On the Eve of Sheinbaum’s New Security Policy, Mexico Grapples with Latest Attacks

By Cassandra Garrison and Diego Oré

MEXICO CITY – President Claudia Sheinbaum is set to unveil her plan to tackle Mexico’s pressing security challenges on Tuesday. This announcement follows a wave of shocking violence, including the recent murder of a local mayor that has reverberated throughout the nation.

Less than a week into her presidency—the first woman to hold the position—Sheinbaum is expected to propose strategies aimed at restoring law and order in regions historically plagued by drug cartels and organized crime.

Her forthcoming security initiative comes in light of the brutal killing of Alejandro Arcos, the mayor of Chilpancingo in the violence-stricken state of Guerrero. Arcos was assassinated merely six days after assuming office, with disturbing images circulating on social media and in the press showing a severed head believed to be his placed on a pick-up truck.

The first phase of Sheinbaum’s strategy will focus on reducing homicides and other severe crimes in ten regions responsible for a significant portion of violence linked to organized crime. This will include major cities such as Colima, Tijuana, Acapulco, and Celaya, as confirmed by a member of Sheinbaum’s security team who requested anonymity.

Additionally, the southern state of Chiapas, a key migration route plagued by cartel conflicts, will be targeted for ongoing security measures and programs designed to promote peace.

This situation presents an opportunity for Sheinbaum to distinguish her approach from that of her predecessor, former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, whose "hugs not bullets" strategy faced allegations of enabling the growth of criminal organizations.

Sheinbaum announced during her morning news briefing that an investigation is underway regarding Arcos’ murder to determine the motive and execute necessary arrests. She also expressed the importance of improved coordination between state governors and attorneys general, with the possibility of deploying the National Guard to affected areas.

Political candidates and officials in Mexico face significant dangers, routinely becoming targets of organized crime. The recent elections that brought Sheinbaum to power were particularly deadly, with 37 candidates assassinated in the lead-up to the June 2 vote, many of these killings occurring in public settings.

Such homicides typically go unsolved, contributing to a broader pattern of impunity in Mexico. Experts emphasize that for candidates to be protected, it is vital to strengthen institutions to ensure accountability for these crimes.

To genuinely reduce the influence of drug cartels, the new administration will need to prioritize the arrest and prosecution of high-ranking cartel members. This mirrors trends observed in the U.S. mafia’s decline during the late 20th century, following a series of significant incarcerations and long sentences.

However, Mexico faces challenges in implementing an effective crackdown, hampered by resource shortages and corruption within law enforcement and military ranks. Most law enforcement activities take place at the state level, complicating efforts to standardize police practices.

Sheinbaum’s administration will require substantial budget increases, with security spending needing to rise significantly from its current allocation, according to public safety analysts.

Additionally, the timing and manner in which her security plan is executed will require careful consideration. Past high-profile arrests of drug lords have frequently led to escalated violence, making it critical for the government to launch operations strategically to minimize backlash.

For instance, the arrest of influential Sinaloa trafficker Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada in the U.S. contributed to violent clashes in the city of Culiacan, leading to over 150 fatalities as rival factions fought for control.

This ongoing violence has sparked public protests calling for greater action from officials to ensure citizens’ safety. "Here we see that organized crime is above the government. It is controlling the government and not the government controlling crime," stated a protestor in Culiacan, reflecting the urgent need for effective governance in the face of rampant criminality.