Reynosa joins anti-extortion pact

Reporting and context

Reynosa joined an anti-extortion pact bringing together business representatives and authorities as Mayor Carlos Peña Ortiz warned that the crime affects businesses from small local shops to multinational companies along Tamaulipas’ northern border, according to Agencia TAM Noticias.

In its October 13 report, Agencia TAM Noticias reported that Peña Ortiz participated in a signing ceremony focused on prosperity, economic justice, security and cooperation against extortion. He said the problem extends beyond Reynosa, affecting communities from Nuevo Laredo to Matamoros, and called for joint action by authorities and businesses.

Peña Ortiz encouraged anonymous reporting to help authorities investigate crime. He also raised concerns about weapons entering Mexico illegally from the United States, describing risks to families and to commercial and industrial activity on both sides of the border.

Mary Virginia Hantsch, identified by the outlet as the U.S. consul general in Matamoros, acknowledged the seriousness of extortion and the difficulties faced by people who report it. She praised those who speak out and emphasized the economic ties between Reynosa, Matamoros and South Texas.

Business leader Octavio de la Torre De Stefano said institutions, businesses and society share responsibility for addressing the problem. He argued that Mexico should not become accustomed to fear or extortion, or to a situation in which working lawfully is harder than operating outside the law.

The gathering included representatives of CANACO Reynosa and the Tamaulipas federation of chambers of commerce, along with state police and the state prosecutor’s specialized anti-kidnapping and anti-extortion unit. The pact calls for continued coordination between business organizations and authorities to strengthen prevention, reporting and security for businesses in the border region.

Original report: Agencia TAM Noticias