The U.S. Embassy has issued a security alert for its citizens in Mexico's Baja California state due to possible confrontations between security forces and Sinaloa Cartel members following the arrest of its leader, "El Tolin."

In a statement, the alert warned that these confrontations, as well as cartel assassinations, and territorial disputes, could result in bystanders being injured or killed.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico said Americans should expect to encounter increased law enforcement presence in the cities of Tijuana and Rosarito in Baja California in the coming days.

The embassy also urged travelers to pay close attention to their surroundings, monitor local media, and call 911 in case of an emergency.

Due to crime and kidnapping, the U.S. Department of State issued a new "Level 3" travel warning for Baja California, advising Americans to reconsider travel to the Mexican state.

Luis Hector or Luis Edgar Herrera, also known as "El Tolin" and "El Tolin Infante," is a high-ranking leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. He was reportedly the cartel's plaza boss of Rosarito, Mexicali, and Tijuana in Baja California.

Attempted Hit on Sinaloa Cartel Leader 'El Tolin' Led to His Arrest in Mexico's Baja California State

According to Borderland Beat, El Tolin went to a local barbershop at the Plaza Reforma in the city of Rosarito in Baja California on Saturday. 

He was accompanied by at least one bodyguard and his three children. However, as they exited the barbershop and walked towards the parking lot, a white pickup truck containing at least four gunmen opened fire, according to witnesses who spoke to Zeta Tijuana. 

The youngest of the three children, a five-year-old, was wounded. El Tolin and his bodyguard tried to rush the children into their car, but the gunfire did not stop, killing the bodyguard. 

He then left his bodyguard and managed to escape. The Sinaloa Cartel leader then drove to Rosarito General Hospital for treatment of his injured son.

Borderland Beat reported that the child had sustained gunshot wounds in the chest and leg. It was standard procedure to report incidents like children getting shot to the police. 

Officers arrived at the hospital and questioned El Tolin about how his son was shot. He refused to answer, returned to his truck where his two other children were, and drove away. 

Police then called in for a backup and set up a trap. They blocked the street with patrol cars so El Tolin's vehicle could not pass.

They eventually captured the Sinaloa Cartel leader without firing a single shot. El Tolin had two 9mm firearms found to be in his possession.

The Rosarito Municipal Police headquarters was heavily guarded against any attempt to free El Tolin after his arrest. The Sinaloa Cartel leader was later transferred to the facilities of the Attorney General's Office (FGR) in Tijuana.

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Who Is Sinaloa Cartel Leader, El Tolin Infante?

According to Infobae, El Tolín Infante was born in Chicago to Mexican parents but grew up in California. He grew up poor and hungry and would later build up a bloody criminal career in Los Angeles as part of a gang called the Los Infantes.

He later moved to Mexico and settled in Tijuana. El Tolin would later find himself as a cell leader for Los Rusos or the Russians under Felipe Eduardo Barajas Lozano, alias "El Omega."

He also previously served as an operator for La Rana/Aquiles. Both La Rana and Los Rusos are loyal to the Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada wing of the Sinaloa Cartel.

According to local rumors, the hit on El Tolin was done by elements of the Sinaloa Cartel loyal to Los Chapitos, the four sons of Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera. 

There is currently a power struggle within the Sinaloa Cartel following the arrest and extradition of El Chapo to the U.S. El Chapo's sons are reportedly looking to assume supreme control of the Sinaloa Cartel, and their father's former right-hand man, El Mayo, appears to be their internal enemy number one.

READ MORE: Sinaloa Cartel Boss El Mayo's Son, 'Mayito Gordo,' Gets 9 Years in Prison but Could Be Released Next Year

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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