The Gulf Cartel Metros Fight Over Security Cameras in Reynosa, Tamaulipas

By “El Huaso” for Borderland Beat

On March 19, the Gulf Cartel Metros faction placed at least three narco banners around Reynosa threatening the city government.

The messages stated: “Every post you put up is a post we will take down, let’s see who gets tired first. Sincerely, Jefe Metro 9”

The message refers to Reynosa’s C5, the surveillance arm of Tamaulipas State Police. In recent months, the state has been installing new security cameras in public areas as a crime deterrent. The Metros will often destroy these at night.

In addition to traditional “halconeo”, using human lookouts to monitor police and rival movements, the Metros will also place CCTV cameras on light poles around the city, which security forces will remove while on patrol. In recent years, security forces have cracked down on overt cartel presence in the city. Whereas Metros halcones used to wait in public, at street lights and corner stores, holding radios, they now act more discreet to avoid arrest.