## The Cry in Sinaloa
By TJ Gringo Staff, September 13, 2024
### A Nation in Turmoil
On September 15, 2024, Mexico celebrates its Independence Day. However, this year the country experiences a paradox: while it commemorates its independence, the Republic appears to lose it. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is expected to publish a constitutional reform in the Official Journal of the Federation, which undermines the separation of powers and diminishes the autonomy of the judiciary.
### No Festivities in Sinaloa
In Sinaloa, the Independence Day festivities have been canceled. The reason is the ongoing violent conflict between two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel: Los Mayos and Los Chapitos. The region is engulfed in a war, making sovereignty and autonomy mere concepts rather than realities.
The situation escalated on August 10 when Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada García, a cartel leader, revealed the circumstances of his capture in the United States on July 25. He was handed over by Los Chapitos. This revelation has triggered a series of violent events.
### The Fallout
El Mayo’s detention unveiled several critical issues:
1. **Judicial Response**: The Mexican Attorney General’s Office issued an arrest warrant against Joaquín Guzmán López for high treason, following Zambada’s capture.
2. **Political Maneuvering**: The governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya, saw his political adversaries taken out of the picture. Claims made by businessman Jesús Vizcarra about Rocha Moya’s whereabouts during the critical period provided the governor with an alibi.
3. **Infighting**: The betrayal led to an internecine war between Zambada’s and Guzmán’s factions, further destabilizing the region.
### A State Under Siege
The rise of violence has left the population vulnerable. Public transportation has come to a halt due to safety concerns. The Autonomous University of Sinaloa has reverted to virtual classes. Governor Rocha Moya has suspended physical classes in schools, ordering students to stay home.
### National Response
Despite the escalation, the government response has been insufficient. The Mexican President is preoccupied with his judicial reform and has not enacted effective measures to restore order. The lack of action from the authorities has allowed cartels to exert significant control over Sinaloa.
### The Ground Reality
As Los Mayos and Los Chapitos continue their fight, local law enforcement and the National Guard have been unable to contain the violence. The situation has grown dire, with daily activities crippled and residents living in constant fear of the ongoing gunfights, arson, and roadblocks.
Rather than taking concrete steps to ensure security, the President continues to boast about minimal crime rates, which contradicts the lived reality of Sinaloa’s residents.
Sinaloa is now a state where the cry for independence is overshadowed by the cries of its citizens gripped by the chilling control of narcotraffickers.
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### Secondary Article: Rising Tensions and Political Movements
#### [Related News]
#### **Constitutional Reform Sparks Controversy**
Following the announcement of the controversial constitutional reform, political opposition has grown. On September 13, 2024, the Senate declared the reform’s constitutionality despite the absence of opposition legislators. Many view this move as a threat to judicial independence and democratic balance.
#### **US Authorities Describe ‘El Mayo’ as World’s Most Significant Narco**
The U.S. government has identified El Mayo Zambada as the world’s most influential drug lord. Legal representatives insist there will be no negotiations in his case. This development adds another layer of complexity to the state of affairs in both nations.
#### **Crime Surge in Baja California**
In neighboring Baja California, local authorities are dealing with a surge in crime. Recent reports indicate four homicides in Tijuana within 24 hours, signaling that the wave of violence in Sinaloa may have broader regional implications.
### Conclusion
As the violence in Sinaloa persists and political tensions mount, the Mexican government faces immense pressure to restore order and address fundamental national issues. The situation remains fluid, and how the government handles these crises will fundamentally shape Mexico’s future trajectory.