Mexican cartel in fierce shootout as Pete Hegseth visits US border

A gun battle erupted between police officers and cartel members near the US-Mexico border.

Gunfire broke out following the arrest of Ricardo 'El Ricky' Gonzalez, the second-in-command of the notorious Cartel del Noreste, in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, on February 3.

Footage shows a group of suspects firing at officers while taking cover behind their cars.

They can be seen using rifles to target the police. Loud gunshots echoed throughout the Colonia Buena Vista and 150 Aniversario neighbourhoods.

Authorities confirmed that the arrest triggered intense gun battles across the city, prompting Mayor Carmen Lilia Canturosas to take action, assuring residents of their safety.

The mayor said: 'Family, we have situations of risk in several areas of the city. Please do not leave your homes for the moment, stay sheltered, and take precautions to avoid incidents. I am coordinating with authorities and will keep you informed.'

The National Guard and other federal units were deployed as part of the operation.

One concerned resident expressed fear over the violence, saying: 'It's scary to see the streets filled with violence again, just when we thought things were getting safer.'

Police confirmed that no civilians or officers sustained serious injuries in the shootouts.