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.
OGDEN, Utah — A 16-year-old student, identified as Mason Caballero, has died following a shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon near Ben Lomond High School in Ogden.
According to the Ogden Police Department and Ogden School District, the shooting took place in the area of 5th Street and Gramercy Avenue at approximately 2:45 p.m.
After being shot, the victim made his way to Ben Lomond High School seeking help.
At the time of the incident, students had already been dismissed for the day at 2:35 p.m. The shooting did not occur on school property.
Upon arrival at the campus, the school’s resource officer and staff members immediately rendered first aid to Caballero until emergency medical responders arrived.
He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, Ben Lomond High School Principal Velden Wardle confirmed the student’s death:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that the student has passed away as a result of their injuries. Out of respect for the student’s family and because this remains an active police investigation, we are unable to release additional details at this time.”
The Ogden School District emphasized that this tragedy is not connected to the recent hoax bomb threat that occurred at the school the previous week.
All extracurricular activities at Ben Lomond High were canceled for the day.
Nearby schools also took precautionary measures during the police response. Highland Junior High School initiated a “secure” protocol—locking all exterior doors and keeping students indoors—until police confirmed there was no active threat.
Students were released under the supervision of law enforcement around 3:10 p.m. East Ridge Elementary School, which had dismissed students at 2:30 p.m., also enacted a brief secure status as a precaution for staff and students still in the building.
In a joint message to families, Principal Wardle and Superintendent Luke Rasmussen offered condolences to the victim’s loved ones and the broader school community:
“Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all who are grieving this devastating loss. We mourn together as a school community. Law enforcement has verified that there was never an active threat to students or staff on our campus. Ben Lomond High School remains a safe and supportive place for all students.”
The district announced that grief counselors and trained support staff will be available at Ben Lomond High School throughout the week to assist students and staff in coping with the tragedy.
The Ogden Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No arrests or suspect information have been released at this time.
Officials urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact Ogden Police as the investigation remains active and ongoing.