## Narcomantas in Culiacán Target Sheinbaum; Trump Proposes Military Action Against Cartels
On October 3, 2024, the city of Culiacán in Sinaloa, Mexico, witnessed the appearance of at least three signs, known locally as “narcomantas,” bearing messages directed towards President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. These messages accused rival criminal leaders of various crimes. The signs, placed on bridges across strategic locations like Paseo Niños Héroes and Avenida Álvaro Obregón, accused “Los Chapitos” – the sons of infamous drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán – of being responsible for crimes in the regions of Durango and Zacatecas.
The messages specifically called out the gang Los Cabrera for their alleged invasion into Sinaloa territories, particularly in the cities of Mazatlán and Culiacán, accusing them of involvement in extortion and murders. The accusations were signed by “La Chapiza,” implicating José Luis Cabrera Sarabia, aka “El JL,” and Alejandro Cabrera Sarabia, aka “El 02,” who are purportedly connected to Ismael “El Mayito Flaco” Zambada, from another notorious drug family.
On the same day, former U.S. President Donald Trump, a candidate for the Republican Party, announced a plan for military action against these cartels if he were to return to the White House in 2025. Addressing issues such as explosive devices found near the U.S.-Mexico border, Trump emphasized the need for a military response to combat the drug trafficking operations that pose a national security threat to the United States.
Trump stated, “These cartels are exceedingly wealthy and powerful, with resources rivalling small militaries. The ongoing fentanyl crisis has resulted in numerous deaths across the U.S., and this must be ended through military intervention.”
Meanwhile, J.D. Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, pointed out during a debate that Mexico’s drug cartels are largely responsible for the influx of illegal firearms into the U.S., attributing this rise to what he described as lax border control under the current administration.
### Secondary Article
## Tensions Escalate Over Border Control and Drug Trafficking
As political debates intensify over border policies, the issue of drug trafficking remains a contentious point between the United States and Mexico. Recently, numerous reports have highlighted the sophistication of cartel operations, including the deployment of signal jammers and explosive devices along the southern U.S. border. This has prompted calls for urgent action from political leaders on both sides of the border.
The Biden administration, facing pressure from both Republican and Democrat lawmakers, has committed to bolstering Border Patrol forces and utilizing advanced technology to combat illicit cross-border activities. In response, Mexico has reinforced its own military efforts in key border areas to deter cartel movements.
In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is grappling with internal violence associated with cartel conflicts. Despite measures taken to strengthen law enforcement, the complex web of cartel influence poses an ongoing challenge.
The international community watches closely, as both nations navigate this shared security threat, with potential implications for diplomatic relations and cooperative anti-trafficking initiatives in the near future.