Mexico continues to be plagued by violence, with recent attacks targeting both police officers and activists. The capital city of Mexico City saw the tragic killing of police operations chief Milton Morales Figueroa in a cowardly attack in Coacalco, Mexico State. Figueroa, who was responsible for intelligence operations against organized crime, was shot outside a poultry store by an unknown assailant. His death has been met with shock and grief, with Mayor Marti Batres emphasizing Figueroa’s important investigative work in maintaining peace and security in Mexico City.
The violence in Mexico is not limited to law enforcement officials, as evidenced by the murder of Indigenous rights defender Lorenzo Santos Torres, along with his wife and daughter. The family was traveling in a pickup truck in Oaxaca when they were ambushed, shot, and their vehicle set on fire. Torres, known for his activism in defending the rights of Indigenous communities, had been receiving threats for his work. The brutal nature of the attack has raised concerns about the safety of human rights activists in Mexico, where violence linked to drug trafficking and land disputes remains a pressing issue.
The Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG), one of Mexico’s powerful drug cartels, continues to operate in the country, fueling violence and instability. The cartel’s involvement in drug trafficking, particularly the production and smuggling of deadly fentanyl into the United States, has contributed to a significant number of overdose deaths annually. Local media reports suggest that Figueroa’s efforts had led to the dismantling of some criminal gangs associated with the cartel, highlighting the risks faced by those fighting organized crime in Mexico.
The wave of violence in Mexico has claimed the lives of countless individuals, with over 450,000 people murdered since the government’s crackdown on drug cartels began in 2006. The ongoing challenges posed by drug cartels, coupled with social and political unrest, continue to pose a significant threat to the safety and security of Mexican citizens. The recent attacks on police officers and activists serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of violence in the country and the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of criminal activity.
