Yes Palomas was a sleepy little town and still appears that way at first glance but the violence of the drug war has been openly evident there for the past couple of years. Police, Mayor, other authorities have been murdered, replaced and some fled to U.S. to escape murder. The prominent dentist in town where most Americans went for dental work was kidnapped and I believe his body was found later- in any case he was not released and that was months ago. The sound of gunfire from Palomas is common and many have been murdered there, these were not the first decapitations by cartel, just the most boldy displayed.
It amazes me that our govt seems relatively unconcerned. Truthfully, they seem more jazzed about gay marriage and celebrating diversity than about real issues.