Another instance of alleged criminals being upset about the arrest of a member for engaging in dangerous activity. When will people cease to place criminal behavior above human decency? On Aug. 9, violent disturbances spread across several Mexican cities on the U.S. border.
A rumor spread to the neighboring state of Guanajuato later on Tuesday night regarding an attempt to arrest Ricardo Ruiz, or “Doble R,” a leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and other cartel leaders. It resulted in a reported violent retaliation in Guanajuato and Jalisco.
Mexican Cities Under Attack
Deputy Security Minister Ricardo Mejia told reporters that armed men launched random attacks on Thursday and Friday in Ciudad Juarez. The incident resulted in the deaths of 12 people, including two prisoners killed during a prison riot, four radio station employees, and 20 more injured during a gang riot.
Moreover, the deaths across the Rio Grande from El Paso came days after roving packs of reported criminals set dozens of shops on fire in the south and obstructed major roads in parts of Jalisco and Guanajuato. According to Baja, California, 24 vehicles had been stolen and burned at various points across the state. It includes 15 in Tijuana, three in Rosarito, and two in Mexicali, Ensenada, and Tecate.
“Let them fight it out among themselves, but leave us alone,” said resident Blanca Estela Fuentes of Tijuana. “So they kill each other, they can do whatever they want, but the public, why are we to blame?
Moreover, the gang members of CJNG also allegedly participated in fatal shootouts and attacked innocent bystanders. In addition, hundreds of businesses, including gas stations and convenience stores, were reportedly set ablaze.
Help Has Arrived
This week, many Mexican cities have been victims of alleged widespread intentional fires and shootings by drug cartels. Mexico’s citizens have every right to be upset. However, acts such as these toward innocent citizens and the destruction of cities must be condemned.
Hundreds of Mexican troops were dispatched to Ciudad Juarez after random attacks occurred on Friday to reinforce security in the area.
Around midnight after Friday’s violence in Tijuana, the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana issued a directive to its employees asking them to “shelter in place until further notice” was given.
Following the attempted capture of a regional leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the subsequent night of terror, a security alert was issued late on Tuesday night.
Violence Has Plagued Mexican Cities For Some Time
There seems to be a tendency among some people to destroy cities or neighborhoods whenever law enforcement takes action against them.
Drug cartel militia attacks have battered many Mexican cities over the past four days. In some of the country’s largest cities, criminal groups continue to cause havoc without effective government intervention. Law enforcement is running out of ideas for stopping violence, which is a worrying development.
The federal department of public safety also declared that one person was injured due to the violence. Authorities from the federal, state, and local levels were contacted. As a result, 17 suspects were detained, including seven in Tijuana, four in Rosarito, and Mexicali.
Seeking Control
According to El Pais, despite belonging to a criminal organization, most cartel members are allegedly still teenagers and young children who cannot do much due to the isolated rural setting. They are big kids living in rural areas with nothing to do.
CJNG, Carteles Unidos, and the remnants of La Familia Michoacana and Caballeros Templarios have reportedly been fighting over state control for years. Likewise, local self-defense groups have become increasingly involved in the conflict.
A horrendous situation arises when people living in poor conditions or disturbed mental states resort to violence to make themselves stronger or survive. FMHiphop sends condolences to families who have lost loved ones to these senseless acts.
Written by Nikiya Biggs
Instagram: @competent_journalist | Twitter: @BiggsNikiya
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