World · Latin America · 1 hr ago
Former Tamaulipas state police officer arrested over 19 migrant killings
Tamaulipas authorities arrested former state police officer Berenice “N” on October 26 in Altamira, Mexico.
She is accused of taking part in the January 2021 killing of 19 migrants near Camargo, in Tamaulipas state.
The victims were 16 Guatemalans, one Salvadoran and two Mexicans, and their bodies were found in and near burned vehicles.
Investigators said members of a state police special operations group were involved; 12 people were sentenced to 50 years in prison in 2023.
With Berenice “N” arrested, 11 people have now been detained over the killings, according to the state prosecutor.
Authorities say one more person remains to be arrested in connection with the case.
A former Tamaulipas state police officer known as “La China” was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the killing of 19 migrants in 2021.
Berenice “N” was detained on October 26, 2026, in Altamira, Tamaulipas, under an arrest warrant.
The victims—16 Guatemalans, one Salvadoran and two Mexicans—were killed near Camargo on January 22, 2021.
Tamaulipas authorities say her arrest brings to 11 the number of people detained over the killings, with one more suspect still sought.
Twelve people were sentenced to 50 years in prison in 2023 for crimes linked to the killings.
- Who
- Berenice “N,” also known as “La China” or “La Sheena,” a former member of Tamaulipas state police.
- What
- She was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the aggravated homicide of 19 migrants.
- When
- October 26, 2026.
- Where
- In the Albañiles neighborhood of Altamira, Tamaulipas. The killings took place near Camargo.
- Why
- Authorities allege she was involved in the migrants’ killings and the burning of their bodies.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Nineteen migrants were killed near Camargo in Tamaulipas.
Twelve people were sentenced to 50 years in prison for crimes linked to the killings.
Berenice “N” was arrested in Altamira under an arrest warrant.
- Suspect
- Berenice “N,” known as “La China” or “La Sheena
- Arrest date
- October 26, 2026
- Arrest location
- Albañiles neighborhood, Altamira, Tamaulipas
- Victims
- 19 people: 16 Guatemalans, one Salvadoran and two Mexicans
- Detentions
- 11 people captured; authorities say one more remains to be arrested
- Sentences
- 12 people sentenced to 50 years in prison in 2023