Background and Context
Tamaulipas, a Mexican state bordering Texas, has long been plagued by violence associated with criminal organizations vying for control over lucrative drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, and fuel routes to the neighboring country.
Who is Ernesto Vázquez Reyna?
Ernesto Vázquez Reyna was a delegate of the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), the Mexican federal prosecutor’s office. His role involved representing and supporting FGR operations in the region.
The Incident
On Monday, Vázquez Reyna was traveling in his official vehicle along Bulevar Hidalgo, a significant avenue in Reynosa, when he was killed.
Details of the Attack
- Initial reports from authorities indicated that Vázquez Reyna’s vehicle was found burning on the avenue.
- Social media videos showed a man, apparently injured, sitting beside the vehicle, which emitted strong smoke.
- Witnesses reported hearing gunshots in the area, according to Tamaulipas’ Security Spokesperson on social media.
Official Confirmation and Response
The state’s Fiscalía subsequently confirmed the death of a “presumed federal public servant” whose vehicle had burned on Bulevar Hidalgo, but did not specify if it was an assassination.
The FGR has yet to respond to inquiries from AFP regarding the incident.
Criminal Organizations in Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas is home to the Gulf Cartel, which the U.S. government designated as a “foreign terrorist organization” early last year.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Ernesto Vázquez Reyna? He was a delegate of the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), Mexico’s federal prosecutor’s office.
- What was his role? As a delegate, Vázquez Reyna represented and supported FGR operations in the region.
- How did he die? He was killed while traveling in his official vehicle along Bulevar Hidalgo in Reynosa.
- What is the Gulf Cartel? The Gulf Cartel is a powerful criminal organization operating in Tamaulipas, designated as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
