EAC AMCONSULATE TIJUANA - EAC CONVENED TO DISCUSS `EL TEO

UNCLAS TIJUANA 000046 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR DS, CA, DS/IP/WHA, DS/TIA/PII, AND MEXICO CITY FOR RSO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC KCRM CASC PINS PTER SNAR MX SUBJECT: EAC AMCONSULATE TIJUANA - EAC CONVENED TO DISCUSS `EL TEO ARREST REF: TIJUANA 0035 ¶1. (SBU) On January 12, 2010, Post's Emergency Action Committee (EAC) was convened to discuss that morning's arrest of Eduardo Teodoro GARCIA-Simental (alias `El Teo' La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico (REFTEL). EAC participants included CG, CONS, RSO, DEA, DHS-ICE, MGT, PAO, CLO, and ATF. ¶2. (SBU) DEA informed EAC about the arrest details (REFTEL). Law Enforcement Working Group (LEWG) members indicated from their local knowledge they anticipate adverse local reaction against Mexico police and military from drug trafficking groups as reprisal for the arrest. Additionally, lower level members of El Teo cartel will likely struggle to take over the group leadership in the power vacuum. Lastly, opposing cartels may increase violent activity to take advantage of uncertain leadership in the El Teo drug cartel. ¶3. (SBU) EAC members discussed Post preparations for response to any potential reaction or retaliation in the Tijuana area against local law enforcement, or against Post personnel or locally residing U.S. citizens. EAC members have received no information from GOM police or intelligence sources indicating a specific increased threat against U.S. citizens or U.S. interests within Tijuana's Consular District. However, the EAC concluded that Post's security posture should be elevated to an increased level of alertness as appropriate for the situation. ¶4. (SBU) At EAC recommendation, PAO followed US Embassy Mexico City press guidance; CONS is preparing a Warden Message; and RSO informed all Post personnel of the arrest by security, and reminded all they should always be aware of their surroundings, avoid conflict areas, vary routes, and practice good security measures. ¶3. (SBU) Tijuana's EAC will continue to monitor the security situation in Tijuana. All members will remain in close contact with their local U.S. and Mexican contacts regarding any new developments. For comments or questions, please contact RSO at 011-52-664-622-7464, or -7451. UNCLASSIFIED KASHKETT