Mexican authorities are actively promoting public relations campaigns aimed at showcasing their endeavors against organized crime, both at the state and federal levels. While officials announce significant police and military deployments and celebrate the arrests of minor offenders, the reality is that cartel leaders continue to operate largely unchallenged.
According to reports, this PR initiative has been orchestrated by Mexico’s top security official, Omar Garcia Harfuch. Historically, security officials have emphasized seizures to appease the U.S. government, especially against the backdrop of the tariff threats posed by the Trump administration, which implied a connection between the Mexican government and cartels. Recently, President Trump mentioned implementing a 30% tariff on Mexican imports, accusing Mexico of insufficient action against cartel activities.
This month, the Michoacán provincial government launched a large-scale operation known as Operation Apatzingan, designed to restore order in areas plagued by cartel violence. However, locals have indicated that despite the authorities flaunting their operations on social media, police presence is limited to urban centers. The rural areas, where the majority of the cartel’s violence occurs, remain largely unmonitored.
Reports from Michoacán suggest that cartel leaders are engaged in brutal turf wars, employing not only armed groups but also explosives and landmines that have resulted in casualties among Mexican soldiers. Despite this escalating violence, the government has yet to take significant action against high-profile cartel figures, including those affiliated with Cartel Unidos, Cartel Jalisco, and the New Generation.
Local news has highlighted that recent arrests made by state police involved significant tactical operations against individuals on a stolen motorcycle, drawing attention to the disparity between their major announcements and actual outcomes.
Moreover, Mexican officials have initiated a large operation dubbed Rebates, targeting a faction associated with the La Familia Michoacana cartel. This group has been linked to numerous local businesses and is one of the six cartels classified as foreign terrorist organizations by the Trump administration.
The operation has led to the arrest of several low-ranking members of La Familia. Authorities claim the group has coerced victims across 14 municipalities and enjoyed the backing of corrupt officials.
