A Mayor's Fight and Mexico's Struggle with Crime

Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, was known for his bold stance against organized crime. He often spoke out about the dangers he faced, even wearing a bulletproof vest in public. Sadly, his concerns proved valid when he was shot during a Day of the Dead festival in the city center. President Claudia Sheinbaum responded quickly, calling an emergency meeting and condemning the "vile" assassination. She promised justice and a commitment to peace and security. Meanwhile, a march was organized in Morelia to demand an end to violence and corruption. Manzo was one of the few independent politicians in Mexico. Since taking office in September 2024, he had repeatedly asked the federal government for more support in fighting organized crime. He feared for his life and did not want to become just another statistic. Uruapan, known as Mexico's avocado capital, has seen rapid growth in its avocado industry due to high demand from the U. S. This growth has also made it a target for criminal groups. Manzo highlighted the importance of Uruapan in the context of Mexico's trade deal with the U. S. and Canada. Security Minister Omar Harfuch revealed that Manzo had been under federal protection since December 2024, with 14 National Guard troops assigned to his security. Despite this, the attackers managed to strike during a public event. Harfuch assured that there would be no impunity for the crime. The U. S. also condemned the killing, with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau offering support to deepen security cooperation. The tragic event highlights the ongoing struggle against organized crime in Mexico and the risks faced by those who stand up to it.