By John Q. Hosedrinker 
This article highlights the harrowing reality of Ángel Montenegro’s disappearance, a case that exemplifies Mexico’s escalating crisis of missing persons, with over 130,000 individuals unaccounted for. Disappearances have surged dramatically in the last decade, driven by criminal groups expanding their territorial control and diversifying into illicit activities beyond drug trafficking, often through forced recruitment and the violent elimination of rivals. These organizations actively conceal their violence by making bodies disappear through various brutal methods, thereby operating “under the radar” of authorities. The government’s response has been criticized as insufficient and inadequately funded, leading families like Montenegro’s mother to undertake dangerous, self-led searches for their loved ones amidst widespread institutional neglect and a high rate of unsolved crimes.
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The stark reality of disappearances in Mexico has become increasingly alarming, with statistics revealing a staggering 200% surge over the past decade. This isn’t just a number; it represents a deepening crisis that touches countless lives and families, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and profound sorrow. The sheer scale of the issue is difficult to comprehend, especially when considering that mass graves are regularly discovered across the country, underscoring the immense human cost of this pervasive problem. The lack of clear motives behind many of these disappearances adds another layer of anguish, leaving loved ones to grapple with uncertainty and pain.
The integration of cartels within various levels of government presents a formidable obstacle to addressing this crisis. It’s widely believed that a significant portion of the government is compromised, making it incredibly challenging to implement effective solutions or bring perpetrators to justice. This deep-seated corruption effectively creates a situation where prosecuting those responsible would mean prosecuting oneself, a paradox that paralyzes meaningful action. The message that vanishing bodies equates to vanishing evidence unfortunately resonates because the very systems meant to uphold justice appear to be compromised.
The question of why so many individuals are vanishing, and the underlying motives, remains a perplexing aspect of this crisis. While some disappearances are linked to organized crime, the extent to which cartels operate and exert influence suggests a broader, more systemic issue. The notion of individuals being kidnapped randomly, perhaps while returning from work or errands, and being forced into police cars, paints a terrifying picture of a society where ordinary life is constantly under threat. The thought of people disappearing for organ transplants, though a disturbing possibility, highlights the extreme lengths to which criminal organizations might go to profit from their illicit activities.
The concept of prosecuting disappearances, even without bodies, is a critical point raised in discussions about how to combat this issue. Drawing parallels to Argentina’s post-dictatorship approach, the idea is to eliminate amnesty laws and pursue legal action, thereby sending a strong message to criminal groups. However, the pervasive corruption within Mexico’s government, extending to judges and juries themselves, complicates this notion significantly. When those responsible for upholding the law become targets or collaborators, the path to justice becomes even more treacherous.
The idea of legalizing and taxing drugs as a potential solution to dismantle cartel power is a recurring theme. The argument suggests that by removing the primary source of cartel funding, their influence would diminish, and resources spent on illicit activities could be redirected towards rehabilitation and societal well-being. However, this approach is fraught with its own set of challenges, particularly given the complex international dynamics and the United States’ role in the “War on Drugs.” The argument that the US, through its drug policies and gun sales, indirectly funds these cartels further complicates any unilateral solution proposed by Mexico.
The integration of cartels extends beyond drug trafficking, encompassing other profitable ventures such as the export of goods like avocados. Their methods involve eliminating competition and obstacles through violence, demonstrating a control that transcends traditional criminal enterprises. This multifaceted approach means that even if drug legalization were to occur, the cartels would likely pivot to other industries, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of their operations and the difficulty in eradicating them entirely.
The ongoing cycle of violence is often attributed to economic disparity, a factor that has been growing in Mexico for decades. This growing gap creates fertile ground for recruitment and perpetuates the “feedback loop of violence” that empowers cartels. The notion that the current situation is a consequence of long-standing systemic issues, rather than a recent phenomenon, suggests that addressing the root causes of economic inequality is crucial for any lasting change.
The complexity of the situation means that simplistic solutions are unlikely to be effective. For instance, while military action or even international intervention might seem like a plausible approach, the risk of civilian casualties and the potential for unintended consequences are significant. The idea of foreign intervention, while potentially offering a forceful solution, raises concerns about sovereignty and the practical implications of such actions, especially given the history of involvement in the region.
Ultimately, the surge in disappearances in Mexico is a symptom of a deeply entrenched problem involving corruption, economic disparity, and the overwhelming power of organized crime. While potential solutions are debated, from legal reform to drug policy changes, the path forward remains unclear and fraught with immense challenges. The human toll, however, continues to mount, demanding urgent attention and a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that addresses the systemic issues at play. The sheer number of missing individuals, coupled with the pervasive corruption and the cartels’ deep integration into society, paints a grim picture and underscores the urgent need for effective, sustainable solutions.