Mexican Drug Cartels

Mexican Singer of Drug Cartel Songs Shot Dead in Parking Lot

The recent murder of Ernesto Barajas, a musician known for singing about drug lords, highlights the ongoing violence related to Mexico’s drug cartels. This incident is part of a broader trend of violence targeting performers of “narco-corridos,” a musical genre that glorifies drug cartels. In response, the Trump administration has been taking action, including revoking visas of musicians and sanctioning those with alleged ties to cartels. These actions could be interpreted as a push for additional military aid to Mexico.

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Cartel’s Hacker Targeted FBI, Government Criticized for Inaction and Alleged Ties

In a recently released report, the Justice Department inspector general revealed that a Mexican drug cartel hired a hacker to surveil a senior FBI official in Mexico City, obtaining sensitive information from the city’s camera system. The hacker, who also accessed the official’s calls and geolocation data, provided the cartel with intelligence used to intimidate and kill potential informants. This breach of security occurred while the FBI was investigating Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera, highlighting the cartels’ increasing use of sophisticated technology. The report underscores broader concerns about the impact of high-tech surveillance on US national security and the FBI is developing a plan to address these vulnerabilities.

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Mexico Rejects US Effort to Label Cartels as Terrorists

President Trump’s executive order classifying Mexican drug cartels as potential foreign terrorist organizations will only significantly impact Mexico with close U.S.-Mexico cooperation. While Mexico affirms its sovereignty, President Sheinbaum stated a shared desire to combat cartels within respective territories. The order, part of a broader initiative to secure the southern border, raises concerns about potential impacts on migration and asylum seekers, though experts debate its practical effects on cartel operations. Some victims’ families hope the designation will increase pressure for justice and visibility regarding cartel violence.

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US nabs a cartel leader after El Chapo’s son tricks him onto a flight across the border | Guzman Lopez worked with authorities to capture the 76-year-old Zambada by tricking him onto an airplane under the guise of looking at properties in Mexico

I would have loved to witness the reaction of the 76-year-old Zambada when he realized he had been tricked onto a flight across the border. What a bold move by El Chapo’s son to collaborate with authorities in capturing a high-ranking cartel leader by luring him under the guise of looking at properties in Mexico. The sheer audacity of such an operation is straight out of a movie and could easily be a plotline for a season of Narcos.

The fact that the Mexican government was kept in the dark about the plan until after the arrest speaks volumes about the deep-rooted corruption and ties between the cartels and the authorities.… Continue reading

Mexican president claims that criminal groups are ‘respectful’ and ‘respect the citizenry’

It’s absolutely mind-boggling to hear the Mexican president claim that criminal groups are ‘respectful’ and ‘respect the citizenry’. The sheer audacity and disconnect from reality is startling. How can anyone in a position of leadership make such statements, especially when the brutal actions of these criminal organizations are well-documented?

The notion that these cartels, who thrive on fear, violence, and corruption, have any modicum of respect is not just naive but dangerous. They operate with impunity, slaughtering people, trafficking drugs, and terrorizing communities. The very idea that they somehow ‘respect’ anyone is a slap in the face to all those who have suffered at their hands.… Continue reading