Mexico's President Declares Drug Cartels 'Respectful' Despite Violence and Extortion

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has made controversial remarks, characterizing violent criminal gangs and drug cartels as "respectful people" who primarily target each other, not civilians. However, the reality on the ground contradicts his claims, with millions of Mexicans living in fear of cartels that engage in protection rackets, kidnappings, and murder.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has sparked outrage with his recent statements claiming that drug cartels in the country are "respectful" and primarily target each other rather than civilians. These claims fly in the face of the experiences of countless Mexicans who have suffered at the hands of these criminal organizations.

López Obrador made his remarks during his morning news briefing on Thursday, April 25th. When asked about the behavior of drug cartels in the town of Badiraguato, Sinaloa – the hometown of imprisoned drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán – López Obrador responded, "Always!" adding that "Sometimes we come upon people who are strange, but respectful."

Experts and human rights activists have condemned López Obrador's statements, arguing that they ignore the rampant violence and extortion committed by drug cartels against Mexican citizens. Thousands have been forced from their homes, businesses have been destroyed, and countless murders have occurred due to the cartels' activities. Clandestine grave sites throughout Mexico bear witness to the horrors inflicted by these criminal organizations.

López Obrador's claims that cartels do not attack ordinary citizens are particularly egregious given his own "Hugs, Not Bullets" strategy. This policy, aimed at reducing cartel violence by providing job training programs for youths, has been criticized for its failure to address the root causes of the problem.

In the past, López Obrador has also encouraged Mexicans to negotiate peace pacts among cartels, further normalizing their presence. However, experts argue that such pacts often lead to increased violence and instability.

López Obrador's statements on cartels are also part of a broader nationalistic stance. He has repeatedly rejected U.S. requests for cooperation in combating drug trafficking, asserting that Mexico must prioritize its own sovereignty.

This position has strained relations with the United States, which remains a major destination for Mexican drugs. Critics argue that López Obrador's reluctance to confront cartels has emboldened these organizations and increased the flow of illegal substances across the border.

The statements and policies of López Obrador have had a profound impact on the lives of Mexican citizens. Many live in fear of drug cartels, forced to pay protection money or risk retaliation. The violence and extortion have created a climate of insecurity and distrust, undermining the rule of law and hindering economic development.

López Obrador's characterization of drug cartels as "respectful" has been met with disbelief and outrage from victims of cartel violence. They argue that his comments trivialize their suffering and whitewash the horrors they have endured.

López Obrador has also been criticized for his apparent sympathy towards cartel members, urging the army not to attack them and referring to them as "human beings." Critics argue that this approach fails to hold criminals accountable and perpetuates the cycle of violence.

López Obrador's refusal to confront the reality of drug cartel violence has far-reaching consequences. It undermines the rule of law, empowers criminal organizations, and exacerbates the suffering of Mexican citizens. Unless these claims are challenged and effective policies implemented, the country will continue to suffer from the scourge of cartel violence.