Nueva Laredo endured a violent beginning to the day on Monday with armed confrontations across various neighborhoods culminating in the arrest of Ricardo González Sauceda, known as "El Ricky," the second-in-command of the Northeast Cartel. At 8:40 AM, Municipal President Carmen Lilia Canturosas took to social media to alert the community about the risky situation, urging residents to remain indoors.
“Please do not leave your homes for the time being; stay safe and take precautions to avoid incidents, I am coordinating with the authorities. I will keep you updated,” she wrote on her public profile, reflecting the serious tones of the day.
The U.S. representation in Nuevo Laredo also issued warnings, advising employees to take refuge within the diplomatic facilities as violence escalated. The morning flight from Nuevo Laredo to Mexico City at the Quetzalcóatl International Airport was suspended for security reasons, with public transport also being halted. “The General Administration of Quetzalcóatl International Airport has announced the cancellation of scheduled flights for today, and they will be rescheduled for tomorrow, February 4,” the municipal government confirmed.
Simultaneously, urban bus operators released statements indicating their units were sheltered to safeguard the passengers and operators. They would resume operations once they confirmed safe transit conditions. Roadblocks were reported at various points following the morning violence, including the placement of trucks to obstruct streets.
Local authorities, particularly the State Secretary of Public Security, reported two instances of road blockades during this wave of violence. Armed civilians set up one blockade using a trailer on Prolongación Nicaragua near the Los Ángeles motel, and another group of gunmen abandoned a bus on the Nuevo Laredo-Monterrey highway at Ejido Alijadores. These vehicles were removed by elements of the State Guard with support from the National Defense Secretariat.
Through social media platforms like Facebook and X, residents of Nuevo Laredo warned of armed groups robbing citizens of their vehicles during the violent day. Numerous posts circulated asking for community assistance if anyone spotted vehicles reported stolen.
The violence prompted the U.S. Consulate to issue alerts advising their citizens to remain indoors, following the confirmations of multiple confrontations between federal forces and cartel members. “Please stay home, take precautions to avoid incidents; I am coordinating with authorities,” reiterated Canturosas, aiming to keep her constituents informed and safe.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, residents reported the activity of helicopters over the area, though no officials confirmed this movement. Videos circulating show scenes of chaos—moments of gunfire alarming area residents, illustrating the tense atmosphere gripping the city.
The detainment of Ricardo “G” aka "El Ricky" took place earlier on February 3, following some firefights with federal forces. His capture presumably triggered violence as retaliation from cartel members ensued. Gunfire erupted throughout the city as armed civilians clashed with armed forces, creating panic among the local populace.
The preceding weekend had already registered turbulent incidents across Tamaulipas, resulting in five deaths, two injuries, and the discovery of narcotics mines. It seemed the region was gripped by turmoil, with explosive devices causing casualties earlier on Friday. Blockades and ambushes became common as the weekend unfolded. New stories were born of violent encounters the morning of Canturosas’ announcement, as attack barriers emerged on major highways, threatening the flow of traffic.
Efforts by authorities to curb and control the violence appear critically needed, but the root causes lie deep within the operations of organized crime. The nuanced relationships between citizens and law enforcement are strained, and public safety remains precarious.
President Canturosas’ public messages aimed to offer guidance during frightening times, consistently prioritizing the safety of Nuevo Laredo citizens. It is clear the following days will remain uncertain, as both the local government and security forces rally to address the rampant violence gripping the community.
The situation demonstrates the evident challenges faced by local and national authorities against organized crime and the pressing need for strategies aimed at restoring stability and safety within the region.