Local Police in Culiacan, Mexico, Withdrawn Amid Escalating Cartel Violence and Protests for Peace

In a critical development in Culiacan, Mexico, local police have been temporarily relieved of their duties after the army seized their firearms, officials announced on Monday. This unprecedented move followed a public outcry, with approximately 1,500 residents participating in a march in Culiacan, the capital of the northern state of Sinaloa, demanding peace after weeks of intense gang violence that has claimed numerous lives in the city and its surroundings.

A Call for Peace

The residents' march on Sunday was a demonstration of their frustration and desire for tranquility in the wake of escalating cartel-related violence. Instead of enhancing the police presence in the area, Ruben Rocha, the state’s governor, announced that the entire 1,000-member municipal police force would be sidelined until the return of their weapons. In the interim, responsibility for patrolling Culiacan has been entrusted to the armed forces, state police, and the National Guard.

Seizing Weapons for Inspection

The decision to confiscate the police force's weapons for inspection, aimed at verifying permits and serial numbers, was characterized by Rocha as an "exceptional" measure. He emphasized that it was not a routine check and expressed hope for a swift resolution. This action aligns with a historical trend where the Mexican army has seized armaments of local police in instances of mistrust, whether due to suspicions of collusion with drug gangs or concerns over unregistered firearms posing challenges in tracing potential abuses.

Unprecedented Violence

The backdrop to this intervention is the intensified violence stemming from conflicts between factions of the Sinaloa cartel. The apprehension of drug lords Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López in the United States on July 25 ignited fierce power struggles, leading to devastating consequences for the local population. Gunfights erupted not only in peripheral areas but also in downtown and affluent neighborhoods, instilling fear and prompting parents to withdraw their children from schools since early September.

Disrupting Education

In response to the escalating violence, educational institutions in Culiacan have largely transitioned to online classes, prioritizing the safety of students amidst the near-daily shootings. The impact on the community has been profound, culminating in a tragic incident on Monday when gunmen assassinated the leader of the local cattle ranchers' union, Faustino Hernández, in broad daylight on a downtown street.

Demanding Action

The civic group “Culiacan Valiente,” or Brave Culiacan, mobilized residents to don white attire during the march, carrying banners emblazoned with the message “Take back our streets!” The organizers articulated their desire for a return to in-class learning but emphasized the imperative of ensuring the safety of schoolchildren as a precondition for resuming traditional education.

Confrontation Between Cartel Factions

Governor Rocha openly acknowledged the ongoing confrontation between two cartel factions, referring to them as the “Chapitos” and the “Mayitos.” He pledged to address both groups with equal determination, underscoring the commitment of the authorities to confront the conflict without bias. This conflict has manifested in macabre displays, with the “Chapitos” leaving pizzas as markers on the bodies of their adversaries, while Zambada's supporters opt for placing cowboy hats, reflecting their perceived adherence to traditional methods.

Cartel-Related Disruptions

The situation has escalated to the extent that cartel gunmen have resorted to hijacking buses and trucks, setting them ablaze to obstruct traffic on highways leading to and from Culiacan. Governor Rocha himself experienced the repercussions of such cartel blockades, finding himself ensnared in traffic for hours after returning from a meeting with outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, encountering the charred remains of a thwarted vehicle on his route.

Anticipating Action

In response to the continued disruptions, Governor Rocha announced plans to establish five “anti-blockade” squads comprising state police and soldiers to patrol highways in proximity to Culiacan. Acknowledging the limitations of these squads in preventing hijackings, he indicated their primary function would be to aid in extinguishing flames and removing wreckage from the roads.

Urgency for Resolution

The local army commander, Gen. Francisco Leana Ojeda, echoed the sentiment that an expedient resolution is desired, yet emphasized that the cessation of hostilities ultimately rests in the hands of the warring groups. The prevailing situation underscores the urgent need for effective intervention to restore peace and security to the beleaguered residents of Culiacan, as well as curtail the pervasive influence of the cartel factions that have precipitated this turmoil.