More here:
Mexican drug cartel takeover of Texas ranch was real after all
Well, after 16 days of repeated denials by Laredo law enforcement, it would appear that a police blotter confirms not only that this story was indeed legitimate, but also that multiple agencies responded to the threat.
Wow. Color me shocked.
The blotter transcript follows:
“On Friday 7-23-10 Laredo Webb informed that their county SWAT Team is conducting an operation in the Mines Rd. area. According to LT. Garcia with LSO (Laredo Sheriff Office) received a call from a ranch owner stating that the Zetas had taken over his ranch. As per the 17 (reporting person) he informed them that they stated La Compania (area name for Zetas) was taking the ranch and no one was permitted on the ranch without permission. SO (Sheriff Office) will have an unmarked green Ford Taurus with two officers stationed at Los Compadres and a white Chevy Tahoe with two officers stationed at Mineral Rd. The LSO (Laredo Sheriff Office) will maintain surveillance in the area and advise if action is taken. Susp (suspect) Veh (vehicle) are described as a gray or silver Audi, a BLK (black) Escalade or Navigator and a van truck with a logo of a car wash spot free on the side. Border Patrol also has their response team on scene. Also known info of BMW’s and Corvettes entering and leaving the area. Auth LT Lichtenberger if assistance is requested LPD (Laredo Police Department) will secure the outer perimeter. (07/24/10 07:42:10 NR1873)”
For anyone who is paying attention, it’s obvious that there is a media blackout in place on many subjects, and violence on the border certainly seems to be one of them. Mexican drug cartels invade the borders of our sovereign states, seize control of private property owned by American citizens and the result is a media blackout of the events?
It’s widely known that there is a major media blackout in Mexico on cartel activity because media members are threatened with violence if they report on the subject. Why are American reporters being refused a verification of what is happening when questioning law enforcement? Has Mexican drug cartel intimidation crossed the border and infected our law enforcement agencies?[snip]
Years ago I had a friend who was a US ex-pat operating as a stringer in Mexico for US publications, she re-patted after her working partner was killed. As I remember she was reporting on corruption issues down in Speedy Gonzales land — Chiapas. In Mexico, as in many other countries, excepting those inheriting the Scots-British free speech ethos, reporting on sensitive issues carries a significant risk to life.
Hooray for US ideals!