LAREDO (June 27, 2011)--To many, Santa Muerte is a false idol, a fake saint, even the devil herself, but in recent years the skeletal “Holy Death” has become a figure to which Mexican drug traffickers and other outlaws pray.

A federal marshal says shrines to the skeletal "Holy Death" are a growing presence, not just along the U.S.-Mexico border but throughout the United States.

U.S. Marshal Robert R. Almonte of El Paso told the Laredo Morning Times "she is the most popular icon being used by the drug traffickers."

Laredo police spokesman Joe Baeza said images of the figure nicknamed "La Flaquita," or "the skinny little girl," have become so commonplace that candles are sold in Laredo supermarkets showing the dark, robed figure standing behind a police officer.

On top is the message, "Law stay away!"