U.S. State Dept. issues Mexico-wide alert, warning of "anti-American violence"

Bust of Los Zetas money laundering operation in U.S. is behind latest alert

The United States Dept. of State today issued an alert for all U.S. citizens throughout Mexico, warning of the possibility of "retaliation and/or anti-American violence" after several Mexican nationals alleged to be associated with drug cartels were arrested within U.S. territory. It is the second security alert issued by the State Dept. in the past eight days. A previous warning on June 4 was specific to Americans in Tamaulipas state, and adjacent areas along Mexico's northern frontier.

The persons arrested today were detained in California, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. One of them is the brother of "Z-40," who allegedly is the number two man in the Los Zetas drug cartel. Significant assets were seized by federal authorities at the same time. The suspects are alleged to have laundered millions of dollars in narcotics profits through horse breeding and racing operations in the U.S.

Zetas hit in four U.S. states, and in Mexico:
Feds bust Los Zeta money washers in U.S.
Treviño Morales Indictment Unsealed
Mexican Marines arrest top financial aid to Z-40

Here is the verbatim text of the warning which was issued through the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros, a customary portal for State Dept. messages (U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens in Mexico):

Security Message for U.S. Citizens – Possibility for Retaliation Following TCO Arrests (June 12, 2012)

The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing in Mexico to the enhanced potential for violence related to today’s arrests of Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) associates and family members residing in the United States.

This morning, U.S. federal law enforcement agents arrested associates and family members of a senior TCO member, and seized property and assets within the United States. These arrests could result in some form of retaliation and/or anti-American violence. Given the history and resources of this violent TCO, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to maintain a low profile and a heightened sense of awareness.

Please review the Department of State’s Travel Warning concerning travel within Mexico and the state of Tamaulipas, available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5665.html. The Department continues to advise U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas. We also encourage U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without internet access may register in person or by phone with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

For any emergencies involving American citizens in the Matamoros consular district, please call or visit the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit at the U.S. Consulate General on Avenida Primera #2002, Col. Jardín, Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Telephone 011 (52) (868) 812-4402; http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov/.

June 14 related stories
Felipe Calderón tells Wall Street Journal, "violence in Mexico is declining": http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.mx/2012/06/felipe-calderon-tells-wall-street.html.
Milenio reporter executed in Veracruz: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.mx/2012/06/milenio-reporter-executed-in-veracruz.html.

Older related stories
Z-44, third in command of Los Zetas, arrested: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.mx/2012/01/top-zeta-leader-arrested-linked-to-50.html
U.S. State Dept. Warning to Americans in Mexico - issued June 4, 2012: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.mx/2012/06/us-state-dept-warning-to-americans-in.html.
U.S. State Dept. issues new travel alert for Mexico (Feb. 8, 2012): http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.com/2012/02/us-issues-new-travel-alert-for-mexico.html.