Archer Ingram

Archer Ingram

Archer Ingram writes like he’s telling a story over tacos and a cold something—which is why we keep him around. He covers Baja life, events, and the odd pop‑culture curveball with quick humor and straight facts. When he isn’t filing on deadline, he’s “researching” new margaritas or streaming the weird stuff so you don’t have to. At Gringo Gazette North, Archer’s job is simple: keep you informed and make you smile.

Sheinbaum Fires Back at Treasury: Show Us the Receipts

Mexico demands evidence after U.S. accuses three banks of laundering cartel cash

MEXICO CITY — Just days after the U.S. Treasury called out three Mexican financial institutions for allegedly laundering cartel money linked to fentanyl trafficking, President Claudia Sheinbaum clapped back with a clear message: “No hay pruebas, solo dichos.” Translation? “No proof, just hearsay.”

In her signature morning press conference, Sheinbaum addressed the accusations leveled against CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector Casa de Bolsa—which the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) declared part of the fentanyl money machine. But according to Mexico’s top leader, the Treasury’s claims came without actual evidence. No bank statements, no names, no smoking gun. Just a memo and a very public naming and shaming.

And Sheinbaum didn’t mince words: “Mexico is no one’s piñata.”

The Mexican Government’s Response? Investigate—But Don’t Jump to Conclusions

Sheinbaum says Mexico’s Ministry of Finance and Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) received a confidential heads-up from FinCEN weeks ago, but that tip-off lacked the “why.” As in: why exactly does the U.S. think these banks are laundering drug money?

Since then, Mexico has formally asked for more details. Sheinbaum emphasized that the Chinese companies mentioned in the U.S. report are legally registered and that $139 billion in trade between China and Mexico isn’t built on crime—it’s built on commerce.

As for the alleged dirty transfers? “Just regular business,” Sheinbaum says, pointing out that thousands of similar transactions occur every day between Mexican and Chinese companies.

But Didn’t the U.S. Mention Cartels, Opioids, and Even García Luna?

Yes. And that’s where things get a little murky.

The FinCEN statement didn’t just throw shade—it dropped full-on accusations. The report linked the banks to the Sinaloa Cartel, Gulf Cartel, and CJNG. It even claimed that Vector helped launder $2 million and processed $40 million tied to Genaro García Luna, Mexico’s former top cop, who’s now sitting in a U.S. jail cell over cartel connections.

But Vector’s CEO, Eduardo Cantú, fired back on the radio: they checked their records, and neither García Luna nor his companies were ever their clients. And those Mexican firms tied to the alleged schemes? “Not our clients either,” said Cantú. Vector claims it’s been in touch with regulators and is happy to cooperate—just waiting for actual receipts from the U.S.

Intercam and CIBanco also denied any wrongdoing. In nearly identical statements, they said they comply with all Mexican and international financial rules and stand ready to work with both governments to clear things up.

Is This Just About Banks?

Not quite. The U.S. accusations have turned into something bigger—a potential political flashpoint.

One of the three institutions under fire, Vector, has ties to Alfonso Romo, a powerful businessman and close ally of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. That connection didn’t go unnoticed. Critics say the Treasury’s move may carry a hidden message aimed at figures within the current Mexican ruling party, Morena.

Meanwhile, canceled U.S. visas for other Mexican officials, including Baja California’s governor, have fueled speculation about wider investigations into cartel links at high levels of government.

Sheinbaum’s Bottom Line?

If there’s proof, Mexico will act. If not, don’t expect them to roll over.

“We’re not covering for anyone,” Sheinbaum said. “But we won’t act on speculation either.” She pointed to past U.S. missteps, including the high-profile arrest—and quiet release—of General Salvador Cienfuegos in 2020, as evidence that Washington can sometimes jump the gun.

While Mexican financial regulators have found minor administrative infractions at the banks in question, no signs of money laundering have surfaced so far.

Sheinbaum insists Mexico will keep asking for solid evidence and keep investigating. But until then, her stance is firm: “We are a free, sovereign country. We collaborate, but we don’t take orders.”

Let’s see if the Treasury’s next move comes with more than bold headlines.

Three Mexican Banks Busted for Fentanyl-Linked Money Laundering

FinCEN calls out CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector for helping cartels move dirty money

It’s not every day the U.S. Treasury drops the financial equivalent of a mic. But that’s exactly what happened this week when they named and shamed three Mexico-based financial institutionsCIBanco, Intercam, and Vector Casa de Bolsa—for allegedly helping drug cartels clean up their mess. And by mess, we mean millions of dollars linked to fentanyl trafficking.

Yep, according to the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), these institutions aren’t just looking the other way—they’re playing an active role in moving money for some of Mexico’s most notorious drug cartels. Think Sinaloa, CJNG, Beltrán-Leyva, and the ever-charming Gulf Cartel.

This move marks the first-ever use of new powers granted under the Fentanyl Sanctions Act and the FEND Off Fentanyl Act—which, if nothing else, win the award for most dramatic legislation names of the year. These laws give FinCEN the green light to cut financial lifelines tied to opioid trafficking. And CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector? They just got their financial passports revoked.

Dirty Money and Clean Hands? Not Quite.

Let’s break it down:

  • CIBanco, a commercial bank with over $7 billion in assets, is accused of processing more than $2.1 million in payments between Mexican companies and chemical suppliers in China—specifically for ingredients used to cook up fentanyl. FinCEN says a CIBanco employee even helped create an account to launder $10 million for a Gulf Cartel member. That’s not exactly in the job description.
  • Intercam, another commercial bank (with a cool $4 billion under management), also allegedly helped cartels wire cash to Chinese chemical companies. Even worse? Executives at Intercam reportedly met face-to-face with CJNG members in 2022 to chat about how to shuffle money around discreetly. Bold move, considering FaceTime exists.
  • Then there’s Vector, a brokerage firm managing close to $11 billion in assets. FinCEN claims Vector facilitated multiple payments for chemical imports and let a Sinaloa Cartel mule launder $2 million through them over nearly a decade. Maybe that’s what they meant by “diversified portfolio.”

What Happens Now?

These banks are now under the financial version of house arrest. U.S. institutions are banned from sending or receiving any money to or from them—including via cryptocurrency wallets. The restrictions take effect 21 days after the official notice is published in the Federal Register. (So, mark your calendars. Or don’t—it’s not like you were planning to send money to a cartel anyway.)

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent didn’t mince words: “Financial facilitators like CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector are enabling the poisoning of countless Americans by moving money on behalf of cartels.” In other words, don’t let their sleek bank branches and business attire fool you—FinCEN says they’re just as dangerous as the guys with guns.

And What About Mexico?

Here’s the diplomatic twist: the Treasury insists this crackdown was done with Mexico’s full cooperation. Both countries, according to the official line, are committed to protecting their citizens from the financial tentacles of transnational criminal networks. (Let’s hope the cooperation lasts longer than a tequila hangover.)

Bigger Picture

These designations come on the heels of a January 2025 executive order from President Trump, declaring that certain cartels should be treated like Foreign Terrorist Organizations. And yes, several major cartels—including CJNG and Sinaloa—are now officially on that list. So today’s bank smackdown? Just part of the larger crackdown.

Bottom line? If you bank with one of these three institutions, now might be a good time to double-check where your money’s going. And if you’re a cartel? Well, looks like it’s back to stuffing cash in duffel bags.

Got questions about your bank? Ask your teller if they’ve been sanctioned today. If they say yes—run.

Estero La Misión: Where Nature, History, and Drought Collide

Just a short drive south of Rosarito and 35 kilometers north of Ensenada, tucked between the waves of the Pacific and the rush of the transpeninsular highway, lies a coastal gem many travelers zoom right past: Estero La Misión. It may not have the celebrity status of Bahía de los Ángeles or the Instagram sparkle of La Bufadora, but what it does have is something far more rare these days—life. Wild, migratory, riparian life.

This natural estuary is one of the last of its kind on the Baja California peninsula. It’s a permanent mirror of water flanked by reeds, salt-tolerant shrubs, and low riparian growth, home to an astonishing diversity of species. More than 90 kinds of birds either stop here during their long migrations or live here year-round. Some are casual visitors; others, like the black-necked stilt or the snowy egret, consider it home base. Beneath the water’s surface live fish, amphibians, and a long list of invertebrates, while mammals and reptiles lurk in the surrounding brush.

A modest but well-maintained hiking trail runs along the estuary’s northern edge, tracing the water’s path through private ejido lands and into what’s becoming increasingly suburban development. Locals and nature lovers walk the trail with their leashed dogs, binoculars, and cameras in hand, hoping to catch a glimpse of something wild before the tide—or progress—takes it away.

But the estuary isn’t just a haven for birds and fish. It’s also an archaeological site and a historical waypoint. Long before modern Baja homes dotted the cliffs or RVs pulled into beachside parks, this was sacred ground for the Kumiai people, whose cultural ties to the area go back over a thousand years. Around 2010, archaeologists unearthed the remains of “La Mujer de Humo,” or the Woman of Smoke, a pre-Hispanic skeleton that added new depth to the story of the peninsula’s earliest inhabitants.

In the late 18th century, Dominican missionaries arrived and established Mission San Miguel Arcángel right next to the estuary, taking advantage of the fertile lands and fresh water. Though the mission buildings are now mostly adobe ruins, they serve as a reminder that this area has always depended on its wetlands—not just for biodiversity, but for survival.

That dependence is now on shaky ground. Baja California has long struggled with drought, but in recent years, it’s become a full-blown crisis. Between the irregular rainfall and over-extraction of water upstream, Estero La Misión is under pressure. Less fresh water flows in from inland sources, altering the delicate salinity balance that many species depend on. The estuary becomes more saline, more stagnant, and more vulnerable to invasive species. Its natural ability to filter pollutants, buffer against coastal erosion, and mitigate flooding weakens as water levels drop.

It’s a quiet emergency. You won’t see news crews camped out by the reeds, but the signs are there: smaller flocks, shrinking shoreline, fewer frogs singing at dusk. The ripple effects are subtle at first, but they stretch wide—from marine health to agriculture to the spiritual connection many locals feel to the land.

Community groups like Pro Esteros A.C. and Terrapeninsular have stepped in, advocating for the wetland’s protection and monitoring its health. There’s growing interest in turning the trail and surrounding area into a stronger ecotourism attraction, which could bring both visibility and funding. But the long-term survival of Estero La Misión depends on something far more boring than guided bird tours: water policy. Sustainable urban growth. Responsible farming upstream. Actual rain.

In the end, the estuary is a litmus test. If we can’t protect a place so biologically rich, historically deep, and spiritually meaningful—what does that say about the rest of our coastal treasures?

So next time you’re headed down the coast, slow down near kilometer 35. Walk the trail. Listen to the birds. And remember: the real magic of Baja isn’t always in the headline spots. Sometimes, it’s quietly rustling in the reeds.

Furniture, Flair, and Furry Friends Welcome at Expo Mueble BC 2025

Get ready to furnish your calendar—Expo Mueble BC is back for its eighth edition, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more creative than ever. The furniture and design showcase will take over the Baja Center (Centro Metropolitano de Convenciones) from June 27 to 29, 2025, promising a packed lineup of over 80 exhibitors from across Mexico.

This year’s event brings together the best of the best in home comfort, interior design, architecture, and artisanal craftsmanship. Think hand-forged ironwork, custom wood pieces, elegant rattan creations, and more—all under one roof. And yes, your well-behaved pets are invited too.

Lorena López Mijangos, Commercial Director of Expo Mueble, says the goal is to make this event the go-to platform for furniture businesses in Latin America. “It will be a one-of-a-kind experience where visitors can meet the artists, the artisans, and the creators behind the designs—and even make purchases on-site,” she said during a press conference at Casa Municipal.

In addition to top talent from Baja California, attendees can expect to meet makers from Nuevo León, Chihuahua, Querétaro, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Oaxaca, and Mexico City. Organizers estimate more than 8,000 visitors will walk through the doors over the course of the three-day event.

Local pride will also be on display, especially for the Boulevard Popotla artisan community, home to generations of craftspeople. City council members Yoselin Peña and Alan Bautista honored the legacy of pioneer Juan Bosco López and his family, who helped shape the area’s rich tradition.

To top it all off, the expo will host the first-ever “Design Without Borders” competition, aimed at up-and-coming talent in industrial design and home decor. Students from three major universities submitted 36 proposals, and the winning design will take home an 80,000-peso prize.

Whether you’re scouting a standout sofa or just soaking in the inspiration, Expo Mueble BC 2025 might be your next favorite event—and yes, your dog can come too.

Big Prizes and Big Fish Await at “Dos Mares Baja” Fishing Tournament Tomorrow!

Get your rods ready! The much-anticipated “Dos Mares Baja” International Sportfishing Tournament is dropping anchor this weekend in Bahía de los Ángeles, promising not just adventure on the water, but over 500,000 pesos in guaranteed prizes.

Organized under the administration of Governor Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda and promoted by the Baja California Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SEPESCA BC), this event is reeling in teams from Southern California and across the state.

Alma Rosa García Juárez, head of SEPESCA BC, confirmed strong pre-registration numbers and emphasized the positive economic impact the tournament will have on the local community. Expect a weekend boost for hotels, restaurants, boat rental services, and more.

The prize pool includes:

  • 200,000 pesos for the team landing the heaviest surface or bottom fish
  • 100,000 pesos for second place
  • 60,000 pesos for third
  • 30,000 pesos for the top “Catch and Release” entry
  • 10,000 pesos each for the best female angler, best child angler, and best captain

And it doesn’t stop there. Add in the jackpot categories for surface and bottom fish, plus raffles featuring gear donated by sponsors during the awards night—it’s shaping up to be a fisherman’s dream.

Key dates to remember:

  • Friday, July 13: Registration, opening ceremony, and captain’s meeting
  • Saturday, July 14: The big fishing day, weigh-in, and awards ceremony

García Juárez also acknowledged the strong support from groups like the Baja California State Association of Fishing Clubs, CONAPESCA, the San Quintín municipal government, CONANP representatives in Bahía de los Ángeles, and local naval and maritime authorities.

For more information, visit https://bajasport.fishing or call +52 646 172 3080, extensions 3264 or 3318.

Whether you’re in it for the glory, the gear, or just the thrill of the catch—Bahía de los Ángeles is the place to be this weekend.

Netflix Scouting Ensenada for Film Hub and Historic Movie

Hollywood may have Tinseltown, but Ensenada could be next in line for the spotlight.

Netflix executives recently visited Ensenada to move forward with talks and planning for what could become the streaming giant’s first full-blown production center in Mexico. The proposed location? A sprawling 40-hectare site in the area known as Ciudad Jatay, part of Ensenada’s up-and-coming industrial zone.

Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz confirmed that negotiations are already about 30% advanced. And the city isn’t sitting still—the municipal government is offering Netflix all the support it needs to bring lights, cameras, and lots of action to Baja.

Why Jatay? Well, Netflix seems smitten with Ensenada’s unbeatable combo: close to California (aka movie mecca), stable climate, stunning landscapes, and a rich cultural backdrop. Think desert, ocean, vineyards, and mountains—all within a day’s shoot.

But that’s not all. As part of the budding collaboration, Netflix is also considering filming a historical epic about Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the explorer who first spotted the San Mateo Bay in 1542—now known as the Bay of Ensenada. This project would highlight the region’s role in history while showing off Ensenada’s jaw-dropping views.

Mayor Agatón says the goal is to craft a visually stunning, historically accurate film, teaming up with local historians and creatives. And the proposed production center? It’ll be equipped with cutting-edge technology, ready to host high-quality film and video shoots—and give a major boost to local jobs across hospitality, transportation, tech, and the arts.

She also revealed plans for a water supply and recycling system to serve the new film hub and nearby housing zone—solving one of the major roadblocks to getting this project rolling.

Ensenada might soon be more than a weekend escape—it could be the next must-film location for the world’s biggest streaming service.

Now that’s something worth binge-watching.

READ MORE: Netflix Gringo Hunters Filming in Baja California

Wheels of Justice Turn After Baja 500 Tragedy

A routine pre-race run during the Baja 500 turned into a nightmare—and now the driver behind the wheel may be facing some serious consequences.

A Mexican district judge has issued an arrest warrant for Rolf Helland, the American driver of the Norsemen Racing Trophy Truck, after a fatal accident in Ejido Eréndira, part of San Vicente. According to the investigation, Helland was pre-running the course on June 2 when his truck allegedly collided with a compact vehicle, killing Felipe Aréchiga Ríos, 38, a local resident.

The crash happened on Calle 16 de Septiembre. Witnesses say the victim’s family rushed him to the nearest health center—but due to the severity of his injuries, Felipe couldn’t be stabilized in time for transfer to a larger hospital. He died shortly after arriving.

Helland, on the other hand, was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in the U.S., where he remains. The arrest warrant issued by the Baja California Attorney General’s Office has yet to be carried out due to his absence from Mexican territory.

But the story doesn’t end there.

In a move that surprised some and calmed others, SCORE International—the famed off-road racing organization behind the Baja 500—has stepped in as a mediator between the Norsemen Racing team and the victim’s family. According to SCORE director José Alfredo Grijalva Carranza, both parties have reached a preliminary damage settlement in the wake of the crash.

Yes, you read that right: there’s a tentative agreement. SCORE, the family’s legal reps, and Norsemen Racing’s team, specifically with Helland’s legal counsel, have been ironing out the details in the hopes of avoiding further escalation—including the potential for protests and blockades in Eréndira.

“We’ve been serving as the go-between,” said Helios Palafox, legal advisor for the Aréchiga family. “There are actually two intermediaries working to make sure this ends with dignity and justice.”

The agreement includes financial compensation to the victim’s family, facilitated by the racing team’s insurance provider. SCORE announced that the terms of the agreement are expected to be fulfilled by Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Still, the legal case against Helland remains open. Despite the financial agreement, the criminal investigation continues, and authorities in Baja California have not ruled out future legal action once the driver returns to Mexican jurisdiction.

This isn’t the first time SCORE International finds itself juggling the fast and furious with the serious and tragic. The high-octane world of off-road racing in Baja has long been romanticized—dust, adrenaline, and roaring engines through remote pueblos. But the events of June 2 are a grim reminder that these races run through real communities, with real people, and real consequences.

Locals in Eréndira had initially considered protesting the race, potentially blocking access routes in the days following the accident. The swift move toward mediation helped de-escalate tensions, at least for now.

Whether justice will catch up to Helland is another question.

For now, the wheels of the Trophy Truck have stopped—but the wheels of justice are still spinning.

Tragedy in Eréndira Days Before Baja 500 Race

Just days before the engines roar to life for the 2025 SCORE Baja 500, a tragic accident has left one man dead in the quiet coastal town of Ejido Eréndira, part of the San Vicente delegation near Ensenada.

On Monday, June 2 at approximately 3:54 p.m., local authorities responded to a crash along 16 de Septiembre Street. What they found was devastating: two mangled vehicles at the bottom of an arroyo—a gray Toyota Scion with ANAPROMEX plates, and a black and white trophy truck, number 37, from Team Norsemen.

The driver of the Toyota, 38-year-old Felipe Aréchiga Ríos, was reportedly still alive when family members rushed him in a private vehicle toward medical care. But hours later, he was confirmed dead at the San Vicente Health Center, with reports noting a deep head injury and severe trauma to the left arm.

As for the drivers of the trophy truck, both were airlifted from the scene by helicopter. The destination? Unknown. The names? Unconfirmed by authorities, though online posts have pointed fingers at drivers Ricky D. Johnson and Rolf Helland of Norsemen Racing. Social media posts from family members claim the pair were speeding during a pre-run on an unsigned route and fled the scene without offering aid. These claims have not been officially confirmed, as Norsemen Racing has yet to release a public statement. While the truck involved in the accident bore the names of the team’s registered drivers, some speculate that, because it was a pre-run, team staff members— and not the official drivers—may have been behind the wheel.

The Ensenada police department’s traffic division concluded that the trophy truck was at fault. The Baja California State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) has taken over the investigation to determine legal responsibility. As of now, SCORE International has not released a statement regarding the incident.

The Baja 500 is scheduled to take place June 4–8, with the main race running on Saturday, June 7. But for many in Eréndira, the mood has shifted from celebration to outrage. The victim’s family is now calling for accountability from SCORE and has even threatened to boycott the race unless action is taken.

This isn’t the first time tragedy has cast a shadow over Baja’s legendary off-road events. During the 2024 Baja 1000, two American spectators were killed and two others injured when a driver from Team Buehler Motors abruptly accelerated during a mechanical inspection, plowing into a group of people. The driver, described by organizers as inexperienced and reckless, was detained, and the vehicle was confiscated. That incident prompted both local and state-level sanctions against SCORE International, as officials criticized the lack of control and accountability during event operations.

Whether these are isolated incidents or signs of systemic oversight, one thing is becoming clear: Baja’s off-road races are facing growing scrutiny—and calls for safer practices are only getting louder.

Whether this was a reckless oversight or a tragic miscalculation, one thing is clear: a life was lost before the green flag even waved. And now, a community is demanding answers.

Newport to Ensenada Regatta Set to Sail Again for its 77th Edition

Ahoy, sailors and landlubbers alike! Get ready to grab your sun hats and binoculars because the iconic Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race is back for its 77th year—and it’s bringing plenty of wind, waves, and international camaraderie with it.

The City of Ensenada, under the leadership of Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz, proudly announced that everything’s shipshape for one of the biggest nautical events between Mexico and the U.S.

Representing the mayor, Jared Gutiérrez López, Director of International Affairs, and Andrés Marínez Bremer, President of Proturismo, met up with Newport Beach Mayor Joe Stapleton, NOSA Commodore Philip Herzfeld, and Mexico’s Consul in Santa Ana, Audrey Rivera Gómez, among other dignitaries and VIPs, to celebrate the regatta’s launch.

This historic race isn’t just about fancy yachts and shiny trophies—it’s about the deep friendship and growing ties between the sister cities of Newport Beach and Ensenada. Around 130 sailboats are expected to make the legendary journey south, reaffirming maritime and cultural bonds that have been cruising strong for decades.

When the boats start arriving in Ensenada, expect a fiesta fit for a fleet! The city will roll out the welcome mat with special receptions, cultural activities, and commemorative events organized by local and state authorities, along with nautical clubs from both sides of the border.

“The Newport to Ensenada Regatta is a shining example of international cooperation that strengthens our community,” said Jared Gutiérrez on behalf of Mayor Agatón. “This historic connection continues to place Ensenada on the global sailing map.”

The City of Ensenada invites everyone—from hardcore sailors to curious spectators—to come celebrate this unique event full of sport, culture, and international friendship. So mark your calendars, polish those deck shoes, and let’s make this another unforgettable race!

Gringo Hunters Nab Fugitive Who Dodged Justice on Both Sides of the Border

Well, that didn’t last long

After playing hide and seek with law enforcement in both Mexico and the U.S., César “N” — a man allegedly linked to homicides in Tijuana and across the border — finally ran out of luck on April 17. Authorities confirmed that the fugitive was captured during a high-intensity operation delightfully named “Gacela” (Spanish for gazelle, ironically enough, given how fast this guy had been running from the law).

The Baja California State Attorney General’s Office, led by Dr. Ma. Elena Andrade Ramírez, teamed up with Mexico’s Defense Forces to track down and arrest the suspect. The operation was carried out by a hefty squad of State Investigation Agency officers and a special defense unit, acting under the direction of the commissioner of the State Investigation Agency.

According to official statements, César “N” was a priority target for the state’s Security Board, which is personally overseen by Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda. She’s been keeping tabs on the situation since the day it became clear this guy wasn’t just a local problem — he was an international headache.

After a meticulous investigation that involved tactical data analysis and good old-fashioned detective work, the authorities located and subdued the suspect. He’s now facing legal proceedings, and yes, the usual “presumed innocent until proven guilty” line applies. But let’s just say, nobody’s betting the house on his innocence.

The arrest serves as a bold message from the Fiscalía General del Estado: if you stir up trouble in Baja, don’t expect to get comfy. As their motto not-so-subtly reminds us: In Baja California, if you do the crime — you do the time.

Stay tuned — we’ll let you know if “Operation Gacela: The Sequel” hits theaters near you.