UTEP Open Source Research Lab

The UTEP Open Source Research Lab 's goal is to build the most comprehensive unclassified database on group-based violence in the Western Hemisphere. It performs open source research, exploitation, and analysis of transnational criminal activities including:
 * Cartel-related violence
 * Cross-border violence
 * Immigration-related extremist activities
 * Immigration-related terrorist activities
 * Narcotics trafficking
 * Transnational organized crime activity

The region that the Open Source Research Lab focuses on is in Mexico and along the US border with Mexico, and Latin America.

Criticism
The lab is under scrutiny because it was started and run until recently by S. Fernando Rodriguez, then director of UTEP's Criminal Justice Program. Rodriguez is on paid administrative leave while administrators decide what to do because he did not report outside work worth more than $1 million as required by university rules.