The violence in Mexico has been an ongoing issue for many years now, and it seems to only be getting worse. A significant factor that is often overlooked in this situation is the involvement of the United States in fueling the violence. From smuggling guns into the country to money laundering, the US plays a significant role in perpetuating the violence that plagues Mexico. Unfortunately, the recent demand from former President Trump to take down notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, has only intensified the problem.
In a bold move to show his tough stance on drug cartels, Trump publicly demanded that Mexican authorities capture or kill El Mencho, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the most powerful and ruthless drug syndicates in the world. However, this demand has only put a target on the backs of Mexican citizens who are suffering daily from the consequences of this ongoing drug war. The reality is that taking down one cartel boss does not solve the deep-rooted issues that are driving the violence in Mexico.
The violent and brutal nature of Mexican drug cartels is no secret. They dominate the country’s illegal drug trade, earning billions of dollars each year and terrorizing communities with their ruthless tactics. But what is often overlooked is the role that the US plays in enabling these cartels to thrive. The majority of weapons used by these cartels come from the US, where lax gun laws allow for easy purchase and trafficking across the border. These weapons are then used to carry out gruesome acts of violence, causing devastation in Mexican communities.
Not only do US guns contribute to the violence in Mexico, but US money also plays a significant role. Drug cartels need a way to launder their vast amounts of illegal cash, and that’s where US banks come into play. The recent scandal of HSBC, one of the world’s largest banks, admitting to laundering billions of dollars for Mexican drug cartels further highlights the extent of US involvement in fueling the violence in Mexico.
Furthermore, the demand for drugs in the US is what drives the production and distribution of drugs in Mexico. The US is the largest consumer of illegal drugs in the world, and as long as there is a demand, there will be a supply. This demand for drugs creates a market for the cartels, and they will stop at nothing to meet it, leading to the violence and corruption that has plagued Mexico for decades.
The US government’s policies and actions in regards to Mexico also contribute to the current situation. The failed “war on drugs” has only resulted in more violence and has had devastating consequences for the Mexican people. In an attempt to combat drug trafficking, the US works closely with Mexican authorities, but this often leads to human rights abuses, corruption, and the displacement of innocent civilians.
Mexico needs to address its internal issues, such as corruption and poverty, to effectively tackle the drug problem. However, the US must also take responsibility for its role in perpetuating the violence. Instead of demanding the capture or killing of one cartel boss, the US should work with Mexico to address the root causes of the issue. This includes stricter gun laws, cracking down on money laundering, and reducing the demand for drugs in the US.
Additionally, the US should provide support to Mexico in building stronger institutions and addressing social and economic inequalities that fuel the drug trade. The US must also take accountability for its role in creating the current situation and provide aid to Mexico, not just in terms of military and law enforcement, but also in terms of social and economic development.
In conclusion, the demand to capture or kill El Mencho may appease the US government’s desire to show its tough stance on drug cartels, but it does little to address the deep-rooted issues causing the violence in Mexico. The reality is that the US plays a significant role in fueling this violence through the easy availability of guns, money laundering, and the demand for drugs. To truly make a positive impact, the US must take responsibility for its actions and work with Mexico to tackle the root causes of the issue. Only then can we hope to see a significant decrease in the violence that has plagued Mexico for far too long.
