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For decades, the Mexican government has struggled to figure out what to do about warring cartels.
And that’s led to a massive and mostly ignored crisis: Entire towns are being displaced by violence, leaving ghost towns behind.
The problem is so severe — and stubborn — that a recent study concluded that just between 2011 and 2017 as many as 8 million people were displaced within the country because of violence stemming from the constant battle for territory. But there are virtually no laws, programs, public policy or official government initiatives to help those displaced. And, because people flee their homes individually or in families — not in caravans — the problem has largely stayed out of the public eye.
Meanwhile, armed groups have been moving in, making many of the neighborhoods their own.
For the past year, VICE News’ Roberto Ferdman has been following the story of hundreds of displaced families, and the violent war that has destroyed their towns.
What are the consequences of the drug cartels’ operations, not only in terms of the loss of life, but also on the economic and societal stability of Mexico?
Mexico’s drug cartels have been engaged in a never-ending turf war for decades. The rivalry amongst the cartels has spilt over into the streets of Mexico, causing widespread violence and destruction. As a result, millions of people have been displaced from their homes, becoming refugees within their country. These people are stripped of their fundamental rights and freedoms, constantly living in fear of violence and persecution. This article will explore the inner workings of Mexico’s cartels, the consequences of their actions, and how this situation is affecting the country as a whole.
The root cause of the conflict is the multi-billion-dollar drug industry. Mexico’s geography, economic inequality, and weak rule of law make it a perfect place for drug cartels to prosper. The cartels use violence as a means to control territory, extort businesses, and intimidate officials into compliance. The most prominent groups include the Sinaloa, Jalisco New Generation, and Zetas cartels, all of which have been responsible for countless murders and disappearances. The cartels are organized into highly structured organizations with a clear chain of command. They employ young men to do their bidding with the promise of quick money and power. Unfortunately, the majority of these young recruits never see their families again.
The violence that follows drug-related activities has caused massive displacement and migration within Mexico. Victims flee their homes and move to other cities, states or even other countries to seek safety. They leave behind everything they own and start anew, often with limited resources to survive. The majority of these individuals are women and children who are left traumatized from the experiences they have encountered. They suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, and find it challenging to adapt to their new lives. Additionally, the displacement of people can have long-lasting effects on the economy, as communities that have lost a significant portion of their population struggle to sustain themselves.
The widespread nature of the war between the drug cartels and the government has made it difficult for the authorities to enforce justice. Corrupted police officers and local officials are complacent or members of the cartel themselves, perpetuating the cycle of violence. This lack of accountability has severely hindered the government’s ability to contain or stop the cartels from operating. As the cartels continue to make more drugs and smuggle them into the United States, the consequences are staggering. The drugs not only ruin countless lives, but the associated violence leaves entire communities in ruins.
Mexico’s drug cartels have been wreaking havoc on the country for far too long. The millions of internally displaced people are prevented from living a life of freedom and safety. Government corruption has allowed the cartels to operate with impunity, causing massive societal damage with seemingly no end in sight. It is time to address the situation head-on, rather than sweeping it under the rug or hoping it will go away. Until Mexico’s government can curb the power of these cartels, the country will continue to suffer. We must demand change, not only for the displaced people, but for the overall stability of Mexico.
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