Mexico's president said Monday that prosecutors were investigating officials in the city where a sign was posted thanking the drug lord – who has $15 million reward per head in the USA – for holiday gifts for children.
In the past, drug cartels in Mexico often distributed gifts or food packages to local residents during holidays to try to improve their image or gain local support. Cartels often want locals to warn them of army raids, but at the same time, gangs usually extort money from locals for protection.
Last week, videos from the town of Colcomane in the western state were released on social media Michoacanshowed the sign at the Christmas market with thanks Jalisco poster the leader Nemesio Assegera is better known by his nickname “El Mencho” — for gifts.
“The children of Coalcaman thank Mr. Nemesio Asseger and his sons, 2, 3 and Delta 1, for their noble gesture. Thank you for your gifts,” the sign reads.
A person speaking through a loudspeaker repeated the message, but it was unclear how involved local officials were in the message, aware of it, or whether they approved of it. Such fairs are often partly organized by community, neighborhood or other groups.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that local officials are being investigated for possible connections to the sign.
“Obviously, we condemn these signs,” she said. “A criminal group cannot hold a public event that promotes the acceptance of violence.”
Scheinbaum said federal prosecutors are investigating whether the city's mayor has “criminal gang ties or who put up that sign.”
Ministry of Justice
El Mencha has also been indicted in the United States, and just this month the State Department increased the reward 15 million dollars for his capture. Last month, the cartel leader's son-in-law was arrested in California after US officials said he faked his own death to “live in luxury” north of the border.
In areas of Michoacan along the border with Michoacan, dominated by the powerful Jalisco Cartel, it is not uncommon to see signs of gang control.
The cartel set up checkpoints on roads in the area and attacked its rivals with roadside bombs and drones, while donating trampolines for local children. Cartels also forced some local residents to join demonstrations against army operations.
The Mexican government's policy of not confronting the cartels has often put local officials in an uncomfortable position, having to deal with local gangs and in some cases even handing them a portion of the municipal budget.
Sometimes even local officials are involved in the murders. Just last month, there was former prosecutor and local police officer Herman Reyes arrested in connection with the terrible beheading the mayor October 6. The implication is that Reyes — who was also a former military officer who, according to his official resume, retired as a captain in the military justice system — was somehow working in cahoots with the gang.