Updates on Mexico from Southern Pulse

López Obrador declares candidacy

On 9 December 2011, Andrés Manuel López Obrador officially registered as the PRD candidate for the 2012 presidential elections.

DHS warns of human trafficking by Mexican cartels

On 8 December 2011, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security declared that Mexican cartels have taken control of the routes used to smuggling illegal immigrants into the U.S. near Tucson, Arizona and in the Rio Grande Region, including the smuggling of “Special Interest Aliens” (SIAs) who may have ties to terrorist organizations.

Attorney General to investigate federal workers who approved Casino Royale permits

The Office of the General Prosecutor (PRG) said on 8 December 2011 that it is investigating federal officials who granted permits to the owners of Casino Royale in Monterrey due to its failure to comply with required safety regulations. The Assistant Attorney General’s Office for Special Investigations on Organized Crime (SIEDO) is looking into ties to organized crime, falsification of documents, and violations of the federal firearms law. This decision contradcits a statement made by Nuevo León State Attorney General two days prior absolving the owners of all responsibility.

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