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| José de Jesús Gómez Córdova went missing on 3 January 2021. His family has not heard from him since he crossed into the Mexican border at Nuevo Laredo. |
A man from the Dallas, Texas, area is among the 50 people that have disappeared this year on the highway between Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.
Jose de Jesus Gomez Cordova, 45, went missing in January while driving from Irving, Texas, to Guadalajara, Jalisco.
Gomez Cordova is originally from Guadalajara but was living in the Dallas area for over 15 years. He was a legal, permanent US resident and made frequent trips to Mexico to visit his relatives.
“My brother spoke with my mother to tell her that he was already in Laredo, Texas, and the next day he would leave for Monterrey, to get to Guadalajara,” Magdalena Lira Córdova, 36, Gómez Córdova’s sister, said in an interview.
“Two days passed, he no longer answered phones, we completely lost contact with him.”
As reported by Borderland Beat, at least 7 US citizens have gone missing in or near Nuevo Laredo this year, making it one of the most dangerous places for US citizens on Mexican soil.
However, the US embassy has not issued a statement yet on this specific matter. Following the recent killing spree in Reynosa and the travel alert issued by the incumbent Nuevo Leon governor, the movement of US personnel in this area was greatly reduced.
Borderland Beat Analysis
There are two ways to go from Nuevo Laredo to Monterrey. The most common and quickest route is to take the Federal Highway 85D, a toll highway (autopista).
The other is to take the Federal Highway 85, a non-toll (libre) route that runs parallel to the other. Unlike the 85D, this freeway goes through several towns and rural communities and is about 30 minutes slower.
Sources consulted by Borderland Beat say that most of those missing have lost contact with their families in or around Kilometer 26 of the highway 85D. This point of the highway is where the toll booth (garita) ends when driving from Monterrey to Nuevo Laredo. This portion of the highway is part of the state of Tamaulipas.
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| The area shown in orange is where most of the people in this highway have gone missing. The media calls the Nuevo Laredo - Monterrey highway the "Highway of Death" (La carretera de la muerte). This portion of the highway on Kilometer 26 is being dubbed "The Death Stretch" (El tramo de la muerte). |
The cartel has several lookouts posted across the highway that notify other cartel members of potential targets driving through. Kilometer 26 has several abandoned warehouses (bodegas) where lookouts may hide to target drivers.
Cartel members generally target drivers driving SUVs or pick-up trucks (with four doors). These vehicles have a lot of places to tuck contraband away, and are efficient for rugged terrain should they go off-road.
Nuevo Laredo is under the control of the Northeast Cartel (Cartel del Noreste, CDN), a splintered group of the old Zetas cartel. It is rival to the Gulf Cartel (Cartel del Golfo, CDG), based east of Nuevo Laredo all the way to Matamoros.
US Citizens Missing
In mid-March, three women from Laredo, Texas, disappeared after crossing to Nuevo Laredo for a doctor's appointment. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) believes they were kidnapped.
The following month, a man from Arkansas, disappeared near Nuevo Laredo after visiting his girlfriend in Monterrey. His whereabouts are also unknown.
In late May, two more US citizens from Houston, Texas, disappeared after they crossed the border into Nuevo Laredo. They were heading to San Luis Potosi to visit a sick relative. They never made it to their destination.
In mid-June, three more US citizens that were visiting their relatives in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, went missing when they drove back to the US via Nuevo Laredo.
Sources: Dallas News; Borderland Beat Analysis & Archives
Informative article MX, gracias.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I've been to Monterrey at least twice this year and drove through this highway a couple of months ago. There were some cartel outlooks south of Nuevo Laredo (near the left turn on Luis Donaldo Colosio, heading to the 85).
DeleteBest advice is avoid going if you have US or Nuevo Leon license plates, or if you're driving a vehicle cartels may find attractive (i.e. pick-ups with four-doors, or SUVs). Avoid nighttime or early mornings.
Alternately you can cross at Eagle Pass, TX into Pierdas Negras Coahuila. Highway 57 is reasonably safe to Monterrey or Saltillo. I live in Coahuila and travel to Monterrey often. Over the last 8yrs I haven’t encountered any problems on this highway.
DeleteStay safe!!
MX what do you mean by outlook ? It's that like a person soon be watching over and informs his team of potential target of fired Outlook means team of people wandering around. It's my military not moving to that death stretch ? I hope the government will take action at least to keep USA happy.
DeleteKathi
I agree @2:59 I live in Acuña, Coahuila and people should go thru Coahuila to get to MTY, its 100% promised nothing will happen to them
Delete4:36 - Meant "lookouts" (halcones), sorry. They are low-level cartel members that at as spies or watchers. They are generally are unarmed and carry their radio/phone to notify the cartel units (generally "estacas") of suspicious activity, targets, rival gang members, security forces, etc.
DeleteGot it MX. Why is the military not moved into that place in spite of extensive news reporting ? Looks like military will be involved once the cartel are safely out of that sector
DeleteKathi
@5:12 You need a lot to learn about La Frontera Chica, sicarios from Tamaulipas seek for the "topón" with the army no fucks given.
DeleteOnly thing I’m scared of is the federales and guerdia national… fkn rats
ReplyDeleteProbably the ones that pull all these people over for the other rats they work with to hand them over to the
DeleteThank you for taking the trouble to distinguish between highways 85 and 85D and pointing out where most of the danger lies. As an occasional user of 85D, I've been closely following the news about the disappearances, and very few news organizations seem aware that there are TWO highways between Monterrey and Nuevo Laredo. In my view, any story about violence on "the Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo highway" should make it clear which of the two highways is involved. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteIf the majority are missing and are from the USA, it should be a plus that the FBI is investigating on the US side. I am sure they have tools and equipment to track who is doing it. Apply pressure to the Mexican government, that this can not be ignored since it's close to the border.
ReplyDeleteFBI has no jurisdiction in Mexico. They can put all the "pressure" they want, but for them to work out a case they need heavy assistance from Mexico. With hundreds of disappearances every month all across the country, half a dozen people won't be too important for them. Sad but true.
Delete1:11 is aware that FBI has no jurisdiction in Mexico, 1:30 what you are not aware that most of the missing are US citizens, therefore it's automatic, that FBI gets involved in Intel, thier more trusted Ally is the Mexican Marina, believe me Mexico will cooperate, when FBI gathers Intel with out stepping a foot in to Mexico. Also US pumps millions yearly to Mexico.
DeleteFBI has no power in lawless Mexico. Its up to us or to any US citizens to ne informative about Mexico before going there. My thought is to think Mexico doesnt exist, therefore dont go there. Mexico is by far the most dangerous country in the world. Stay away please!!!
Delete@1:11 I remember reading an article here on BB about 3 wks ago, at how CJNG members (5) got arrested with FBI help, ( yes without stepping a foot into Mexico):PGR assisted got them arrested, this drew attention because in thier killing spree, they had killed two young men American citizens, they were quickly extridited to USA to face justice.
DeleteIt is not about jurisdiction bitch, it is about americans getting disappeared in Mèxico and their country will teu and kick ass around a bit to try to at least know what the fuck happened to their citizens, they could even extort the Mexican government over it.
Delete"Extort" the MX government over it? Get real and update yourself to the current reality. @8:38
DeleteHow about bus?? Maybe safe
ReplyDeleteNothing is “safe”
DeleteSafer
DeleteTampoco, apenas un camion cruzo que Venia de houston con destino a slp. Got caught in the crossfire & I believed no one was hurt.
DeleteI'm an expat living in Mexico and have been taking the bus to nuevo Laredo every six months to do the paper work. When it gets too hot that route which it does on occasion I go to Matamoros which isn't in the news so much right now, from Morelia direct to Matamoros, that way you don't go through Reynosa, might make a stop in Monterey, depends. there's another option, flights are cheap as long as you stay in Mexico, fly to Reynosa then cross there. The situation is fluid and I have been depending on borderland.beat to help me make the right decision. Pretty sure it saved my life back when the buses were getting pulled over in San Fernando, I changed to Laredo back then. Long live Chivis !
DeleteThey will kidnap and will as a whole. They are monsters, they are like animals in jungle who kill each other for food, they are hungry filthy animals who eat humans maybe. Though I'm not an Mexican, I feel sad to hear people suffering with useless government (be it any party)
DeleteKathi
Was he moving merca low key?
Delete1:18 THE BUS IS VERRY SAFE THEM DRIVING A CAR , MY SON GO TO MTY 2 @ 3 TIMES A YEAR WITH NO PINCHES PROBLEMAS.
Delete730 I am sorry I don't read comments with all capitals.
Delete12:20 who cares what you do or not?
DeleteI congratulate cap poster for trying so many times, one of these days he'll get lucky if he sees his son dead for the last time
So I shouldn't roll down there in my 2021 Sierra Denali AT4 with less than 10k miles than?
ReplyDeleteIt’s American BAILED OUT JUNK you might get stranded before you get kidnapped
DeleteNot if you want to keep it
DeleteGo for it. But let me borrow 50K before you take off.
Delete@7:18 Jjajajajaja
DeleteAny one seen missing 411 not everything is because of Mexicans..
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend researching more into the reputation of the author of Missing411 books, David Paulides. Within the true crime community, he is infamous for withholding details and misrepresenting missing person cases in order to peddle his conspiracy theories. It causes a lot of needless pain for the missing person's family.
DeleteBut also please don't take my word for it. Go out and research yourself.
I recommend looking into how he presents the cases of Thomas Bowman and Bruce Kremen versus the facts of their cases.
I don’t understand why it’s taking Mexico govt so long to flood Laredo with Military and LEO…I know everyone is gonna say, because the government works with the cartels. But just like the Reynosa massacre, this is bad for business..
ReplyDeletePresident says no soldiers just Hugs, Funnyman
DeleteDifferent president. This isn't guns blazing Calderon
DeleteIt's because they work with the cartels.
DeleteAttnte Everyone
@3:15 @7:19 @12:47
DeleteIt’s not holding back the military from going into Aguililla, Michoacán…
2:15 prompt reaction is a State of Tamaulipas state police matter, it happened on the tollway and we need to know who has jurisdiction, but I blame las Vacas Locas Gang of governor francisco javier garcia cabeza de cacas de vacas and their "intelligence Unit", they expertly located victims to rob and extort and former friends and associates to murder and disapprar to evade their testimony.
DeleteSo apparently the free road, which everyone says avoid driving on at night, is safer than the paid road, which everyone advises is safer. Could it be that there are richer pickings on the paid road?
ReplyDeleteCld it be that this ppl are so fucking stupid or they think their bad asses and theyre not going to get killed or kidnapped? Why the fuck are ppl that live in USA going to mexico like its all good?
ReplyDeleteBb another massacre in los guerra this time allegedly by metros cdg.
ReplyDeleteThis one?
Deletehttp://www.borderlandbeat.com/2021/06/miguel-aleman-tamaulipas-armed.html
@1:30 they didn’t say they had jurisdiction in Mexico… they said “it should be a plus that the FBI is investigating on the US side”
ReplyDelete4:04 thanks for clarifying it to the person that did not read the comment correctly, instead interjects his own thinking.
DeleteI would ask Sicario 006 to look into these matters maybe he has some teir 1 buddies in that area Driving F150's in convoys of 60 he could leave a sttongly worded comunication here on BB and be the real hero we all know him to be . Just an idea nothing nothing less
ReplyDeleteLMAO... The F150... Sicario006 has acces to only F950 with teleportation capabilities...fuled by none other than black matter created at CERN by top scientists from Sinaloa
DeletePregunta isn't this in between point of entry and the Mexican immigration road block?
ReplyDeleteGüero Cora
Yes. If you’re coming back from Monterrey, right after paying at the “garita” I believe there is an immigration checkpoint for foreigners/foreign vehicles on your left. A few minutes later is the desviación to the Laredo/Colombia bridge on your right. If you continue straight you’ll head right into Nuevo Laredo. That is Kilometer 27.
DeleteIn the picture, you see the blinds on the rear glass of the driver . . a pick up truck. I drive a vehicle with 250,000 miles on it while traveling down there. Even though some say Coahuila is safe, I've been surrounded by Coahuila Furenze police and their motorcycles with hard stares and obvious scare tactics, lights blazing . . . the gas station just outside Sabinas . . is shady at best. Federates with long arms and presence of many, not customers. Federates would even not acknowledge I exist. Crap shot, but odds are very good in your favor. Old vehicles, big dogs and the worst of your worn clothing. No pickups, SUVS, etc. You are asking for it. Thanks MX and HEARST for info and book recommendations. I like "research yourselves".
ReplyDeleteI live in this area. What gas station are you talking about?
DeleteOf course Coahuila is not 100% safe but the again no city or country is. I’d take my chances traveling through Coahuila any day over Tamaulipas that’s for sure.
9:17, thanks for correcting me. Went back and it was on 11/20 when I left Queretaro on the way to Monclova. Remember being in Saltilla that afternoon and toward dusk, it was a remote gas station. Got into Monclova that night based on seeing the refinery lights. Not Sabinas where I was the day after. I'd say the fuel depot was closer to Anacapa. I do remember the big Sabinas sign on the outside of town later, but again thanks. Death Highway to other poster is Pacific side of Tamaulipas
DeleteDon't these guys know it's safer to fly to their destination than driving
ReplyDeleteHope they find the guy and all other missing.god bless them : pero.no entiende.la raza.pir .no .gastar.??
Exactly when I read the article I was like why not fly that’s 150$ round trip without hassle and fast, I would never drive any road from Texas all the way to Jalisco that’s crazy so much room for something to happen
DeleteHighway of death????? But none of these people have turned up dead yet. The despicable news media always has to sensationalize every tragedy.
ReplyDeleteYou think they’re alive?
DeleteHey MX! I don't know if you've seen this article, but it looks like the FBI is now getting involved in the disappearance of 3 people who traveled to Sabinas Hidalgo - https://abc13.com/laredo-family-gone-missing-of-three-in-mexico-after-driving-back-from-nuevo-leon-gladys-cristina-perez-sanchez/10831936/
ReplyDeleteToo the people in here, that say no FBI will not get involved, oh no they have no jurisdiction in Mexico, which of course we all know. Shiver my timber, told you all that FBI is investigating
DeleteAnd will find out which groups are doing it. They wanted attention, it's guaranteed they will get it.
Is it safe for a gringo that looks like a cop /military type to vacation in Culiacan?
ReplyDeleteRethorical question?
Delete9:01 safer than those towns and states by the gulf
Delete@9:01 WTF you going to vacation in CLN for? Is there going to be jale purity contest? First thing, you better know somebody that can vouch for you and buena suerte...
Delete9:01 actually it's safer for a gringito go in a clown suit, so that way everyone just giggles.
DeleteBlue eye gringos have less problems in Mexico 🇲🇽 if they don't get crazy
DeleteMexican from the U.S. have problems in Mexico because the others r jealous
DeleteHeld up for ransoms or forcing them to transport drugs?
ReplyDeletewhy would a gring esnt to go to culiacan lol
ReplyDeleteI wanted to see the botanical gardens and hit the beach. But I'll pass. There are other countries to see where ending up in a barrel is unlikely.
ReplyDeleteMapquest should post a warning about this route cuz no one else is doing nothing. Of course U.S. citizens visiting relatives or businesses must know how dangerous this area and roadway are.
ReplyDelete