Arrest over Mexican drug murders

A senior member of a Mexican drug cartel has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the murders of 17 people at a rehab centre, reports say.
Jose Rodolfo Escajeda, a suspected hitman and drug smuggler, was held in connection with the murders in the city of Juarez, near the border with Texas.
He has long been [...]

Mexico favours Brazil trade pact

Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon has said he will propose a free trade agreement with Brazil.
“Trade enriches economies,” said Mr Calderon during a meeting of business leaders in Sao Paulo.
The comments came as he embarked on a three day visit to Brazil, when he will meet President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and visit oil firm [...]

The Three Amigos of Cha Cha Cha

CHA CHA CHA FILMS is the name of the new production company started by Mexico’s three most successful and acclaimed directors: Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Guillermo del Toro. But don’t go looking for an office or a telephone number here, or anywhere else for that matter, because you won’t find one.
That’s not just [...]

Travel advisory warns of severe respiratory illness in Mexico

A severe respiratory illness appears to have infected 137 people in south and central areas of Mexico, with cases concentrated in Mexico City and three other areas, including 20 deaths, the Public Health Agency of Canada said.
In the United States, health officials in Texas and California were scrambling this week to deal with a new [...]

Guatemalan police raid hitman training camp

A hitman training camp for Mexico’s infamous Gulf cartel was found in northern Guatemala, along with 500 grenades, police said Friday.
via Guatemalan police raid hitman training camp – Americas AP – MiamiHerald.com.

[Caption]

Mexican officials urge migrants to return

During a “welcome home” informational fair, directors of several Mexican agencies plan to distribute information about federal grants and programs available for immigrants who want to return to Mexico after losing their jobs in the economic recession.
via Mexican officials urge migrants to return | thecalifornian.com | The Salinas Californian.

Mexican court rules no trial for ex-president

A Mexican court on Thursday upheld a ruling that exempted former president Luis Echeverria from facing genocide charges for his alleged involvement in a 1968 student massacre.
via Mexican court rules no trial for ex-president – Americas AP – MiamiHerald.com.

Mexican gang activity seeping into Houston | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com – Houston Chronicle

Houston has long been a major staging ground for importing illegal drugs from Mexico and shipping them to the rest of the United States, but a recent Department of Justice report notes it is one of 230 cities where cartels maintain distribution networks and supply lines.
via Mexican gang activity seeping into Houston | Houston & [...]

Mexico morgues crowded with mounting drug-war

Bodies stacked in the morgues of Mexico’s border cities tell the story of an escalating drug war. Drug violence claimed 6,290 people last year, double the previous year, and more than 1,000 in the first eight weeks of 2009.
via Mexico morgues crowded with mounting drug-war dead – Americas AP – MiamiHerald.com.

Mexican journalist asks for asylum in U.S.

As Mexico’s drug war grinds on, many Mexicans, including journalists, are fleeing to the United States in ever greater numbers. The number of Mexicans requesting asylum more than doubled from fiscal year 2007 to 2008.
via Mexican journalist asks for asylum in U.S. – Americas AP – MiamiHerald.com.