Horror moment cartel battles army in citywide shootout as gang boss ‘El Ricky’ arrested in Mexico amid Trump crackdown

THIS is the horror moment gunfight between soldiers and cartel criminals near the US-Mexico border erupts as gang boss 'El Ricky' is arrested in Mexico amid Trump's immigration crackdown. Dramatic footage shows a soldier firing a machine gun at armed gangsters on a motorway near to a major airport, forcing a suspension of flights. Violence rocked the city of Nuevo Laredo, located on the border with Texas, when a gunfight followed the arrest of suspected cartel boss Ricardo Gonzalez - otherwise known as El Ricky.

Unbelievable footage shows a soldier desperately staying low as he fires a machine gun at armed thugs. Shots can be heard echoing above as both sides deliver dozens of bullets. Another clip shows the soldier shouting while moving to hide behind a truck just as more deafening shots can be heard getting fired. The gunshots caused so much noise they could be heard from streets over, according to the footage.

The US consulate in Nuevo Laredo issued a security alert stating it had “received reports of multiple gunfights throughout the city”. US government personnel were chillingly advised to seek shelter in the horror incident. A mere few hours later, the consulate said it would be closing on Tuesday "due to an emergency situation in the city". Local authorities earlier warned residents not to leave their homes.

As a result of the cartel-related violence, the Nuevo Laredo International Airport halted all operations on Monday. Officials initially estimated that flights would be suspended until the following day but some operations resumed later the same afternoon. The city was rocked by a series of intense clashes that lasted for several hours about a week after the US consulate in Mexico issued warnings on gun battles, kidnappings and IED's in Mexican border regions.

Violence broke out after Gonzalez, 27, was placed under arrest. The gangster is believed to be the second-in-command of the Cartel of the Northeast. Omar García Harfuch, head of the Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection, said: “The leader of a group that generates violence and operates in Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and Coahuila is linked to extortion and multiple attacks on Fuerza Civil police officers in Nuevo León.

“There are arrest warrants for homicide and illegal deprivation of liberty.”. He is also suspected of leading an ambush against Mexican Army soldiers on 17 August last year which left two troops dead and five wounded. The gang thug is also accused of qualified homicide, kidnapping, attacks on official institutions, extortion and migrant trafficking. Following his capture, Gonzalez was transferred to the Specialised Prosecutor's Office for Organised Crime (FEMDO) where he is set to face trial.

Separately, the US Department of State issued a travel warning for Tamaulipas State, which borders Nuevo Laredo, last week. On Monday, Trump shelved his punishing tariff plans for 30 days for Canada and Mexico in a last-gasp deal. President Claudia Sheinbaum said in a deal with the US that Mexico would deploy 10,000 troops to the border in the face of mounting pressure from Washington. The bolstered security presence will be tasked with preventing drug trafficking from Mexico to the United States, particularly fentanyl.

The United States said it would also commit to working to prevent the trafficking of high-powered weapons into Mexico, the Mexican president said. "Our teams will begin working today on two fronts: security and trade," Sheinbaum added. Trump also gave Sheinbaum 30 days to "achieve a deal" between the two countries. In one of his first moves as president, Trump sent troops to the southern border and ordered them to take "full operational control" as he declared illegal immigration a national emergency.

On Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth went to the US border with Mexico for his first trip as the Pentagon chief, along with border czar Tom Homan. Hegseth posted a video of himself shaking hands with the troops to X, saying, "It was an honor to meet the troops engaged in securing our southern border. "They are the backbone of our nation’s security," he said. "Their dedication to service and unequaled courage safeguard the freedoms we hold dear. We are grateful for all you and your families sacrifice.".

By Annabel Bate, Foreign News Reporter. SEVEN countries so far have agreed to take back illegal migrants deported under President Donald Trump - less than two weeks after he took office. The Republican has proven to be successful in turning the screw on countries to meet his demands for a major crackdown on immigration. The Pentagon has started providing more flights to deport over 5,000 immigrants held by US authorities in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California.