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Violence in Mexico after cartel leader killed
A wave of violence has swept across parts of Mexico after the death of "El Mencho". FOX 7 Austin's Jessica Rivera has more on that and what it means for people in Mexico and those thinking of traveling there.
AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the state Department of Public Safety to step up security efforts, especially along the southern border with Mexico.
Abbott’s order comes amid violence that has erupted in Mexico after the country’s military killed the leader of what authorities have said is Mexico’s most powerful cartel.
What we know:
According to Abbott, the Texas DPS will surge troopers, rangers and criminal investigators to the southern border to, among other things, apprehend criminals and prevent spillover activity from Mexico.
The order also calls for an increase in marine and aircraft operations along the border, as well as activation of the Texas Fusion Center to monitor social media and reports of suspicious activity.
A member of the Prosecutor's Office stands guard near a burning bus at one of the main avenues after it was set on fire by organized crime groups in response to an operation in Jalisco to arrest a high-priority security target in Zapopan, state of Ja … (Ulises Ruiz/AFP / Getty Images)
What they're saying:
"Mexican drug cartels pose a significant threat to public safety and national security," Abbott said. "By increasing proactive efforts to defend against cartel violence, Texas will continue to utilize every tool and strategy to protect our state and our nation. We will not cower to criminals who impose terror on our fellow Texans and Americans."
Abbott has also urged Texans to closely monitor warnings from the U.S. State Department.
RELATED: Dallas man among those stranded in Mexico due to cartel violence
The backstory:
Mexican authorities said Sunday that an operation by the country’s Army was meant to capture Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Authorities reported that Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, died while being flown to Mexico City after the operation.
According to officials, Oseguera Cervantes’ death has led cartel members to set fires and block roads.
The Associated Press reported Monday that at least 25 members of the Mexican National Guard have been killed in Jalisco in six separate attacks.