MEXICO CITY – A shop owner facing threats shutters the clothing store that had been in his family for generations.
A leader of a citrus growers association is kidnapped adn killed after refusing mob demands for a cut of profits.
Enraged peasant farmers fed up with paying graft turn on cartel thugs in a bloody showdown.
In Mexico, these real-life incidents all arise from a signature offense: extortion.
Gang shakedowns are rampant in Mexico, victimizing untold numbers – street vendors and taxi drivers, restaurateurs and farmers, factory owners and mine operators. All are coerced into paying tithes to criminal bands, sometimes the same cartels that run drugs.
“It’s a very sensitive crime because of it’s social impact,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said last week. “It doesn’t only affect one person. It affects everyone.”
The index, which assesses levels of organized crime across 193 countries, reveals that Mexico faces significant challenges with extortion, a crime that impacts both businesses and individuals. The report highlights the pervasive influence of criminal groups and the resulting climate of fear and insecurity.
Farmer Jesús Cuaxospa works on his farm where he grows cempasúchil flowers in San Luis Tlaxialtemalco on the outskirts of Mexico City in october. (Claudia Rosel / Associated Press)
Mexico’s War on Cartels Escalates, Leaving a Trail of Violence and Fear
Table of Contents
By Natalia Molano and Patrick J. McDonnell
Ciudad Juárez, Mexico – the butcher shop, a seemingly innocuous business in a bustling market, became the epicenter of a brutal clash last week, a stark illustration of Mexico’s escalating war against drug cartels. The raid, conducted by Mexican security forces, left at least four dead – two alleged cartel members and two bystanders – and ignited a wave of fear and anger in this border city.
The operation, targeting members of the Los Mezquites cartel, a local group affiliated with the powerful Sinaloa cartel, is part of a broader, increasingly aggressive strategy by the Mexican government to dismantle criminal organizations. President andrés Manuel López Obrador, despite initial promises of a “hugs, not bullets” approach, has increasingly relied on the military and National Guard to combat cartel violence.
However, critics argue that this militarization is fueling the very violence it intends to quell. the incident at the butcher shop underscores the dangers of these tactics, with innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. Witnesses described a chaotic scene of gunfire and panic as security forces stormed the market.
“It was terrifying,” said Maria Hernandez,a vendor who was nearby. “People were screaming and running for cover. It felt like a war zone.”
The escalation comes as Mexico prepares for presidential elections in 2024, and security has become a central issue. The country is grappling with record levels of homicides and widespread impunity. Cartels not only engage in drug trafficking but also extort businesses, kidnap for ransom, and control vast territories.
The recent surge in violence is not limited to Ciudad Juárez. Similar clashes have been reported in other states, including Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Guerrero. In some areas, cartels have effectively established parallel governments, challenging the authority of the state.
Experts warn that a purely security-focused approach is insufficient to address the root causes of cartel violence, which include poverty, corruption, and lack of economic opportunities.
“You can’t solve this problem with bullets alone,” said security analyst Guadalupe Correa-cabrera. “You need to address the underlying social and economic conditions that allow cartels to thrive.”
The incident at the butcher shop serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of Mexico’s drug war and the urgent need for a more extensive and effective strategy to restore peace and security. As the elections approach, the pressure on the government to deliver results will only intensify, raising the specter of further violence and instability.
The Avocado Cartel: How a Fruit Became a Battleground for Extortion and Violence
By Molly O’Toole
California’s avocado industry, a $4.5-billion-a-year business, is being shaken by a wave of extortion and violence. For years, avocado growers in Michoacán, Mexico – the source of over 90% of the avocados consumed in the U.S. – have been forced to pay protection money to drug cartels. But now,a new,more organized form of extortion is emerging,and it’s impacting both sides of the border.
The Knights templar, a splinter group of the once-powerful Michoacán-based cartel, is reportedly behind much of the recent activity. They don’t just demand money; they control entire supply chains, dictating prices and forcing growers to use their transportation services.Those who refuse face threats, intimidation, and even violence.
“It’s a very sophisticated operation,” says one avocado grower who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution. “They know exactly how much we make,how much we ship. They have people everywhere.”
The situation has become so dire that avocado growers in Michoacán have begun funding their own private security forces, seen in the image above, to protect their orchards and shipments. These armed guards patrol the avocado-growing regions, attempting to deter cartel activity and ensure the safe passage of the fruit. However, this has also led to clashes with cartel members and increased the overall level of violence.
The extortion isn’t limited to Mexico. U.S. importers are also being targeted, pressured to pay “security fees” to ensure their shipments aren’t disrupted. This adds to the already high cost of avocados,impacting consumers at the grocery store.
The U.S. government is aware of the situation and has increased its efforts to combat the cartels’ influence in the avocado industry. Though, the problem is complex and deeply rooted, requiring a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the supply and demand sides of the equation.
The future of the avocado industry hangs in the balance. Unless the extortion and violence are brought under control, the beloved green fruit could become a symbol of a darker, more risky trade.
Extortion and business Closures Rise in Mexico Amid Cartel Violence
Recent assassinations and escalating extortion demands are forcing businesses across Mexico to shut down,crippling the economy and leaving families devastated. The pervasive threat from criminal organizations, coupled with a lack of trust in law enforcement, is driving a wave of closures, especially impacting small and medium-sized enterprises. This trend highlights the growing reach of cartel influence and the challenges facing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s governance in combating organized crime.
Recent Violence and the climate of Fear
The violence underscores the precarious situation for business owners. carlos Manzo, a prominent political figure, was assassinated last month during a Day of the Dead celebration in Uruapan, Michoacán. Just weeks prior, Bernardo Bravo, a leader of regional lime growers in Michoacán, was shot dead after publicly denouncing extortion attempts. Michoacán, a key agricultural region, has been particularly hard hit by cartel activity.
These high-profile incidents contribute to a climate of fear, prompting many potential victims to preemptively close their businesses rather than risk confrontation. the lime industry in Michoacán, for example, has been considerably impacted by extortion demands, with growers facing pressure to pay cartels for “protection.”
The Rising Cost of “Protection”
The extortion schemes are frequently enough incremental, starting with relatively small demands and escalating over time. Vicente, a Mexico City business owner, shared his experience with The Los Angeles Times of being targeted by extortionists four years ago. initially, the demands were $500 per month, gradually increasing to $1,000, then $2,000, and ultimately reaching $10,000 per month.
this pattern is common.cartels often target businesses they perceive as profitable and vulnerable. The demands aren’t simply for money; they represent a loss of control and a constant threat to the safety of owners, employees, and families.
Vicente, whose family had operated a men’s clothing business as 1936, ultimately made the agonizing decision to close his shop after his sons urged him to prioritize safety over the business. The closure resulted in 15 people losing their jobs, many of whom had been long-term employees. Some were forced to resort to informal street vending to make a living.
Distrust in Law Enforcement
A significant factor contributing to the problem is a widespread lack of trust in law enforcement. Like many victims, Vicente feared that reporting the extortion attempts would only lead to his details being leaked to the criminals. This fear is not unfounded, as corruption within law enforcement agencies remains a persistent issue in Mexico. Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index ranks Mexico 126th out of 180 countries, indicating a high level of perceived public sector corruption.
This distrust creates a vicious cycle: businesses are reluctant to report crimes, allowing cartels to operate with impunity and further eroding public confidence in the government’s ability to provide security.
Economic Impact and Government Response
The widespread closure of businesses due to extortion has a significant impact on the Mexican economy. It leads to job losses, reduced tax revenue, and a decline in economic activity. The situation is particularly concerning for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of the Mexican economy.
President López Obrador has vowed to tackle organized crime, but his strategy has faced criticism. His administration has focused on addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty and inequality, through social programs. However, critics argue that these programs are insufficient to counter the immediate threat posed by powerful cartels. The Council on Foreign Relations provides analysis of Mexico’s security challenges.
Looking Ahead
The situation in Mexico remains dire.addressing the escalating violence and extortion requires a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening law enforcement, combating corruption, and providing support to businesses targeted by criminal organizations. Restoring trust in the government and ensuring the safety of citizens are crucial steps towards creating a stable and prosperous future for Mexico. Without a significant shift in strategy and a concerted effort to address the underlying issues, the trend of business closures and economic disruption is likely to continue.
McDonnell is a staff writer and Sánchez Vidal a special correspondent.