Mexicali: Border Crossing Assault and Mugging

elchrist

I was with a friend the other day and he was telling me about a recent, potentially life threating, experience they were involved in less than two weeks ago while crossing alone and afoot the local international border to Mexicali.

Making way through the gates, he began to walk towards and passed the entry way located to the left, adjacent to the actual border fence. As they traversed the crosswalk, which leads toward Hotel del Norte, they felt as if someone was pursuing them. He heard a quick clap and was immediately surrounded by three thugs ranging in the ages of 18 to 22. He immediately knew what was coming.

As he was being persuaded to walk towards the darker more concealed part of the area, where the Zapatas club once resided, he stopped and blatantly asked what was up. He knew what was up, but was buying time to think of a way out of this situation.

He pulled out his mobile phone and quickly dialed his cousin's number, who was on their way to pick them up. Now in the process of walking backwards, he began to make small talk in an attempt to get out of this situation, all while informing his cousin to promptly drive to his location, by any means necessary. Moments later, the relative races up the sidewalk as he illegally entered the one way street.

He quickly jumped into the vehicle and was greatful they had just escaped a mugging, which mostly would have involved in some sort of physical attack.

I've heard of muggings near the parking lot at the end of the tunnel, but nothing this close to the gateway. My friend said he even noticed the guard view this incident, but completely ignored it (for what ever purpose). Apparently there is no safety when entering Mexico.

carnicerodegiles · Posted: 08 Feb 2004 08:04 PM Post subject:

Yeah, you're right. It has gotten so bad people are even afraid of the police. I don't know if you heard but there were some cases in the Tijuana border where the police would spot some of the richer looking cars crossing the border. They would be stopped. Two police men would make the driver take them to the nearest bank so he could take out all his money and the police would obviously take it. Then another police man would stay with the guy's wife or girlfriend and rape her. Even here, in the Mexicali border, police men just stop you for no reason other than to see how much money they can take from you. I'm more afraid of the police than muggers when I cross the border.

verbal · Posted: 10 Feb 2004 10:31 AM Post subject:

A friend of mine was making line and right around the park a fellow came over. He put a knife to his neck, so my buddy had to give him his wallet. It was quick and smooth. Now, he never makes line with his windows down. This happen in the early 1990's.

Also, same buddy, when we cross to go to Caliente this one 'tecato' always escorts us to Caliente. The 'tecato' is offering his services. He's like our bodyguard. Of course, for a safe trip to Caliente and back my buddy gives him a couple of dollars. The whole trip the 'tecato' explains how lucky we are because we have protection.

Still, this is just one guy that has had all the bad luck when crossing the border. The thing is he used to live in Mexicali for many years. Still, Mexicali will always be safe.

The only thing that scares me are Black Suburbans. F the cops.

elchrist · Posted: 20 Apr 2004 08:17 PM Post subject: Insecure

Port security guards face the ax amid budget confusion
Source: Imperial Valley Press

CALEXICO — Security guards who work at the local ports of entry could be fired Thursday.

This action would make the ports less secure during a time of war and less secure as "homeland security" is preached at every campaign stop, said some of the guards, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Sergio Apolinar, local union leader of the guards, who works for Silver Spring, Md.-based security firm USProtect, said the guards could be fired because "there is some sort of budget problem."

The Department of Homeland Security hasn't determined which of its agencies (Customs and Border Protection or Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is supposed to pay for the guards. In the confusion, neither has stepped forward to pay.

A plus for the bandits.

verbal · Posted: 21 Apr 2004 11:17 AM Post subject:

These so-called security guards were pretty much worthless. All of them worked on the US side. Thus, ones safety while traveling in Mexico was unaffected by these guards.

They had about 4-6 guards working along the building. Their main duties were to keep people from loitering in front of the US port building. Basically you couldn't sit along the Bellagio waterfalls and stand in front of the building. After 9-11 no one was allowed to 'wait' for their ride in front of the US port building, but Border Patrol and Police Officers disperse these people. Thus, these guards will not be missed. Plus, instead of waisting money on guards who carried no more than a water bottle now they can hire an extra Homeland Security agent.

bemisnorris · Posted: 21 Apr 2004 11:40 AM Post subject:

verbal · Posted: 21 Apr 2004 05:06 PM Post subject:

elchrist · Posted: 21 Apr 2004 05:48 PM Post subject: Re: Insecure

bemisnorris · Posted: 22 Apr 2004 10:32 AM Post subject:

verbal · Posted: 22 Apr 2004 10:47 AM Post subject: