Just weeks into her presidency, Claudia Sheinbaum is grappling with a surge of violence across Mexico, a stark reality overshadowing her initial agenda. Inheriting a security landscape shaped by her predecessor’s controversial policies, the new president finds herself navigating a complex web of drug cartel activity and military involvement in law enforcement.
Sheinbaum, who assumed office on October 1st, initially aimed to prioritize her government’s plan for judicial reform, including the ambitious proposal to have judges elected. However, the escalating violence has thrust security issues to the forefront, demanding immediate attention and posing significant challenges to her administration.
Inherited Security Policies Under Scrutiny
The current wave of violence is seen by many as a direct consequence of the security strategy implemented by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. His administration favored a non-confrontational approach towards drug cartels, famously dubbed “hugs, not bullets.” This strategy, coupled with the increased deployment of the military for civilian law enforcement duties, has inadvertently created a power vacuum and emboldened criminal organizations, critics argue.
Early Term Marred by Violent Incidents
Sheinbaum’s first weeks in office have been marred by a series of disturbing incidents involving the military. On the very day of her inauguration, soldiers were involved in the killing of six migrants. This was followed by another tragic event just ten days later in Nuevo Laredo, a border city plagued by cartel violence, where soldiers and National Guard troops pursuing cartel suspects killed three bystanders. These incidents have sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about the rules of engagement and accountability of security forces.
Adding to the security crisis, a respected Catholic priest and activist, who had previously received threats from gangs, was murdered during Sheinbaum’s third week in office. Furthermore, a clash in Sinaloa state resulted in the deaths of 19 alleged cartel members at the hands of soldiers, without any reported injuries to the military personnel. This incident evoked grim memories of past human rights violations, including the 2014 Tlatlaya massacre, where soldiers were implicated in the extrajudicial killings of cartel suspects after their surrender.
Growing Criticism and Calls for Change
The escalating violence and the government’s response have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations. Santiago Aguirre, head of the Miguel Agustín Pro Human Rights Center, expressed deep concern, stating, “It is all very disappointing, and it looks dark for the future. Everything is breaking down, and instead of taking care of these priority issues, all the government’s political capital is being wasted on a judicial reform that will cause more problems than solutions.”
Critics argue that the focus on judicial reform, while important, distracts from the urgent need to address the root causes of violence and strengthen civilian law enforcement institutions. They point out that the core issue is not lenient judges but the systemic weakness of civilian police forces and prosecutors, leading to an alarmingly high impunity rate where over 90% of crimes go unpunished. The reliance on the military for public security, a strategy inherited from López Obrador, is seen as a short-sighted approach that neglects the long-term need for robust and accountable civilian institutions.
Sheinbaum’s Stance and the Path Forward
Despite the mounting pressure, President Sheinbaum has indicated her intention to maintain continuity with her predecessor’s policies, including the “hugs, not bullets” strategy. She has emphasized social programs, such as scholarships and job training, as key to addressing the underlying issues that drive recruitment into criminal organizations.
However, the recent surge in cartel violence, including the brazen use of car bombs in Guanajuato, presents a significant test for Sheinbaum’s administration. Military analyst Juan Ibarrola acknowledges the gravity of the situation, stating, “It is putting her and the new administration to the test.” While acknowledging the necessity of confronting heavily armed cartels, Ibarrola also highlights the ongoing challenge of finding an effective and sustainable strategy, a dilemma that has plagued successive Mexican presidencies.
Nuevo Laredo: A Microcosm of the Security Dilemma
The border city of Nuevo Laredo serves as a stark example of the complexities of Mexico’s security challenges. The heavy military presence in the region, intended to combat powerful drug cartels, has been linked to numerous incidents of civilian casualties, including the recent killings of a nurse and an eight-year-old girl by soldiers.
Raymundo Ramos, head of the Human Rights Commission of Nuevo Laredo, warns that the military’s “shoot first, ask questions later” approach, prevalent in his region, appears to be expanding nationwide. He expresses concern that the same operational orders and lack of accountability are being applied across Mexico, leading to a cycle of violence and human rights abuses.
Conclusion: Navigating a Turbulent Start
Claudia Sheinbaum’s presidency begins amidst a turbulent security landscape. The initial weeks have been dominated by the urgent need to address escalating violence, inherited security policies, and growing public concern. As Mexico’s new president navigates these complex challenges, the effectiveness of her approach and her ability to balance security concerns with human rights and long-term institutional reforms will be critical in shaping the future of the country.
