[JackelopeBreeder]

There was a recent report that the cartels had started hiring deserters over near Juarez. I'll see if I can find it again.

While I have my doubts about this story, I can still easily imagine a plausible scenario. Operation Pipeline just about shut down alien and drug traffic here in the Naco Corridor for a month. If the cartels stage a serious incident over near Douglas, it would drag Border Patrol assets in that direction and re-open the routes here.

I would bet there's a lot of herbs and spices and people stacking up on the other side of the border, especially since we haven't heard of increased traffic elsewhere. Today's official announcement that Operation Pipeline has ended will probably result in traffic through here returning to normal levels right after Christmas.

[FITZ]

There was a recent report that the cartels had started hiring deserters over near Juarez. I'll see if I can find it again.

That's important to remember --- especially with Mexico --- not everyone wearing a particular uniform is supposed to be wearing that uniform. Anyone can put on a uniform for whatever purpose --- this sounds more like a drug smuggling ring rather than the official Mexican army. I know there are men dressed like Mexican army and probably actual army all along the border.