At Least Seventy-Five Killed as Violence Spreads in Mexico

What Happened?

Following the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel Leader El Mencho by Mexican police, at least seventy-five people have been killed in cartel-orchestrated violence in several states throughout Mexico.

Twenty-five of the fatalities were Mexican National Guardsmen, who died during armed clashes with cartel members. Airlines have diverted flights from Puerto Vallarta while schools, businesses, and public transportation have been shuttered in Jalisco and surrounding states.

Cartel members also reportedly broke dozens of inmates out of a federal prison in Jalisco by driving a bulldozer through the main entrance to gain access.

Why it Matters

The violent outbreak has become one of Mexico’s deadliest in decades, and the Mexican government has responded by deploying thousands of troops to affected areas, including Jalisco.

Several American tourists posted videos online indicating they were unable to leave their hotels or to gain access to transportation services. As of Tuesday, violent incidents continued to be reported as authorities struggled to regain control of the situation. 

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In addition to the twenty-five Mexican national guardsmen who were killed, at least fifty civilians have been killed either directly by cartel members or by being caught in the crossfire between cartel gunmen and police.

The number of cartel members who have been killed by security forces is currently unknown, but is likely at least as high as the number of civilian casualties reported. Violent incidents, including arson and shootings, have been reported in several states across Mexico, not just in Jalisco.

The violence is likely to continue for the next few days as authorities try to regain control. With the killing of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, it is likely that several of El Mencho’s lieutenants may seek to replace him as leader.

And that could, in turn, spark inter-cartel violence in addition to the attacks already seen on civilians and security forces. Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has promised to deploy at least ten thousand troops to restore order in affected areas.

Thus far, the violence has not reached the U.S.-Mexico border. But the Jalisco New Generation Cartel likely has affiliates or members in several U.S. cities, and they have the capability to carry out violent attacks on U.S. soil, though thankfully, thus far, no such attacks have taken place.

Cities where the cartel is known to operate will likely put additional security measures in place for the next several days as a precautionary measure. 

How it Affects You

The shuttering of public transportation, the closing of schools and businesses, along with the direct attacks on tourists and tourist locations, is a significant event for Mexico.

For years, the government in Mexico City has hedged its bets on whether or not to use overwhelming force against cartels, but the Jalisco incident may convince Mexico’s leaders that the time has finally come to fully employ the military against cartels. 

If Mexico doesn’t respond with significant force, other cartels may be emboldened to more aggressively conduct their illicit operations. Either way, a period of insecurity and political instability is likely for Mexico in the coming weeks.

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