Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, known for his strong stance against drug cartels, was fatally shot at a Day of the Dead celebration. Manzo had been critical of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s approach to combating cartel violence and vowed not to back down. Following his death, Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch announced an investigation, vowing there would be no impunity for those responsible. Manzo’s security detail was comprised of handpicked officers and National Guard members, and he was known as the “Mexican Bukele” for his tough-on-crime approach.
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In Uruapan, Michoacán, Mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez was fatally shot in a public plaza during Day of the Dead celebrations, with the attacker killed at the scene. The attack, which injured a city council member and a bodyguard, involved a weapon linked to prior criminal activity. Following the incident, the Mexican president pledged justice, while Michoacán, a region plagued by cartel violence, mourned the loss of the independent mayor, with the community referencing the ruling party in their calls for justice. The mayor had previously sought help from the government to combat cartels and had been under protection since December 2024.
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In a shocking attack in Mexico City, Mayor Clara Brugada’s personal secretary, Ximena Guzmán, and advisor, José Muñoz, were fatally shot while in a vehicle. The brazen daytime killing, which security analyst David Saucedo attributes to organized crime, is the worst attack on city officials in recent years. Mayor Brugada, visibly shaken, vowed to continue fighting insecurity despite the incident. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the killings and pledged to pursue justice, though no prior threats were known.
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A brutal attack on a bar in Queretaro, Mexico, left 10 people dead and seven injured, highlighting the ongoing violence plaguing the country. Gunmen in a pickup truck opened fire on Los Cantaritos bar, demonstrating a chilling escalation in violence even in a city typically considered safer than many other parts of Mexico. The attack comes amidst a surge in violence nationwide, linked to drug cartels and gang warfare, with over 450,000 homicides since 2006. This incident underscores the immense challenge facing the new president in addressing the pervasive issue of organized crime and violence.
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A horrific attack on Los Cantaritos bar in Queretaro, Mexico, has left at least 10 people dead. Four assailants armed with long weapons opened fire on patrons, killing seven men and three women. Seven others were injured. One suspect was apprehended, and the getaway vehicle was found burnt and abandoned nearby. This tragedy comes amidst a wave of violence plaguing Mexico, including a recent cartel shootout that claimed 16 lives. The US has urged Mexico to intensify efforts to combat violence and address the illicit flow of drugs and firearms.
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A rear admiral in the Mexican navy was shot and killed in Manzanillo, a key port city on the Pacific coast. This marks one of the highest-ranking military officers slain in Mexico in a decade, with the last such incident occurring in 2013 when a vice admiral was killed in Michoacan. While attacks on high-ranking officers are relatively rare, the Mexican government has increasingly entrusted the navy, army, and National Guard with law enforcement duties, placing them at the forefront of the fight against drug cartels. Manzanillo’s strategic location for drug smuggling, with direct shipments from Asia, makes it a highly valuable target for cartels seeking to import precursor chemicals for fentanyl production.
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I woke up to surprising news that Mexican drug lord “El Mayo” was in U.S. custody, a revelation that seemed to catch even Mexican authorities off guard. The implications of this arrest are profound and carry the potential to set off a chain reaction of chaos and violence. As someone living in Mexico, I cannot ignore the imminent fallout that this news will likely bring.
The apprehension of “El Mayo” is undoubtedly a monumental event, perhaps even more significant than the capture of El Chapo. For decades, this elusive figure has operated with impunity, exerting an unprecedented level of power and influence over Mexico’s drug trade.… Continue reading
The recent decision to halt avocado and mango inspections in a Mexican state after two USDA employees were attacked and detained raises serious concerns about the state of the avocado industry. Mexico supplies around 80% of the avocados consumed in the United States and a third of the global supply, making it a crucial player in the market. However, the dark side of this lucrative industry is becoming increasingly clear, with reports of cartel involvement, violence, corruption, and even anti-avocado militias emerging.
The avocado business in Mexico has been likened to the diamond trade, with accusations of greed, ambition, and cartel battles overshadowing the seemingly innocent fruit.… Continue reading
The recent news out of Mexico about the assassination of a mayor after the first woman was elected as leader is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues that plague the country. It is disheartening to hear that Ms. Sánchez was threatened by men linked to organised crime who demanded she hand over the town’s security to state police officers on the cartel’s payroll. Her refusal to comply with their demands and her request for military reinforcement showcase her bravery and commitment to serving her town despite the dangers that loom large.
The situation in Mexico is reminiscent of the days of Escobar in Colombia, where corruption and violence ran rampant, and public officials were constantly under threat.… Continue reading
As Mexico prepares to potentially elect its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, I can’t help but feel a mix of hope and trepidation. On one hand, the prospect of breaking gender barriers in politics is a milestone for Mexico, a country known for its strides in gender equality in elected office. Sheinbaum, a former mayor of Mexico City and climate scientist, represents a shift towards more diverse and inclusive leadership.
However, as exciting as this moment is, there are underlying concerns that cannot be ignored. Mexico’s rampant issues with violence and the pervasive influence of cartels cast a shadow over the political landscape.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker