“Where there is suspicion of organized crime, the government must intervene”: Enrique de la Madrid
Enrique de la Madrid, former Secretary of Tourism, argues that the Mexican government must intervene in cases of suspected organized crime involvement by officials, reflecting on the recent arrest of Diego Rivera, the former mayor of Tequila.
Enrique de la Madrid, who previously held the position of Secretary of Tourism in Mexico, emphasizes the need for government intervention whenever there is a suspicion of organized crime associations with authorities. He cited the recent detention of Diego Rivera, the former mayor of Tequila, who was arrested for his alleged ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). De la Madrid's call for action highlights the increasing concerns surrounding the interplay between organized crime and political authority in Mexico.
He articulated that Mexico is currently experiencing a phase where organized crime has embedded itself within public life, signaling a normalization of these criminal activities. The issue transcends mere violence or drug trafficking; it has evolved into a far-reaching problem of power being seized through corrupt electoral processes and officials who not only fail to combat criminality but actively participate in it. This state of affairs suggests a significant deterioration in the rule of law and raises alarms about the integrity of Mexico's political institutions.
Moreover, De la Madrid pointed out that criminal organizations are capitalizing on the socio-economic challenges faced by young people in Mexico. These groups not only recruit from vulnerable communities but also establish a form of social legitimacy in those areas, where they often assume roles traditionally held by local governments. This alarming trend indicates a potential shift in social dynamics, as organized crime begins filling voids left by ineffective authorities, consequently undermining the government's role and contributing to a cycle of institutional corruption and social decay.