Situation Report (SITREP):
- At least 956 illegal immigrants were arrested on Sunday, January 26, the largest number of arrests on a single day by the current administration.
- Raids have taken place Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, Denver and Miami.
- The operations are expected to continue in at least three cities per week for the foreseeable future.
- The raids are being carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); the US Marshalls; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other federal agencies.
- A Level 4 Travel Advisory has been implemented in parts of Northern Mexico, especially the state of Tamaulipas.
- As the operation continues, the travel advisories could expand, and further destabilization of Northern Mexico is possible.
- Individuals and organizations should adhere to the current Travel Advisory. Businesses and organizations with operations in Northern Mexico should consider strengthening their security posture, prepare and implement emergency action and continuity of operations plans that account for the possibility of additional or retaliatory violence.
Situation Report (SITREP):
Paranoia, misinformation, and hysteria are driving the narrative behind a series of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Raids that recently occurred in major cities across the United States. At least 956 illegal immigrants were arrested on Sunday, January 26, the largest number of arrests on a single day by the current administration. So far raids have targeted Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, Denver and Miami. However, the operations are expected to continue in at least three cities per week for the foreseeable future. The raids are being carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); the US Marshalls; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other federal agencies.
Regardless of the partisanship surrounding the enforcement of immigration enforcement, the operation -ongoing for less than a month – has been effectively and has significantly disrupted the cartels and consequently their revenue stream. The transnational organized criminal syndicates are fighting back. The revenue disruptions have prompted gun fights, murders, armed robbery, extortion, and sexual assaults in the area along the shared US-Mexico border. The narco-terrorists’ activity has prompted a Level 4 Travel Advisory in parts of Northern Mexico, especially the state of Tamaulipas. A significant and extreme ranking, Level 4 Travel Advisories have previously been issued in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia.
Impact Analysis and Recommended Action:
Despite extensive media covering the US’s side of the immigration enforcement operations, arguably the real security threat lies south of the border in Northern Mexico. Any unnecessary travel to Northern Mexico, especially the state of Tamaulipas, should be rescheduled or avoided until the situation stabilizes. However, the situation has just started and remains very dynamic, as the operation continues, the travel advisories could expand, and further destabilization of Northern Mexico is possible. In the short term, the situation is likely to worsen US-Mexico relations; however, international aid and security could be offered in high-risk areas of Mexico. While current revenue streams have been disrupted, Cartels have proven resilient and will most likely restructure and find alternative methods of moving financial assets.
In the domestic United States, partisan demonstrations are possible in cities where raids are being conducted. Any upcoming high-profile events – government and private sector alike, could make an alluring target for protests and civil disturbances. Upcoming high-profile events should consider adopting an increased security posture. A heavy law enforcement presence, to include federal, state, and local officials, are likely at any future high-profile and well-attended events.
Individuals and organizations, especially entities that are operational in Northern Mexico should prepare for a governance security vacuum and possible retaliatory violence. Individuals and organizations located in Talipas should develop or review emergency action plans, and consider increasing their security posture. To find out how to mitigate the risks of civil disturbances or cartel violence consider contacting RMS’ security professionals at info@rmsiusa.com to develop a customized and resilient protection plan to protect yourself and loved ones, as well as your organization, assets, personnel, operations and reputation.
About RMS International:
Founded in 2013, RMS International provides ad hoc and contracted close protection, estate security, international travel management, corporate executive protection, personnel and asset security, and discreet investigative services. Operating a state-of-the-art Risk Operations Center in West Palm Beach, they provide 24/7 overwatch of global operations in Asia, Europe, Africa and throughout the Americas. RMS International delivers peace of mind in a chaotic world. Connect with us at rmsiusa.com.
