Slaying of Mexican mayor sparks national outcry over cartel power

Los Angeles Times ^ | Nov. 9, 2025 3 AM PT | Patrick J. McDonnell

[E. Pluribus Unum]

• The assassination of Carlos Manzo, known for defying cartels, has prompted massive protests throughout the country.
• His death exposed organized crime’s dominance in the state of Michoacán.
• Since his death, many Mexicans question whether the government will ever be able to stand up to the cartels.

MEXICO CITY — Carlos Manzo blazed a maverick path as he battled both cartels and what he called skimpy federal support for his crusade against organized crime in his hometown of Uruapan, in western Mexico.

The “man with a hat,” after his signature white sombrero, was an annoyance to the power structure in Mexico City, but beloved among many constituents for his uncompromising stance against the ruthless mobs that hold sway in much of the country.

“They can kill me, they can abduct me, they can intimidate or threaten me,” the outspoken Manzo declared on social media in June. “But the people who are sick of extortion, of homicides, of car thefts — they will demand justice.”

He added, “There is an enraged tiger out there — the people of Uruapan.”

That rage was on dramatic display last week, as tens of thousands marched through the streets of Uruapan and elsewhere in violence-plagued Michoacán state to denounce the slaying of Manzo, 40. He was gunned down Nov. 1 amid a crowd of revelers, including his family, at a Day of the Dead celebration, in a killing that reverberated nationwide and beyond.

The assassinations of other public figures in recent years have also triggered outrage and dismay in the country, but Manzo’s death has unleashed something else: A divisive aftermath that has seen many questioning Mexico’s very ability to confront the rampaging cartels in places like Michoacán, where organized crime has a forceful grip on government, the economy and people’s daily lives. “This structural control...”

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TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Foreign Affairs
KEYWORDS: cartels; crime; mexico; violence

[E. Pluribus Unum]

This probably explains Claudia Sheinbaum stance on Trumps war on drug traffickers. Even the President of Mexico fears the cartels.

Mexican President Denounces War on Drugs, Killing Narcos

[antceecee]

Which is why US needs to take them out.

[paudio]

It’s time for Govts of Mexico and other Latin America countries to join hands with the Trump Admin to deal with narco-cartels.

[dinodino]

She doesn’t fear the cartels, she’s on their payroll.

[Candor7]

Spec Ops is about to have a field day in Mexico.

OPERATION CHIMMICHANGA !

[vpintheak]

But please, bellyache about Trump destroying drug boats.
Flipping idiots.