### Tecate: Caught in the Crossfire of Cartel Violence
Recent events in Tecate have highlighted the growing danger posed by cartel violence in the region, with gangs fighting for control over lucrative drug trafficking routes. On Sunday, September 29, simultaneous attacks occurred around 7:30 pm across five neighborhoods in Tecate, including La Bondad and Colinas del Cuchumá. Armed men in vehicles targeted residential homes and local businesses, firing at will. Despite emergency calls to the police, residents reported a lack of response from security forces for over 20 minutes.
Earlier that day, around 9 am, a mechanic’s shop in Colinas del Cuchumá was the scene of another violent incident. Armed individuals in two vehicles unleashed a barrage of gunfire on the shop, a terrifying event captured by security cameras and witnessed by local residents and sports enthusiasts nearby.
By midday, the violence had claimed the life of Armando Carrasco in the La Hacienda neighborhood. Previously a Tecate municipal officer, Carrasco’s murder is believed to be linked to cartel activities, echoing the assassination of his partner Guadalupe Sánchez in April.
Amidst the chaos, Tecate’s new administration under Román Cota Muñoz was inaugurated, only to face immediate criminal challenges. Government vehicles were set ablaze, a suspected message from criminal elements following the arrest of cartel members.
Security experts point to the appointment of Marina Calderón Guillén as the head of municipal security as a risky move, given her perceived lack of experience at a time when Tecate faces an escalating crime wave. The city has seen a sharp rise in high-impact crimes, including the death of municipal officers and civilians alike, prompting calls for stronger and more experienced leadership in tackling cartel violence.
### In-Depth: The Escalating Cartel Feud in Tecate
Recent reports suggest that Tecate’s increase in violence may be linked to a fierce battle between rival cartels vying for control. The Sinaloa Cartel has been implicated in numerous attacks on properties believed to be linked to other factions. These acts of aggression are not isolated, dating back to before Mayor BenÃtez’s departure, and are believed to involve damaging pursuits of drug routes.
One particularly brutal incident involved a high-speed chase and gun battle between SUVs in Tecate’s Encanto Norte area, showcasing the brazen nature of these conflicts. The crime scene left behind was littered with high-caliber casings, painting a stark picture of the lawlessness gripping the city.
Furthermore, the inflammatory act of setting government assets on fire is attributed to tensions with the Arellano Félix cartel. Authorities face the dual challenge of addressing these immediate threats while countering the pervasive influence of organized crime on local governance and law enforcement.
As the situation develops, the new municipal leadership must confront these security issues head-on to prevent further bloodshed and bring stability back to Tecate, a challenge exacerbated by public safety officials’ reported incompetence. The city’s past, marked by high violence rates in 2019-2020, serves as a grim reminder of what’s at stake if swift action is not taken.