Mexico, a country caught between mafias

Mexico, a Country Caught Between Mafias

The recent murders of the Uruapan mayor and the leader of the lemon growers’ guild in Michoacán highlight a major shift in organized crime. Complex extortion schemes are now controlling entire regions, signaling a change from traditional drug trafficking dominance.

Current Crime Landscape

Mexico faces a delicate and often overlooked situation. Although the federal government reports steady progress in its security strategy, showing declines in homicides and other major crimes after more than 15 years of continuous growth, a new threat grows in the shadows: extortion.

This crime, long prevalent but often unreported, is increasing and becoming more sophisticated, with mafias expanding their reach through these schemes. Unlike before, when drug production and trafficking were the central focus, extortion is now taking over as the primary criminal enterprise.

Government Response and Challenges

In July, the executive branch, under Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, introduced a special strategy to combat extortion. However, the effectiveness of this approach remains unclear as criminal groups continue to grow.

“It all started with a seductive message, the idea of providing protection in exchange for security,” explains Salvador Maldonado, a researcher at the College of Michoacán, specializing in violence and criminality.

Summary

Extortion networks are increasingly dominating Mexico’s organized crime landscape, challenging authorities despite governmental efforts to contain this evolving threat.

EL PAÍS English — 2025-11-04