Escalating Violence in Mexico: A Crisis Ahead of Presidential Election María Alejandra Trujillo - BNN
go to original December 22, 2023

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (BNN)

As the calendar ticks closer to Mexico’s presidential election, the nation finds itself in the grip of an escalating wave of violence that has claimed dozens of lives in recent weeks. The situation, underscored by a series of mass killings and a prevailing sense of impunity, has catapulted the issue of public security to the forefront of political discourse.

Unresolved Violence: A Litany of Crimes

In the past month, Mexico has witnessed several high-profile incidents of violence. In one shocking case, five medical students were discovered tortured to death. In another, four individuals were gunned down at a hair salon. The most gruesome incident saw eleven people killed at a holiday party in Guanajuato, one of Mexico’s most violent states. Yet, despite the severity of these crimes, justice remains elusive. Less than 4% of criminal investigations in Mexico reach a resolution, and approximately 92% of crimes go unreported—a chilling testament to a prevailing sense of impunity.

Government’s Approach: ‘Hugs not Bullets’

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s strategy, dubbed ‘hugs not bullets’, aims to address the root causes of crime rather than engaging in direct confrontation with cartels. This approach, although successful in reducing homicide rates, has faced criticism for its failure to address extortion and the alarming number of missing persons. Meanwhile, some Mexican citizens, exasperated by the unchecked extortion by criminal groups, have taken matters into their own hands. A recent incident involving farmers killing ten suspected gang members, however, only led to retaliation and further displacement of families.

International Implications: The US-Mexico Border Crisis

The violence in Mexico has ramifications beyond its borders, particularly for the United States. As crime-driven displacement in Mexico contributes to illegal border crossings, concerns are mounting over its impact on migration. Smugglers are exploiting new methods to facilitate migrants’ entry into the U.S., causing financial strain for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and exacerbating the problem. This surge in undocumented migrants is creating a feedback loop, prompting the agency to seek additional funding from Congress to address the issue.

As Mexico grapples with this surge in violence, the upcoming presidential election brings with it the hope for change. However, the government’s ability to tackle these deeply entrenched issues and restore a sense of security to its citizens will undoubtedly be the ultimate test.

See the original at BNN

Related: López Obrador and Biden Discuss Border ‘Enforcement Actions’ (Mexico News Daily)

Related: Mexican President to Challenge US New Anti-Immigrant Law (IANS)

Related: Friendship Blossoms Amid Migration Challenges in Mexico (SOS Childrens Villages)

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