfires in Arizona's border region have been linked to illegal border crosser s over five years.

Arizona Sen. John McCain says the study released to The Associated Press on Tuesday backs up statements he made earlier this year that wildfires are sometimes caused by people who have crossed into the United States illegally.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office study, however, makes no mention of whether anyone was prosecuted for starting those fires and offers no hard evidence that immigrants were responsible.

The GAO looked at human-caused wildfires within 100 miles of the Arizona-Mexico border that topped 1 acre and resulted in investigative reports. The study found that 30 were suspected to have been caused by illegal border crossers between 2006 and 2010.

The report does not include 2011 wildfires.

Border Series Part 1

Border Series Part 1: Air and Marine flight along U.S. Border

Story by Stephanie Sanchez, Reporter

Yuma, AZ--The war against drug and human smuggling is fought right here in the Desert Southwest.

They are the eyes in the sky along the southwest border.

The Office of Air and Marine is the world's largest aviation and maritime law enforcement organization, providing support for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the air and water.

In the Arizona desert, a bird's eye view permits greater border coverage in rugged, desolate areas which sometimes a U.S. Border Patrol Agent on the ground has trouble reaching.

"We'll take off here, fly down the river, hit the border, go out east and we just do a border patrol of the desert," Air Interdiction pilot, Daniel Jones said." And that what's what were going to do to see if we can find something."

An operational flight usually lasts 3 to 4 hours.

Before take-off Jones goes thru a checklist.

Agent Jones is flying the American Eurocopter AS-350 A-star.

It's one of the few helicopters maintaining their performance from sea level up to 9,000 feet.

But sometimes high winds or rain can affect a pilot's search for illegal border crossers.

"I didn't see any trash or anything in there. The rain must have washed a lot of it away because I didn't see anything but I couldn't get slow, I couldn't get low, it was so windy," Jones said.

Agent Jones lands at Border Patrol's Camp Grip to add fuel to the A-star.

The base lays 75 miles southeast of Yuma, the camp is definition of "the middle of nowhere."

Agents from the Wellton and Ajo border stations stay at the camp for days at a time.

When scanning the desert, pilots look for new tire tracks, footprints or anything out of the ordinary.

Being up in the air, most interruptions to untouched desert landscape stick out like a sore thumb.

Hours pass by and Agent Jones hasn't seen anything suspicious.

He then flies back to the Yuma base.

"It was nasty out there, like blowing dust and sand, it was crazy," Jones said.

Today Agent Jones flight came out empty handed.

Before federal budget cuts, pilots completed at least 8 hours of flight time.

Now, any time a pilot has left is spent filling out paperwork regarding any situation they run into along the border.

Jones said sometimes paperwork could take 30 minutes.

Jones said you never know what will happen during your shift.

He said sometimes you'll find something and sometimes you wont.

Yuma Border Area Immigration Deportation

Yuma, AZ-The Obama administration is now implementing a new controversial immigration policy that will focus on deporting illegal immigrants with a criminal history.

It can have a direct impact on our local borders.

Immigration lawyers and prosecutors nationwide are re-prioritizing their cases now.

A memo sent from the director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement basically tells ICE officials to focus on deporting those with criminal history.

"This is going to impact people that don't have criminal records," Rudy Cardenas, an El Centro immigration lawyer said. "If you're in immigration proceedings and you have no criminal record, they'll probably give you a break and release you or dismiss your case."

The memo states guidelines they'll help decipher which cases should be dismissed or which cases should be continued.

For example, individuals present in the United States since childhood or who completed high school will be given a break.

Cardenas calls the policy effective.

"The Obama Administration is focusing on criminal aliens and I think that's proper use of resources that Department of Homeland Security has," he said.

Cardenas also said this will help alleviate the congestion of immigration courts.

According to stats from the Executive Office for Immigration Review, nearly 290,000 immigration cases are pending in immigration courts nationwide.

"I get a lot of cases at the border, at the port of entries that they'll admit they've used drugs in the past and then they're placed in proceedings," he said. "Well now they might not put them in proceedings because they're thinking that's a waste of government resources."

Colorado River

Yuma, az- Several business leaders who depend on the Colorado River for their livelihoods bring awareness to its scarce water supply.

A bird's eye view shows how the Colorado River is running dry.

"This is no longer a healthy ecosystem down here with out the river meeting the sea and that in turn could affect our businesses because if the Colorado River maintains that lack of health and moves upstream then it will affect all of us," Lisa Lamberson, a small business owner said.

Lamberson's business sells hiking gear, ski and snowboard clothing in Flagstaff said her livelihood depends on the Colorado River.

She was among several business owners who went on an aerial tour to view the dried up river areas in San Luis Rio Colorado and Yuma.

The group hopes to find solutions to help keep the river flowing.

"We want to make it clear there needs to be healthy river flows for recreations and for enjoyment of the Colorado river," Lamberson said.

She said if businesses protect the flow of the Colorado River it will protect their profits.

"Protect the flows" a coalition of business-rafting outfitters and outdoor retailers said the river's water level has decreased by 20 percent and now its drying up in the Sonoran Desert.

"We come down here because I don't think many people realize that the Colorado River no longer reaches the seas," she said.

Lamberson said there are glimmers of hope for the Colorado River.

She said she was able to see how the Cienega de Santa Clara in Mexico has had its wetland restored.

"We were able to see the introduction of the freshwater with saltwater and it has recreated its eco-system," she said. "I do think that there is hope for repair and if we continue to move in a direction of collaboration."

Protect the flows organization said the river is the lifeline of the west but wonder if it will be here for generations to come.

San Diego and Nogales Drug Tunnels

SAN DIEGO — 11/17/11 Police have discovered a "major cross-border drug tunnel" running to California from Mexico, and seized more than 17 tons (12,700 kilograms) of marijuana, U.S. and Mexican authorities said on Wednesday.
The tunnel measuring around 400 yards links warehouses in an industrial park south of San Diego and the Mexican border city of Tijuana, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency said.
U.S. federal agents made the discovery after police stopped a small cargo truck seen leaving a nondescript white warehouse building near the Otay Mesa port of entry on Tuesday afternoon, and arrested two men, ICE said.
A subsequent search of the warehouse found the entrance of the tunnel in the floor. It plunged more than 20 feet to the bottom of a shaft, meeting a passageway measuring approximately 4 feet by 3 feet, with structural supports, electricity and ventilation.
Agents with the San Diego Tunnel Task Force retrieved three tons of marijuana from the van. A subsequent search of the warehouse recovered an additional 6.5 tons of the drug. Mexican authorities said they found almost 8 tons of marijuana on the south side.
Tijuana is the principal gateway for tons of drugs entering California from Mexico. Last year, authorities uncovered two large tunnels linking the gritty industrial city with the strip flanking the border south of San Diego.
Measuring around 2,000 feet in length, they were equipped with rail systems, lighting and ventilation, and each discovery yielded multiple tons of marijuana.
'STOP AT NOTHING'
"The fact that this is the third sophisticated cross border tunnel found within a year's time demonstrates the cartels will stop at nothing to smuggle their drugs into the United States," said William R. Sherman, acting special agent in charge for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in San Diego.
"The seizure of marijuana coupled with the loss of yet another tunnel will deal a heavy blow to those responsible for constructing this tunnel," he added.
Evidence found inside the warehouse led investigators to believe the tunnel was only recently completed.
Mexican General Gilberto Landeros said many packets of the seized drugs were marked with a "Captain America" logo. Landeros said the tunnel was operated by the powerful Sinaloa cartel, headed by Mexico's most wanted man, Joaquin "Shorty" Guzman.
Mexico is in the grip of brutal drug cartel violence that has claimed more than 42,000 lives since President Felipe Calderon took office five years ago and sent the military to crush the powerful gangs.
The cartels have excavated scores of tunnels under the U.S.-Mexico border in recent years in a bid to beat ramped-up security at ports of entry and the rugged spaces in between. Nearly all of them linked cities on either side of Mexico's border with California and Arizona.

Authorities on Wednesday also reported the discovery of a much smaller drug tunnel running under the border to Arizona from Mexico's northern Sonora state.
That tunnel stretched for 70 feet from a drain in Nogales, Mexico, to an area beneath the porch of a house in the namesake city in Arizona, ICE said. Authorities also retrieved a number of excavating tools.

Fire Saftey Holidays

Fire Safety Tips from CAL FIRE

With the return of the holiday season, CAL FIRE warns of the big increase in house fires that arise every year during the holidays.

CAL FIRE has a great video on fire safety tips to help families avoid making the simple mistakes that can lead to tragedy in the blink of an eye. These tips include:

• Never walk away from something cooking on the stove. If the phone rings or someone comes to the door, turn the stove off. Always use an oven timer to remind you something is cooking.

• If a fire does start on the stove top, put on the lid if you can, and turn off the stove. Never pour water on the flames, as that can just spread the fire, especially if you are cooking something with oil.

• Turkey fryers are notoriously dangerous, and CAL FIRE does not recommend using them. If you are going to use one, consider using it outside, away from anything flammable.

• If you use candles, never leave them unattended or in a place where they could start a fire. Consider using the flameless candles instead.

You can find these and many more fire safety tips at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/communications_factsheets.php

Mexico U.S. Consulates

Mexico U.S. Consulates (with consular districts): 4/22/11

• Ciudad Juarez (Chihuahua): Paseo de la Victoria 3650, tel. (011)(52)(656) 227-3000.
• Guadalajara (Nayarit, Jalisco, Aguas Calientes, and Colima): Progreso 175, telephone (011)(52)(333) 268-2100.
• Hermosillo (Sinaloa and the southern part of the state of Sonora): Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (011)(52)(662) 289-3500.
• Matamoros (the southern part of Tamaulipas with the exception of the city of Tampico): Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (011)(52)(868) 812-4402.
• Merida (Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo): Calle 60 no. 338-K x 29 y 31, Col. Alcala Martin, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico 97050, telephone (011)(52)(999) 942-5700 or 202-250-3711 (U.S. number).
• Monterrey (Nuevo Leon, Durango, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi, and the southern part of Coahuila): Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (011)(52)(818) 047-3100.
• Nogales (the northern part of Sonora): Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (011)(52)(631) 311-8150.
• Nuevo Laredo (the northern part of Coahuila and the northwestern part of Tamaulipas): Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (011)(52)(867) 714-0512.
• Tijuana (Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur): Paseo de Las Culturas and Camino al Aeropuerto in Mesa de Otay, telephone (011) (52) (664) 977-2000.

All other Mexican states, and the Federal District of Mexico City, are part of the Embassy's consular district.

Mexico Travel Warning 4/22/11

4/22/11 Mexico Travel Warning

Travel Warning
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs

Mexico April 22, 2011

The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico about the security situation in Mexico. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Mexico dated September 10, 2010 to consolidate and update information about the security situation and to advise the public of additional restrictions on the travel of U.S. government personnel.

Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year, including more than 150,000 who cross the border every day for study, tourism or business and at least one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious problems and can occur anywhere. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.

It is imperative that you understand the risks involved in travel to Mexico and how best to avoid dangerous situations. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where criminal activity might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

General Conditions

Since 2006, the Mexican government has engaged in an extensive effort to combat transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The TCOs, meanwhile, have been engaged in a vicious struggle to control drug trafficking routes and other criminal activity. According to Government of Mexico figures, 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence in Mexico since December 2006. More than 15,000 narcotics-related homicides occurred in 2010, an increase of almost two-thirds compared to 2009. Most of those killed in narcotics-related violence since 2006 have been members of TCOs. However, innocent persons have also been killed as have Mexican law enforcement and military personnel.

There is no evidence that U.S. tourists have been targeted by criminal elements due to their citizenship. Nonetheless, while in Mexico you should be aware of your surroundings at all times and exercise particular caution in unfamiliar areas. Bystanders, including U.S. citizens, have been injured or killed in violent incidents in various parts of the country, especially, but not exclusively in the northern border region, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence throughout Mexico. TCOs, meanwhile, engage in a wide-range of criminal activities that can directly impact U.S. citizens, including kidnapping, armed car-jacking, and extortion that can directly impact U.S. citizens. The number of U.S. citizens reported to the Department of State as murdered in Mexico increased from 35 in 2007 to 111 in 2010.

The Mexican government has deployed federal police and military personnel throughout the country as part of its efforts to combat the TCOs. U.S. citizens traveling on Mexican roads and highways may encounter government checkpoints, which are often staffed by military personnel. You are advised to cooperate with personnel at government checkpoints and mobile military patrols. TCOs have erected their own unauthorized checkpoints, and killed or abducted motorists who have failed to stop at them.

Violence along Mexican roads and highways is a particular concern in the northern border region. As a result, effective July 15, 2010, the U.S. Mission in Mexico imposed restrictions on U.S. government employees' travel. U.S. government employees and their families are not permitted to drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior of Mexico or Central America. Travel by vehicle is permitted between Hermosillo and Nogales.

While violent incidents have occurred at all hours of the day and night on both modern toll ("cuotas") highways and on secondary roads, they have occurred most frequently at night and on isolated roads. To reduce risk, you are strongly urged to travel only during daylight hours throughout Mexico, to avoid isolated roads, and to use toll roads whenever possible. For more information on road safety and crime along Mexico's roadways, see the Department of State's Country Specific Information.

Due to ongoing violence and persistent security concerns, you are urged to defer non-essential travel to the states of Tamaulipas and Michoacán, and to parts of the states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Sinaloa, Durango, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi and Jalisco. Details on these locations, and other areas in which travelers should exercise caution, are below.

Violence along the U.S. - Mexico Border

You should be especially aware of safety and security concerns when visiting the northern border states of Northern Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas. Much of the country's narcotics-related violence has occurred in the border region. More than a third of all U.S. citizens killed in Mexico in 2010 whose deaths were reported to the U.S. government were killed in the border cities of Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana. Narcotics-related homicide rates in the border states of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas have increased dramatically in the past two years.

Carjacking and highway robbery are serious problems in many parts of the border region and U.S. citizens have been murdered in such incidents. Most victims who complied with carjackers at these checkpoints have reported that they were not physically harmed. Incidents have occurred during the day and at night, and carjackers have used a variety of techniques, including bumping moving vehicles to force them to stop and running vehicles off the road at high speed. There are some indications that criminals have particularly targeted newer and larger vehicles with U.S. license plates, especially dark-colored SUVs. However, victims' vehicles have included those with both Mexican and American registration and vary in type from late model SUVs and pick-up trucks to old sedans.

If you make frequent visits to border cities, you should vary your route and park in well-lighted, guarded and paid parking lots. Exercise caution when entering or exiting vehicles.

Large firefights between rival TCOs or TCOs and Mexican authorities have taken place in towns and cities in many parts of Mexico, especially in the border region. Firefights have occurred in broad daylight on streets and in other public venues, such as restaurants and clubs. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted. You are urged to defer travel to those areas mentioned in this Travel Warning and to exercise extreme caution when traveling throughout the northern border region.

Northern Baja California: Targeted TCO assassinations continue to take place in Northern Baja California, including the city of Tijuana. You should exercise caution in this area, particularly at night. In late 2010, turf battles between criminal groups proliferated and resulted in numerous assassinations in areas of Tijuana frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents, in which innocent bystanders have been injured, have occurred during daylight hours throughout the city. In one such incident, an American citizen was shot and seriously wounded.

Nogales and Northern Sonora: You are advised to exercise caution in the city of Nogales. Northern Sonora is a key region in the international drug and human trafficking trades, and can be extremely dangerous for travelers. The U.S. Consulate requires that armored vehicles are used for official travel in the consular district of Nogales, including certain areas within the city of Nogales. The region west of Nogales, east of Sonoyta, and from Caborca north, including the towns of Saric, Tubutama and Altar, and the eastern edge of Sonora bordering Chihuahua, are known centers of illegal activity. You should defer non-essential travel to these areas.

You are advised to exercise caution when visiting the coastal town of Puerto Peñasco. In the past year there have been multiple incidents of TCO-related violence, including the shooting of the city's police chief. U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Peñasco are urged to cross the border at Lukeville, AZ, to limit driving through Mexico and to limit travel to main roads during daylight hours.

Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua: The situation in the state of Chihuahua, specifically Ciudad Juarez, is of special concern. Ciudad Juarez has the highest murder rate in Mexico. Mexican authorities report that more than 3,100 people were killed in Ciudad Juarez in 2010. Three persons associated with the Consulate General were murdered in March, 2010. You should defer non-essential travel to Ciudad Juarez and to the Guadalupe Bravo area southeast of Ciudad Juarez. U.S. citizens should also defer non-essential travel to the northwest quarter of the state of Chihuahua. From the United States, these areas are often reached through the Columbus, NM, and Fabens and Fort Hancock, TX, ports-of-entry. In both areas, U.S. citizens have been victims of narcotics-related violence. There have been incidents of narcotics-related violence in the vicinity of the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua.

Durango, Coahuila and Zacatecas: Between 2006 and 2010, the number of narcotics-related murders in the State of Durango increased dramatically. Several areas in the state have seen sharp increases in violence and remain volatile and unpredictable. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the cities of Durango and Gomez Palacio. You should defer non-essential travel to these cities.

The State of Coahuila has also experienced an increase in violent crimes and narcotics-related murders. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the area known as "La Laguna", including the city of Torreon, and the city of Saltillo within the state. You should defer non-essential travel to this area, as well as to the cities of Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña due to frequent incidents of TCO-related violence.

The northwestern portion of the state of Zacatecas has become notably dangerous and insecure. Robberies and carjackings are occurring with increased frequency and both local authorities and residents have reported a surge in observed TCO activity. This area is remote, and local authorities are unable to regularly patrol it or quickly respond to incidents that occur there. The Consulate General in Monterrey restricts travel for U.S. government employees to the city of Fresnillo and the area extending northwest from Fresnillo along Highway 45 (Fresnillo-Sombrete) between Highways 44 and 49. In addition, highway 49 northwards from Fresnillo through Durango and in to Chihuahua is isolated and should be considered dangerous. You should defer non-essential travel to these areas.

Monterrey and Nuevo Leon: The level of violence and insecurity in Monterrey remains elevated. Local police and private patrols do not have the capacity to deter criminal elements or respond effectively to security incidents. As a result of a Department of State assessment of the overall security situation, on September 10, 2010, the Consulate General in Monterrey became a partially unaccompanied post with no minor dependents of U.S. government employees permitted.

TCOs continue to use stolen cars and trucks to create roadblocks or "blockades" on major thoroughfares, preventing the military or police from responding to criminal activity in Monterrey and the surrounding areas. Travelers on the highways between Monterrey and the United States (notably through Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros/Reynosa) have been targeted for robbery that has resulted in violence. They have also been caught in incidents of gunfire between criminals and Mexican law enforcement. In 2010, TCOs kidnapped guests out of reputable hotels in the downtown Monterrey area, blocking off adjoining streets to prevent law enforcement response. TCOs have also regularly attacked local government facilities, prisons and police stations, and engaged in public shootouts with the military and between themselves. Pedestrians and innocent bystanders have been killed in these incidents.

The number of kidnappings and disappearances in Monterrey, and increasingly throughout Monterrey's consular district, is of particular concern. Both the local and expatriate communities have been victimized and local law enforcement has provided little to no response. In addition, police have been implicated in some of these incidents. Travelers and residents are strongly advised to lower their profile and avoid displaying any evidence of wealth that might draw attention.

Tamaulipas: You should defer non-essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas. In an effort to prevent the military or police from responding to criminal activity, TCOs have set up roadblocks or "blockades" in various parts of Nuevo Laredo in which armed gunmen carjack and rob unsuspecting drivers. These blockades occur without warning and at all times, day and night. The Consulate General prohibits employees from entering the entertainment zone in Nuevo Laredo known as "Boys Town" because of concerns about violent crime in that area. U.S. government employees are currently restricted from travelling on the highway between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey, as well as on Mexican Highway 2 towards Reynosa or Ciudad Acuña due to security concerns.

Be aware of the risks posed by armed robbery and carjacking on state highways throughout Tamaulipas. In January 2011, a U.S. citizen was murdered in what appears to have been a failed carjacking attempt. While no highway routes through Tamaulipas are considered safe, many of the crimes reported to the U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros took place along the Matamoros-Tampico highway, particularly around San Fernando and the area north of Tampico.

Crime and Violence in Other Parts of Mexico

While security concerns are particularly acute in the northern border region, you should be aware of situations that could affect your safety in other parts of Mexico.

Sinaloa and Southern Sonora: One of Mexico's most powerful TCOs is based in the state of Sinaloa. Since 2006, more homicides have occurred in the state's capital city of Culiacan than in any other city in Mexico, with the exception of Ciudad Juarez. You should defer non-essential travel to Culiacan and exercise extreme caution when visiting the rest of the state. Travel off the toll roads in remote areas of Sinaloa is especially dangerous and should be avoided.

In the last year, the city of Mazatlan has experienced a level of violence, primarily confrontations between TCOs, not seen before. In 2010 there were over 300 narcotics-related murders within the city, compared to fewer than 100 in 2009. You are encouraged to visit Mazatlan during daylight hours and limit the time you spend outside tourist centers. Exercise caution during late night and early morning hours when most violent crimes occur.

Highway robbery and carjacking are ongoing security concerns for travelers on the Mexican toll road Highway 15 in Sonora and on Maxipista Benito Juarez in Sinaloa. These highways are known to be particularly dangerous at night when roadside robberies occur. When traveling in Sinaloa, U.S. government employees are required to use armored vehicles and may only travel in daylight hours.

San Luis Potosi: In February 2011, one U.S. government employee was killed and another wounded when they were attacked in their U.S. government vehicle on Highway 57 near Santa Maria del Rio. The incident remains under investigation. Cartel violence and highway lawlessness have increased throughout the state and are a continuing security concern. All official U.S. government employees and their families have been advised to defer travel on the entire stretch of highway 57D in San Luis Potosi as well as travel in the state east of highway 57D towards Tamaulipas. You should defer non-essential travel in these areas.

Nayarit and Jalisco: Official U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Colotlan, Jalisco, and Yahualica, Jalisco, both near the Zacatecas border, because of an increasingly volatile security situation. Concerns include roadblocks placed by individuals posing as police or military personnel and recent gun battles between rival TCOs involving automatic weapons. You should defer non-essential travel to these cities. In addition, the border areas between Jalisco state and the states of Zacatecas and Michoacán, as well as in or near the cities of Tepic and Xalisco, Nayarit have been sites of violence and crime involving TCOs. You should exercise extreme caution when traveling in these areas.

Michoacán: You should defer non-essential travel to the State of Michoacán, which is home to another of Mexico's most dangerous TCOs, "La Familia". Attacks on government officials and law enforcement and military personnel, and other incidents of TCO-related violence, have occurred throughout Michoacan, including in and around the capital of Morelia and in the vicinity of the world famous butterfly sanctuaries in the eastern part of the State.

Guerrero and Morelos: You should exercise extreme caution when traveling in the northwestern part of the state of Guerrero, which has a strong TCO presence. Do not take the dangerous, isolated road through Ciudad Altamirano to the beach resorts of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo and exercise caution traveling on the coastal road between Acapulco and Ixtapa due to the risk of roadblocks and carjackings. Numerous incidents of narcotics-related violence have occurred in the city of Cuernavaca, in the State of Morelos, a popular destination for American language students.

Downtown Acapulco and surrounding areas have seen a significant increase in narcotics-related violence in the last year. Incidents have included daylight gunfights and murders of law enforcement personnel and some have resulted in the deaths of innocent bystanders. Due to the unpredictable nature of this violence, you should exercise extreme caution when visiting downtown Acapulco. To reduce risks, tourists should not visit the downtown area at night and should remain in clearly identifiable tourist areas. In general, the popular tourist area of Diamante just south of the city has not been affected by the increasing violence.

Further Information

You are encouraged to review the U.S. Embassy's Mexico Security Update. The update contains information about recent security incidents in Mexico that could affect the safety of the traveling public.

For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the State Department's Country Specific Information for Mexico. Information on security and travel to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the publication: Spring Break in Mexico - Know Before You Go!

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the State Department's internet web site, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). U.S. citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to enroll with the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at travel.state.gov. For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the U.S. Embassy or the closest U.S. Consulate. The numbers provided below for the Embassy and Consulates are available around the clock. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at ACSMexicoCity@state.gov.

Consulates (with consular districts):

• Ciudad Juarez (Chihuahua): Paseo de la Victoria 3650, tel. (011)(52)(656) 227-3000.
• Guadalajara (Nayarit, Jalisco, Aguas Calientes, and Colima): Progreso 175, telephone (011)(52)(333) 268-2100.
• Hermosillo (Sinaloa and the southern part of the state of Sonora): Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (011)(52)(662) 289-3500.
• Matamoros (the southern part of Tamaulipas with the exception of the city of Tampico): Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (011)(52)(868) 812-4402.
• Merida (Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo): Calle 60 no. 338-K x 29 y 31, Col. Alcala Martin, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico 97050, telephone (011)(52)(999) 942-5700 or 202-250-3711 (U.S. number).
• Monterrey (Nuevo Leon, Durango, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi, and the southern part of Coahuila): Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (011)(52)(818) 047-3100.
• Nogales (the northern part of Sonora): Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (011)(52)(631) 311-8150.
• Nuevo Laredo (the northern part of Coahuila and the northwestern part of Tamaulipas): Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (011)(52)(867) 714-0512.
• Tijuana (Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur): Paseo de Las Culturas and Camino al Aeropuerto in Mesa de Otay, telephone (011) (52) (664) 977-2000.

All other Mexican states, and the Federal District of Mexico City, are part of the Embassy's consular district.

Recalls Nov 2011

Recalls Nov 2011

11/28/2011 05:44 PM EST

Giant Eagle, Inc. performed a voluntary market withdrawal of all Valu Time brand canned pumpkin purchased on or after August 30, 2011, as well as all Food Club brand canned pumpkin purchased on or after October 28, 2011. These brands are produced by Topco Associates, LLC.

11/28/2011 01:34 PM EST

Trans-Ocean Products, Inc. of Bellingham, Washington is recalling its 4 ounce “transOCEAN Wild Alaska Sockeye Smoked Salmon” with lot numbers 1280W & 1293W because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

11/26/2011 12:10 PM EST

Ocean Spray today announced it has taken the precautionary measure of voluntarily recalling certain production lots of its Original Flavor Craisins Dried Cranberries product in 5-ounce, 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages as well as bulk sweetened dried cranberries in 10-pound packages due to the possible presence of very small hair-like metal fragments that are unlikely to cause consumer injury. To date, the company has not received any reports of consumer complaints relating to this recall.

11/26/2011 12:10 PM EST

Ocean Spray today announced it has taken the precautionary measure of voluntarily recalling certain production lots of its Original Flavor Craisins ® Dried Cranberries product in 5-ounce, 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages as well as bulk sweetened dried cranberries in 10-pound packages due to the possible presence of very small hair-like metal fragments that are unlikely to cause consumer injury. To date, the company has not received any reports of consumer complaints relating to this recall.

11/25/2011 02:42 PM EST

Maxipan Bakery Corp, of West Hempstead, NY, is recalling its 8 ounce packages of “Semita De Pina� because they may contain undeclared milk allergens. Consumers who are allergic to milk allergens may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

11/23/2011 07:41 PM EST

King & Prince Seafood Corp. of Brunswick, GA, is initiating a voluntary recall of Nova Style Cold Smoked Salmon and Sable Fish Lox, Salmon Sushi Fillets, and Salmon Trim because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

11/23/2011 04:22 PM EST

Caribbean Rum Balls of St. Thomas, VI, is issuing this alert due to undeclared allergens, specifically: wheat, coconut, milk, eggs and sodium bisulfite (preservative). People who have allergies to any of these ingredients run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

11/23/2011 09:09 PM EST

Four Star Import & Distribution Inc, 1075 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11237 is recalling Noya Brand Boyal Dry Fish discovered by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors during a routine inspection and subsequent analysis of the product by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirming that the product was not properly eviscerated prior to processing. This product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause botulism, a serious and potentially fatal food–borne illness.

11/23/2011 09:02 PM EST

Four Star Import & Distribution Inc, 1075 Flushing Avenue is recalling Munia Brand Churi Dry Fish discovered by New York State Dept. of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors during a routine inspection and subsequent analysis of the product by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirming that the product was not properly eviscerated prior to processing. This product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause botulism, a serious and potentially fatal food–borne illness.

11/22/2011 11:13 AM EST

Rio Grande Imports Inc. of Copiague NY is recalling 50 cases of Semita de Piña because it may contain undeclared dairy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

11/21/2011 09:17 AM EST

Diamond Crystal Brands Inc. of Savannah, Ga., ISSUES ALLERGEN ALERT FOR UNDECLARED MILK in 12-ounce GFS sugar canisters that were inadvertently filled with non-dairy coffee creamer. These items were shipped in 24-can cases labeled GFS non-dairy coffee creamer.

11/18/2011 03:56 PM EST

Maumee Valley Vending Company announced a voluntary recall on Buffalo Chicken Wedge Sandwiches containing cheese, a milk product. A recall notification was initiated by Maumee Valley Vending Co. because milk was not listed in the ingredients on the label. The total production for this product was three hundred fifty (350) sandwiches.

11/17/2011 07:28 PM EST United Natural Foods, Inc. today announced a correction to its previously announced recall of selected types of Gentes Foods Gordita Black Bean Tortillas, specifically to correct the previously stated date code of 12 7 11 to the revised date code of 11 6 11. United Natural Foods, Inc. is recalling this product dated 11 6 11 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.

7/2011 10:16 AM EST

Ready Pac Foods, Inc. of Irwindale, CA is recalling a total of 5,379 cases of bagged salad products containing Romaine lettuce, as listed below, with the Use-by Date of November 18, 2011 because they may be contaminated with E. coli (E.coli O157.H7). E.coli O157:H7 is an organism that may cause diarrheal illness often with bloody stools.

11/17/2011 09:45 AM EST

The J.M. Smucker Company today announced a limited voluntary recall on two specific Best-If-Used-By dates of 16 oz. Smucker’s®® Natural Peanut Butter Chunky because it may be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

11/16/2011 06:27 PM EST

CooperVision announced today that it is expanding its worldwide recall of the Avaira brand product line of contact lenses to include a limited number of lots of Avaira Sphere contact lenses. In continued collaboration with the United States Food and Drug Administration, CooperVision is expanding the recall because it identified certain lots of Avaira Sphere lenses that did not meet its updated quality requirements due to the level of a silicone oil residue.

11/14/2011 10:23 PM EST
United Natural Foods, Inc. is recalling selected types of FoodMatch, Inc. Divina Stuffed Olives, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

11/10/2011 Gentes Foods Black Bean Tortillas Clostridium botulinum United Natural Foods, Inc.

11/10/2011 Virility Max Virility Max Dietary Supplement Contains undeclared drug ingredient sulfoaildenafil Keime, Incorporated

11/09/2011 FoodMatch Inc. Divina, Tabatchnick Stuffed Olives and Bean Soup Clostridium botulinum
United Natural Foods, Inc.

11/09/2011 Kotex Tampons Enterobacter sakazakii Kimberly-Clark

11/08/2011 Golden Glen Creamery Raw Cheddar Listeria monocytogenes Golden Glen Creamery

11/04/2011 Rice-A-Roni Rice Pilaf Undeclared milk Rice-A-Roni

11/04/2011 Bio Gaudiano Olives Stuffed with Almonds Clostridium botulinum Pure Italian, LLC

11/04/2011 Assi Oysters Norovirus Korean Farms Inc.

11/04/2011 Badia Pine Nuts Salmonella Badia Spices, Inc.

11/04/2011 Leslie Leger and Sons Ltd. Salted Smoked Split Herring
Unevicerated fish poses a potential botulism hazard Quirch Foods Company

11/04/2011 Sunrise Commodities Pine nuts Salmonella Sunrise Commodities

11/03/2011 Pangasinan Smoked Seafood Products Clostridium botulinum Foremost Foods International, Inc.

11/01/2011 Bio Gaudiano Olives Stuffed with Almonds Clostridium botulinum Pure Italian, LLC


for more information contact http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/

Texas Mexico Cartels looking for Safe Zones

11/11/11

AUSTIN - Two retired generals say the cartels are building safe zones along the Texas-Mexico border. They're going to operate on whichever side offers the best security. The more the Mexican government cracks down, the more cartel will need to operate out of the Rio Grande Valley.

Retired generals Barry McCaffery and Robert Scales say the cartels have a clear plan to build a sanctuary zone one county deep inside the state of Texas. They want safe spots in every Texas border county where they can control operations.

Retired General Robert Scales says the plan it "to use Texas as a launch point into the heartland of America for their distribution of drugs."

Scales says cartels need our territory because of the crackdown south of the border.

"The foot soldiers - we have learned through our research - are criminal gangs, many in Texas prisons, that are essentially throwaway material," says Scales.

Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw thinks this is more than tough talk.

"You look at it from a military standpoint. What you're talking about is a military front," says McCraw, "You cannot have six of the seven Mexican cartels that have butchered over 40,000 people living in Texas and operating command and control networks in border counties, and leveraging the Barrio of Azteca, Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, on both sides of the border and death squads moving back and forth and everything be safe."

The gangs here in Texas are referred to as trans-national. They form in our state and federal prisons but cooperate with the cartels in Mexico.

"I'm quite confident that enough people, if you call it like this is, they'll be action down the road," says McCraw.

People like McCraw and the generals stand by their claims that certain areas of the border are under cartel control.

"It's going to get worse in the coming years," says retired General Barry McCaffery.

McCaffery and Scales wrote in their military analysis, "In a curious twist of irony, the more successful the Mexican military becomes in confronting the cartels, the greater likelihood that the cartels will take the active fight into Texas, as they compete against each other in the battle to control distribution territories and corridors."

Congressman Michael McCaul believes his fellow federal lawmakers are in deep denial.

"Well the idea that these cartels have bought up ranches on the other side of the border, so they can easily pass because they own the property. That's what they do," he says.

They're worried the situation will get worse without federal help. So far, the feds have ignored calls for backup on the border.

The Texas Legislature called for the military report. The Texas Department of Agriculture and Department of Public Safety commissioned the study.

The generals claim their analysis is non-partisan.