Background on Key Figures and Relevance
The Confederation of Autonomous Workers and Employees of Mexico (CATEM) is led by Morena diputado Pedro Haces. CATEM recently addressed a statement made by Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security, regarding the criminal leader “El Limones” and his supposed connection to the union.
Pedro Haces Barba, also a leader of Morena in San Lázaro, previously denied any association between “El Limones” and CATEM. He emphasized that there has never been any link between the criminal and the confederation.
Harfuch’s Clarification on Investigation
In a press release, Secretary of Security, Public Safety and Citizen Protection (SSPPC), Omar García Harfuch, clarified that the investigation against Edgar Rodríguez Ortiz, known as “El Limones,” stems from specific extortion allegations unrelated to any union.
Harfuch further explained that the crimes attributed to “El Limones,” a suspected member of the criminal organization “Los Cabrera” affiliated with “Los Mayos” from the Pacific Cartel, include direct extortion targeting businessmen and farmers for water resources. He stressed that none of these crimes are connected to any union or political ties.
CATEM’s Response and Accusations
Pedro Haces Barba, in a social media post, confirmed that there is no relationship between “El Limones” and CATEM. He also accused the Durango state government, led by Priista Esteban Villegas, of waging a smear campaign against the union.
CATEM maintains that its official statement confirms there is no connection between the investigation and any union or political actors.
“El Limones” and His Alleged Criminal Activities
“El Limones” is accused of being part of the criminal group “Los Cabrera,” which is allied with “Los Mayos” from the Pacific Cartel. He is allegedly responsible for extorting local commerce and livestock industries in La Laguna, a region encompassing Durango and Coahuila.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is “El Limones”? A: Edgar Rodríguez Ortiz, a suspected member of the criminal organization “Los Cabrera,” affiliated with “Los Mayos” from the Pacific Cartel.
- Q: What crimes is “El Limones” accused of? A: Extortion, targeting businessmen and farmers for water resources in La Laguna, a region covering Durango and Coahuila.
- Q: Is there a connection between “El Limones” and CATEM? A: No, according to both Pedro Haces Barba and the official statement from SSPPC. There is no relationship between “El Limones” and CATEM.
- Q: Why did CATEM respond to the allegations? A: CATEM addressed the allegations to clarify that there is no connection between their organization and the investigation against “El Limones.” They also accused the Durango state government of a smear campaign against the union.
