Mexico probes town for praising drug lord who gave holiday gifts to kids

In Mexico, a local town is under investigation following a public display that thanked a notorious drug lord for holiday gifts provided to children. This incident occurred in Coalcoman, a town located in the state of Michoacan, which has seen significant cartel activity. On social media, videos surfaced showing a sign at a Christmas fair that expressed gratitude to Nemesio Oseguera, also known as 'El Mencho,' leader of the powerful Jalisco cartel, for his contributions to the holiday festivities. The sign specifically mentioned the names of Oseguera and his sons, recognizing their supposed 'noble gesture'. The practice of drug cartels distributing gifts and food during festive seasons is not a new phenomenon in Mexico. These cartels aim to foster goodwill among local populations and to improve their public image, ensuring they maintain local support. By providing gifts, the cartels often seek to create a sense of obligation among residents, who may then be more inclined to report on military activities or other rival cartel movements. Conversely, these gangs usually engage in extortion against the same residents, requiring them to pay protection fees. Following the emergence of the video and public backlash, President Claudia Sheinbaum and federal prosecutors began looking into the involvement of local officials in the matter. Specifically, they aim to uncover whether the town's mayor has any connections to criminal organizations and who authorized the display of gratitude towards Oseguera. The president condemned the act, emphasizing that criminal organizations should not be allowed to stage public events that normalize violence and foster a culture of crime. In Michoacan, where the influence of the Jalisco cartel is particularly strong, incidents such as the one in Coalcoman are indicative of the complex relationship between local officials and organized crime. Over the years, cartels have taken control of various regions, often establishing their authority through intimidation and violence. They have set up checkpoints, launched drone attacks against rivals, and coerced community members into participating in demonstrations against military operations. The investigation into the Coalcoman incident underscores the challenges faced by the Mexican government in its ongoing struggle against organized crime, particularly in areas where local governance is compromised by cartel influence. Many residents are caught in a difficult position where they must navigate their relationships with both the government and local crime syndicates, often leading to a cycle of fear and compliance with criminal demands. The government’s approach of avoidant policies towards cartels has exacerbated this dilemma, compelling some local authorities to divert municipal budgets to appease these gangs.