I’m starting to think this wasn’t a cartel hit at all. Or if it was it was a for hire hit.
The Lebarons have also opposed the cartels, and refused to pay ransom when a cartel kidnapped a 17 y.o. boy 10 years ago. Although he was released, a brother was murdered in retaliation.
They are also in contention with locals over water rights.
As for their relationship with state and federale government and factions thereof, who knows?