By Natalia Rueda 
The escalating violence caused by Mexico’s drug cartels has become a daily nightmare for the country’s citizens, instilling fear and hopelessness. Every day, media headlines are filled with grim reports of dead bodies found in the streets, acts of retaliation and a general sense of terror that has gripped Mexican territory. However, this devastating reality is no mere coincidence, but the result of long-standing and deep-seated systemic violence that has seeped into the country’s social fabric.
Acapulco, once a vibrant and popular tourist destination, has now become a bloody battleground for various drug cartels vying for power and control. The recent discovery of ten bodies found in different parts of the city is a chilling confirmation of the violence that has taken over the city. According to official reports, six of these bodies were thrown from a car near a market. This alarming statistic is just a sample of the broader picture, as the state of Guerrero, where Acapulco is located, registered a staggering 1,890 homicides in 2023, the majority of which are attributed to criminal organizations. The situation only appears to be getting worse, as the first four months of this year have already seen 539 deaths in the state.
One of the main factors contributing to this increase in violence is the ongoing feud between two of Mexico’s largest and most powerful criminal gangs, the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel. Their struggle for territory and control has had a devastating impact on the country’s security and stability.
As Mexico prepares for the June 2 presidential election, security has become a major focal point. The leading candidate, Claudia Sheinbaum, has promised to prioritize the fight against violence and insecurity. However, this issue cannot be solved by military intervention alone. The root causes of violence in Mexico are deeply intertwined with issues of inequality, poverty, corruption and a weak justice system. To effectively address and combat this problem, it is imperative that the government adopt comprehensive and sustainable measures.
In addition, it is also crucial that the international community, especially the United States, as the main consumer of drugs, play a supportive and cooperative role with Mexico in its fight against drug cartels. The issue of narco-violence in Mexico is a shared one that requires solidarity and collaboration among nations. In conclusion, Mexican society lives in a state of constant mourning and it is time for the government and the international community to take decisive action to address this urgent and devastating crisis.