Members of Mexico's Northeast Cartel are suspected of opening fire and burning stolen vehicles in Nuevo Laredo early Monday morning, apparently in retaliation for the arrest of one of their leaders.
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The events prompted U.S. officials to briefly close the American consulate there and suspend southbound traffic from Laredo into Nuevo Laredo at the nearby Juarez-Lincoln and Gateway to the Americas bridges.
There were unconfirmed reports the consulate building was hit by gunfire. U.S Customs and Border Protection said the crossings were re-opened later in the morning.
The arrested suspect, nicknamed "The Egg" but not officially identified in compliance with Mexican law, is said to be the leader of cartel gunmen known as "The Troops of Hell," an exceptionally violent gang of hitmen.
The nickname is often applied to Juan Gerardo Treviño, a nephew of imprisoned gang leader Miguel Angel Treviño.
The suspect faces charges in Mexico of extortion, homicide and terrorism. He also is wanted in the U.S. for drug trafficking and money laundering.