Reports show rise in cartel recuitment via social media

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Recent studies show an increase in recruitment tactics by cartels on various social media platforms.

These studies report that various cartel leaders and members are actively luring and recruiting kids to steal and cross vehicles into Mexico for money in return.

The 4 Investigates team is looking into how your vehicle could be stolen for quick cash.

Across Texas, there are 24 task force groups with a focus on stopping car thieves and busting the gangs they roll with, including cartel groups in Mexico.

In Brownsville, police have made over 500 car theft arrests involving dozens of teens with alleged gang or cartel ties.

It is believed that several of the teens involved in auto thefts in Brownsville were allegedly recruited to steal cars for as little