Mexico Mayor's Assassination Echoes in Uruapan Amidst Ongoing Violence

In Uruapan, Mexico, Mayor Grecia Quiroz is constantly accompanied by security forces, a stark reminder of the assassination of her partner and predecessor, Carlos Manzo, nearly a year ago. Manzo, who had gained a reputation for his strong stance against cartels, was killed during Day of the Dead celebrations. His assassination has cast a shadow over the city, leaving a void in its leadership and fueling ongoing concerns about security.

Manzo was one of at least 13 mayors killed in Mexico since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office. These killings present a significant challenge for Sheinbaum's administration, particularly as the U.S. government presses Mexico to intensify its crackdown on cartels and corruption within local governments. Political violence has long been a feature of Mexico's cartel conflict, often targeting local leaders who either cooperate with or oppose criminal organizations.

In Uruapan, Manzo's killing has profoundly impacted his grassroots opposition movement, the Sombrero Movement, transforming him into a martyr. The aftermath has been marred by a contentious political dispute within Michoacan state over responsibility for his death. Simultaneously, Uruapan has seen a recent surge in violence, with some critics questioning Quiroz's effectiveness in continuing Manzo's anti-crime efforts.

Manzo was known for his direct approach to combating criminal groups and his open criticism of Mexico's ruling Morena party. His methods sometimes drew criticism for being heavy-handed, including instructing police to use lethal force and publicizing confrontations with criminals on social media. "We’re fighting to clean up this filth that’s killing us all," Manzo stated in one of his videos.

The public assassination of Manzo in the city's main plaza on a day when cartels often observe a truce shocked the nation. This event also ignited a political feud, with rival factions accusing each other of exploiting his death for political gain ahead of local elections.

Federal and state authorities have attributed Manzo's killing to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a powerful criminal organization. Quiroz, however, has pointed fingers at state officials associated with Sheinbaum's party, suggesting their long-standing conflict with Manzo and Quiroz's movement, alongside criminal groups, played a role in his death.

Authorities have detained 34 individuals in connection with Manzo's assassination, including some of his former bodyguards and members of his government accused of leaking his movements. Manzo's godson is also accused of helping to plan the assassination. The city's current secretary of welfare was recently detained on accusations of obstruction of justice and ties to alleged CJNG members involved in the killing.

Quiroz herself has faced scrutiny, including for her refusal to hand over Manzo's cellphone to prosecutors. Manzo's brother, a member of the Morena party in the state government who is now in opposition to Quiroz, has accused her of shielding individuals responsible for the murder. Quiroz has denied these allegations, stating her family was betrayed by those close to them.

The deepening political rift has coincided with an increase in violence in Uruapan. Recent incidents include the shooting deaths of two women at a taco stand, the discovery of two men tortured and burned in an avocado field, and a series of other violent crimes reported in October. In response to the escalating violence, Quiroz has requested assistance from Sheinbaum's government, emphasizing that "Uruapan deserves to live in peace."

In an effort to bolster security, state authorities deployed 200 law enforcement officers to Uruapan. Some residents, like store owner David Vázquez, report increased extortion by local mafias, forcing businesses to temporarily close. Vázquez expressed frustration with the security detail assigned to Mayor Quiroz, suggesting it protects only her and her family.

Despite the challenges, Manzo's legacy remains visible in Uruapan. Tributes to him are displayed in the plaza where he was killed, and his grave is a site of public remembrance. His headstone bears the inscription, "Not a single step backward."