Arizona Man Survives Ambush on Dangerous U.S.-Mexico Border Route
Craig Ricketts, a 68-year-old Arizona resident, became the target of a violent attack while traversing a notorious section of the U.S.-Mexico border plagued by gang violence.
The incident occurred near Oquitoa, Sonora, as he was en route to visit his son in Tempe on Christmas Eve.
Despite being shot at 16 times, Ricketts miraculously survived, with two bullets hitting him in the arm and leg, the latter shattering his left ankle.
Navigating Through Danger: Unexpected Route and Rival Gang Territory
Normally opting for the Lukeville Port of Entry, Ricketts found himself on an alternate route due to the closure of the checkpoint on December 4. U.S.
Customs and Border Protection officers had been reassigned to process asylum seekers.
The GPS redirected him near the Sasabe Port of Entry, an area contested by rival smuggling gangs. Unaware of the danger, Ricketts continued on this perilous path, where nearly 20 shots were fired at his vehicle.
Survivor’s Perspective: No Hatred Amidst Tragedy
In the aftermath of the ambush, Ricketts, despite sustaining significant injuries, expressed a surprising lack of animosity towards his attackers.
He attributed the incident to being in the wrong place at the wrong time, stating, ‘The bottom line is they don’t know who I am.
They just wanted to secure their access for smuggling people.’
His resilience and forgiving perspective shed light on the complexities of violence in the region.
Background: Businessman with Extensive Experience in Mexico
Craig Ricketts, a seasoned businessman, has worked in Mexico for over two decades, dedicating the last seven years to building a real estate development in Puerto Libertad, known as Liberado—touted as ‘Mexico’s most exclusive development.’
The incident on Christmas Eve underscores the risks faced by individuals working and traveling in regions marred by gang violence.
Wider Implications: Escalating Violence and Mass Exodus
The Christmas Eve shooting is not an isolated incident, as evidenced by a recent uptick in violent episodes involving U.S. residents in Sonora.
The broader context reveals escalating gang violence, prompting a mass exodus of asylum seekers.
A December 2023 study indicated that 88 percent of migrants passing through a Nogales shelter sought refuge from the conflict between the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel—a stark shift from 2017, when economic hardships were the primary motivator for migration.
As the violence on the U.S.-Mexico border continues to escalate, incidents like Ricketts’ serve as stark reminders of the challenges faced by individuals navigating these dangerous territories.
Share on Facebook «||»
Share on Twitter «||»
Share on Reddit «||»
Share on LinkedIn
Read Related News On TDPel Media
Advertisement
Heir to £230m Fortune Charged with Murder as Housemate Stabbed Multiple Times in Tragic Christmas Eve Incident
Gruesome Details Emerge in Inquest on £230m Heir’s Housemate Murder In a chilling revelation during an inquest, it was disclosed that William Bush, the housemate...
Archbishop of Canterbury Faces Accusations of Aiding ‘Evil’ Gangs as Home Secretary James Cleverly Defends Rwanda Bill to Tackle People-Smuggling
Accusations Against Archbishop of Canterbury in Rwanda Bill Controversy The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, finds himself embroiled in accusations of aiding ‘evil’ gangs due...
Will Putin Get His “Christmas Gift”? Biden’s Plea, Zelensky’s Defiance, and the Republican Roadblock to Ukraine Aid
Biden and Zelensky Clash with Republicans over Ukraine Aid: A Tale of Two Press Conferences Biden Accuses Republicans of Turning Back on Freedom, Zelensky Vows...
A 22-year-old man from Arizona is confronted with the DEATH PENALTY for allegedly ambushing and stabbing esthetician Lauren Heike, 29, FIFTEEN TIMES during her hike, five months following his release from prison.
Seeking the Death Penalty: A Gruesome Trail of Events Phoenix prosecutors have taken a firm stance, opting to pursue the death penalty for Zion Teasley,...
Gang of Teens Allegedly Involved in Brutal Beating of Arizona Teen Finally Charged Months Later, Uncovering Alleged Cover-Up in Preston’s Death Investigation – Queen Creek, Arizona
In a tragic turn of events, Arizona teenager Preston Lord fell victim to a brutal beating outside a Halloween party last October, allegedly orchestrated by...
Iranian Businessman ‘Mr G’ Jailed for 8 Years as Front for Laundering Millions from Illegal Migrant Trafficking Gangs in Channel Crossings
Iranian Businessman ‘Mr G’ Jailed for 8 Years for Money Laundering Operation In a significant legal development, Asghar Gheshalghian, a 48-year-old Iranian businessman, dubbed ‘Mr...
Over 48,000 Unaccompanied Minors Cross US-Mexico Border Amid Cartel Smuggling
In a startling revelation, the US Border Patrol discloses that since the start of the fiscal year in October, a staggering 48,610 children without legal...
Borderline Chaos: El Paso’s Wild Nights Exposed as DPS Troopers Tackle Migrant Smuggling Head-On
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), has delved into the escalating situation on the US-Mexico border. The focus is on the efforts to curb...
Escalating Migrant Smuggling – Expanded Launch Sites Along the Channel
The crisis of migrant smuggling to Britain is intensifying as criminal networks expand their launch sites along over 100 miles of the Channel coastline. This...
Texas National Guardsman Accused of Migrant Smuggling in Official Vehicle, Triggers High-Speed Pursuit by Evading Checkpoint, Subdued by Police Deployment of Spike Strip
A Texas National Guardsman has been accused of involvement in migrant smuggling after he was allegedly caught transporting a migrant in his official vehicle along...
