Mexican forces arrested Axel Alfredo Cárdenas Rodríguez in Matamoros on October 29, and roadblocks, gunfire and burning vehicles followed, killing six people and disrupting travel across parts of Tamaulipas.
Authorities identified Cárdenas, also known as “El Titán,” as the alleged number-two leader of Los Ciclones, a Gulf Cartel group. They said a second person was detained with him. Security officials have accused Cárdenas of links to serious crimes.
Those allegations have not been proven in court. After the arrests, at least 15 roadblocks were reported in Matamoros, Río Bravo, San Fernando and Valle Hermoso. Trucks and buses were used to block roads.
News reports said six people died in incidents connected to the unrest. These included crashes involving vehicles set on fire as part of roadblocks. A child was reported to be in critical condition.
Gunfire and burning vehicles stopped traffic and public transportation in some areas. Officials suspended afternoon classes as a precaution. Federal authorities later said the roadblocks had been cleared and roads were passable.
The Army sent 450 personnel and two helicopters to strengthen security.