Arrest of Gulf Cartel leader sparks roadblocks in Matamoros, Mexico

Mexican forces have arrested a senior Gulf Cartel figure in the border city of Matamoros, according to authorities. The operation was followed by roadblocks and a security alert from the U.S. Consulate, while international bridges connecting the city with Texas were temporarily closed.

Axel Alfredo Cardenas Rodriguez, known as “Axel” or “El Titan,” was arrested Thursday in Matamoros along with another person, according to Mexico’s Defense Ministry. Authorities identified him as second-in-command of the Ciclones faction of the Gulf Cartel, which operates in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas.

Roadblocks were reported at various locations in Matamoros and Río Bravo following the arrest, according to Tamaulipas security officials. They advised residents to avoid affected areas and follow instructions from security forces.

Across the border in Texas, Brownsville police said all international bridges between Brownsville and Matamoros were temporarily closed. Police later said all bridges had resumed normal operations.

The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros issued a security alert, saying law enforcement activity was affecting roads and major intersections. U.S. government employees were ordered to shelter in place, and the consulate advised others in the area to do the same.

Mexico’s Defense Ministry said Axel is the son of José Alfredo Cárdenas Martínez, known as “El Contador,” whom it identified as the leader of the Ciclones faction. He is also a nephew of former Gulf Cartel leader Osiel Cárdenas Guillén, who is imprisoned in Mexico.

Authorities said Axel was previously arrested in May 2023 and allowed to remain free while his case proceeded in January 2024. The ministry linked him to killings, kidnappings, extortion and trafficking of drugs, weapons and people between Mexico and the United States.

He is also accused of involvement in an attack on federal protection officers in May in which one officer was killed and several others were injured.

Weapons, ammunition, drugs and a vehicle were seized during Thursday’s operation, according to authorities. Both detainees were flown to Mexico City and turned over to prosecutors.

The Gulf Cartel is one of Mexico’s oldest criminal organizations and has been involved in drug trafficking and other crimes along the U.S.-Mexico border. The United States designated it a foreign terrorist organization in 2025.

The U.S. State Department has a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Tamaulipas because of terrorism, crime and kidnapping.

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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief

Ella Greene

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