Law enforcement officers in El Paso, Texas, have been warned that a Mexican-related gang may target them in retaliation for a crime sweep over the weekend.
An officer safety alert issued this week by the federal Department of Homeland Security said authorities had "received uncorroborated information that the Barrio Azteca gang in El Paso is considering retaliating against law enforcement officers in response to the 'gang sweep' conducted from Thursday 3/18/2010 through Sunday 3/21/2010. The Barrio Azteca gang may issue a 'green light' authorizing the attempted murder of LEOs in the El Paso area."
Officers are urged to take extra safety precautions, such as varying their routes to and from work and to wear body armor while on the job. Officers also are encouraged to talk with family members about the possible threat.
The crime sweep in the El Paso area occurred after the Barrio Azteca gang was identified as possibly being responsible for the recent killings in Mexico of three people associated with the U.S. consulate in Ciudad Juarez. Two of those killed were U.S. citizens who lived in El Paso. |