Crime
Sinaloa Cartel Faction Issues Threats Against American Citizens in Mexico Amid Escalating Tensions
LOS CABOS, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, MEXICO — A violent faction of Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel has issued direct threats against American citizens, warning of targeted killings in popular tourist destinations across Mexico.
The threats were publicly delivered through narcomantas—large banners commonly used by cartels to issue warnings or declarations—displayed in the Los Cabos resort corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
The messages were signed by “La Chapiza,” an armed faction loyal to the sons of imprisoned drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
According to the statements, the group vowed retaliation against U.S. law enforcement operations targeting the cartel’s drug and human trafficking networks.
The banners accused American and Mexican authorities of “meddling” in cartel affairs and directly threatened to “eliminate every American citizen residing in areas where we have a presence.”
The warning follows a series of joint U.S.–Mexico counter-narcotics operations, including raids on cartel strongholds in the Sierra de Badiraguato mountains of Sinaloa—long considered the heart of cartel activity.
The operations reportedly dismantled key fentanyl laboratories and weapons stockpiles belonging to the organization.
In their messages, cartel members named several officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel, DEA Administrator Terry Cole, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Security Chief Omar García Harfuch, accusing them of overreach and warning that the cartel “runs things here.”
Sources indicate that the threats appear to be an escalation in the ongoing power struggle between La Chapiza and rival Sinaloa faction La Mayiza, though U.S. citizens have now been invoked as leverage amid the conflict.
Authorities in both the United States and Mexico are assessing the credibility of the threats. U.S. intelligence officials have described the situation as “highly concerning,” noting the large number of American residents and tourists—estimated at more than 1.6 million annually—who travel or live in Mexico.
The situation underscores broader security risks across Mexico’s most visited regions:
Cancún and the Riviera Maya (Quintana Roo): Increasing incidents of cartel-linked shootings and kidnappings tied to drug route control and extortion rackets.
Tijuana (Baja California): A key front in the fentanyl trafficking war, where cross-border violence and abductions remain common.
Los Cabos (Baja California Sur): Once marketed as a safe haven for tourists and retirees, the area has seen rising homicide rates and is now at the center of direct cartel threats against Americans.
Officials urge travelers to exercise extreme caution, remain informed of local security developments, and follow guidance from the U.S. State Department, which continues to monitor the situation closely.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.