“Would the cartels be less bold if they knew those innocent people could fire back?”
The Cartels literally have armies. They are trained soldiers, and armed as well as many national forces of countries.
ONLY a superior military force is a realistic counter to most cartels.
Add the fact that it is an army AND a mafia. If an indiviual kills/ injures a cartel member. If they find “who done it”. it is a very real likelyhood that person’s whole family will be publicly executed to send a message.
Very good points.
I suppose early on an armed citizenry could have been effective. But no longer, for the reasons you stated.