By Ricardo Lezama 
A Surprising Jailbreak
In a decidedly delicate situation that has kicked up a whirlwind of controversy, Luis Antonio Yépez, the son of José Antonio Yépez Ortiz, notoriously known as ‘El Marro’, and two other members of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel secured their swift release from detainment. This came after a Querétaro judge’s abrupt order, according to Rosa Icela Rodríguez, the Security and Citizen Protection Secretary.
Rosa Icela Rodríguez informa que ayer un juez de Querétaro determinó la “libertad inmediata” de tres integrantes del Cártel de Santa Rosa de Lima, incluyendo al hijo de “El Marro”. pic.twitter.com/J73zr5arg4
— JorgeArmandoRocha (@JorgeArmandoR_) June 19, 2024
Criticisms Mount
Many people on Twitter/X thought to remind the general public that the incident for which El Marro’s son, el “Monedas”, was captured was indeed serious. The crimes included weapons possession, organized crime charges and drug trafficking.
The inexplicable decision to release these reputed cartel members, including ‘El Marro’s’ son, who was only arrested in January, has sparked an outpouring of dismay. Critics contend that this may hint at corruption within the judiciary, voicing concerns about ‘flaws in the due process’ and the possible influence of the cartel.
The Bigger Picture
The chaos unleashed between members of rival cartels has led to many prominent killings. Those killing often involve innocent bystanders. In one case, a concubine of “El Marro” was abducted and killed in Celaya, Mx.
Kathryn Alitz Bolaños Rojas levantada por Sicarios en Celaya, era una de las novias de José Antonio Yépez Ortiz "El Marro" líder del Cártel de Santa Rosa de Lima CSRL (Información en el enlace) https://t.co/krLDQJdLAJ pic.twitter.com/WS8IJ9bT4F
— Blog del Narco México (@blogdelnarcomex) June 19, 2024
The alleged underpinnings of the decision throw into stark relief the challenges Mexico faces in its ongoing war against drug cartels. These events bring urgent calls for reform within the judiciary, spotlighting the risk of corruption amongst officials and underscoring the complexity of Mexico’s struggle against organized crime.