Border bandits head south

“Bloggings by Boz” recommends this story from BBC News reporter Duncan Kennedy.  I often disagree with Boz, mostly because it uncritically accepts “mainstream” U.S. sources, but Boz deserves a big sombrero tip for finding this:

US law enforcement agencies are now heavily involved in trying to help the Mexicans control the violence.
But Americans are playing another role in the conflict.

More than 90% of weapons used by the cartels originate in the US and there is evidence US citizens are joining the gangs to act as hitmen and women.

…

It is … people that smuggle the guns into Mexico.

We were introduced to one such person, an American who would only talk if his identity was concealed.

“I can sell guns for two or three times what you pay for them in a shop,” he said. “If I don’t do it, someone else will. That’s the bottom line.”

Bottom lines, not lives, are what is driving a market that the smuggler says is being fed by many eager Americans.

…

Reta is 18 years old, American, and a cartel hitman.

Detectives believe Reta, who is serving 40 years in a US jail for murder, has killed 30 people.

The cartels use people like Reta to enforce their business in the US. Their American nationality means they can cross the border with ease.

Reta is one of at least 15 US citizens used by the cartels, according to police in Texas.

Their story has another twist.

These hitmen have received training at a variety of camps along the border with the US.

Reta told police he was in a camp for six months.

Can you understand now why some of us don’t think training private militias along the border is such a bright idea?