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Scorched streets and shuttered shops mark cartel retaliation
Guadalajara remains on edge days after the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) torched dozens of vehicles in response to the death of its leader, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera. Burned-out cars and charred asphalt still line highways, a deliberate display of force by one of Mexico's most powerful criminal groups.
Government insists on calm as troops patrol
President Claudia Sheinbaum countered the cartel's message of chaos on Monday, declaring that "peace and tranquility" had returned to much of the country. She praised security forces for their response, even as convoys of soldiers and police now circle Guadalajara. For many residents, however, the heavy presence only amplifies unease.
Most businesses stayed closed Tuesday, and schools remained shuttered as families avoided the streets. The fear of further violence looms over Jalisco state, where the CJNG's influence runs deep.
A café owner's defiance amid uncertainty
Anwar Montoya, owner of the Severo café, chose to open despite the risks. "We're a new business, and I have bills to pay," he told the BBC, laughing nervously. "It was a strange, difficult day-everyone was scared. Now, some still worry about what might come next."
His decision to welcome customers appeared to resonate. The café was nearly full, with young people working on laptops or chatting quietly on the terrace. Montoya called it a "secure space" for friends and regulars.
"I don't think this is a safe place for the World Cup."
Anwar Montoya, Severo café owner
Critics slam Mexico's long-standing anti-cartel strategy
Left-wing lawmaker Mariana Casillas, a customer at the café, condemned both the cartel's violence and the government's approach. "This isn't new," she said of Mexico's drug war. "But this time, because a top capo was killed, the violence erupted more violently than usual."
Casillas argued that the government's focus on eliminating cartel leaders-rather than addressing poverty and systemic violence-has perpetuated the crisis. "Life in Mexico is treated as disposable by these groups," she said. "For over 20 years, the same script has played out: take down a leader, and chaos follows."
With over 60 funerals planned for CJNG members and National Guard troops, her warnings carry weight. Many fear the "kingpin strategy" will only fuel more bloodshed.
Experts warn of power struggles ahead
Deborah Bonello, managing editor of the crime-focused think tank Insight Crime, echoed Casillas' concerns. "Killing or capturing major leaders always triggers a violent scramble for control," she said. "You'll see factions fighting for dominance across the country."
Guadalajara, set to host World Cup matches in June-including Spain vs. Uruguay-could become a flashpoint. While President Sheinbaum assured fans on Tuesday that "all guarantees" were in place, skepticism runs deep.
World Cup overshadowed by security fears
FIFA President Gianni Infantino dismissed concerns, calling Mexico's preparations "spectacular" during a press conference in Colombia. But locals like Montoya and Casillas remain unconvinced.
"The people here don't want the World Cup," Casillas said. "They want security, clean water, and their missing relatives back." She highlighted Jalisco's dual crises: the recent explosion of violence and the ongoing epidemic of disappearances-tens of thousands since 2007, many linked to cartels.
As Guadalajara braces for international visitors, the question lingers: Can a city still reeling from cartel terror deliver a safe, celebratory tournament?
