Mexico Has An Elite Police to Hunt ‘Gringos’
Since 2002, these police officers have been dedicated to capturing foreigners hiding in Mexico.
SOMEWHERE ON THE BORDER, Mexico.— It’s nearly three in the morning on a typical Tuesday at some point along Mexico’s border. A group of police officers—all under 40—begin to gather in an unassuming building: white walls, house-style windows, and a garage. Nothing suggests that this is the headquarters of Los Cazagringos, an elite group of police officers dedicated to catching Americans who flee to Mexico to escape the law in their own country.
Within minutes, the team is ready. They have their weapons, radios, and have conducted a quick briefing to align on the action plan. Tonight, they’re after Manuel Ricardo Mendoza, born in 1972 in Texas and wanted by U.S. authorities for fentanyl trafficking.
The night cools as they approach a problematic neighborhood. In recent months, over eight people have been killed by gunfire here. “It’s a hot zone,” says one of the Cazagringos.
For security reasons, their identities can’t be revealed, but it can be said that all have been trained by various U.S. federal agencies, skilled in leveraging intelligence, and highly regarded by their American counterparts as “the real deal.”
They arrive at Mendoza’s hideout. The Cazagringos park their unmarked pickups and exit almost simultaneously. The operation unfolds seamlessly: two officers disable the security cameras, two more take to the rooftops, three position themselves at the main door, and the rest cover the house, prepared in case Mendoza decides to make a last stand. All of this happens in near silence.
Suddenly, a loud bang reverberates through the neighborhood. “Police! Get on the ground!” About five of the ten agents storm the residence. I’m called in once the scene is secure.
On the floor lies Mendoza, still in his underwear. The trafficker was asleep when the agents entered. His girlfriend is also on the ground, her phone confiscated as she’s moved to a corner of the room. The agents meticulously but quickly search the property, aware that they need to leave the area before Mendoza’s associates arrive.
Before the neighbors can peek out of their windows, the convoy, now with Mendoza in custody, is already on its way to one of the international bridges connecting Mexico and the U.S.
*Joining the ranks of Los Cazagringos to report on this story was not easy task: going out on operatives at 3:00am in Mexico, earning their trust, and ensuring my own safety, is just some of the risks I took to get you here. Please consider subscribing for only $5 to help my ass stay safe and keep reading this story.
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