CJNG Kills 7 Members of Los Correa in Ciudad Hidalgo, Michoacán

“MX” for Borderland Beat

Local sources in the municipality of Ciudad Hidalgo, Michoacan, indicate that seven sicarios of the criminal group Los Correa were killed in a shootout with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The shootouts were first reported on Saturday morning in San Antonio Villalongin rural community, the birthplace of Los Correa, currently headed by Daniel Correa Velazquez, alias “El Tigre”.

In a video shared on social media, CJNG members recorded the bullet-ridden truck were members of Los Correa were driving in and shot dead. The vehicle had a tiger logo pained on the car’s hood.

On social media, the CJNG published a message taunting Los Correa and warning them of future attacks in order to “exterminate” them.

“Here in [Hidalgo], your home, here we are. And we will soon come back for another strike. This was just a warning from the CJNG, which is attending citizens of the different municipalities in the area. These citizens are already tired of you for demanding them to sell your drugs and pay you fees, Daniel Correa.”

The CJNG then proceeded to issue a statement to the mayor of Ciudad Hidalgo and a police chief assigned to the municipality.

“And one more thing, José Luis Téllez [mayor of Ciudad Hidalgo]. You want to re-elect yourself and have said that there no delinquent groups in your community. Here is the proof. What? Want more? More public officials are pending and we will let them know your message. Ask the federal and state government to fulfill their duties.”

“And you, Comandante Tinoco, assigned to Ciudad Hidalgo’s Ministerial Police, stop giving [Los Correa] protection. We have been following your traces for a while. Don’t be surprised if one day you end up like these pigs.”

Background

As reported by Borderland Beat in March, Los Correa is currently led by El Tigre. His family’s first foray into the criminal world, according to the report, was illegal logging. In more recent times the cartel has allegedly moved into marijuana cultivation, the production of synthetic drugs, extortion, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

It is currently believed to have an alliance with La Familia Michoacana (LFM), a drug cartel that has operated in Michoacán for years. Both organizations are engaged in a conflict with the CJNG, which is seeking to expand its presence in the state.

On February 23 of this year, a Michoacan media outlet reported that Los Correa was extorting money from every inhabitant of Ciudad Hidalgo. They reported they were supported by Medardo Hernández Verás, alias “Lalo Mantecas” or “El 100″, leader of LFM in this entity and the State of Mexico.

Los Correa has made an appearance in the homes of the inhabitants demanding 1,500 pesos per home, to continue their armed struggle in eastern Michoacán. Hitmen from Los Correa visit the communities every week stating that the fees were to buy weapons.

Sources: Noventa Grados (1); (2); Jalisciense1c (Video); Borderland Beat archives