Claudia Sheinbaum Mourns Death of National Guard Members in Michoacán Landmine Explosion

Web Editor

May 28, 2025

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Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and her Role

Claudia Sheinbaum is the current President of Mexico City, a role she has held since 2018. As the first woman to hold this position, she is responsible for overseeing the city’s government and addressing various challenges faced by its residents. Her role extends to maintaining security, ensuring public services, and promoting social development in one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas.

The Incident: Landmine Explosion in Michoacán

On the previous day, six members of Mexico’s National Guard tragically lost their lives and two others sustained injuries when a homemade landmine detonated while they were patrolling an area near the border of Jalisco and Michoacán states.

  • The victims were conducting reconnaissance missions when their armored vehicle encountered the explosion.
  • The incident took place amidst ongoing military operations targeting the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) in Santa María del Oro, where clashes with the military had already occurred over the weekend.

Sheinbaum’s Response and Relevance

President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences and solidarity with the families of those who perished, refraining from assigning blame to any criminal group without waiting for the competent authorities’ investigation.

Her response highlights the delicate balance between maintaining security and respecting due process, as well as her commitment to supporting the families affected by this tragedy.

Contextualizing the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG)

The Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) is one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations. Based in Jalisco state, the CJNG has expanded its influence across Mexico and into neighboring countries. Known for its involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and other illicit activities, the CJNG poses a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies.

In recent years, Mexican authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle the CJNG’s operations, targeting its leadership and infrastructure. These efforts have led to increased tensions and violence in regions where the cartel exerts control.

Impact on National Guard and Broader Security Efforts

The National Guard, established in 2019 as a joint effort between the Mexican military and federal police forces, aims to strengthen public security across the country. The tragic loss of these six members underscores the risks faced by law enforcement personnel in their mission to combat organized crime.

This incident may have implications for the National Guard’s recruitment and retention efforts, as well as influence public perception of its effectiveness in addressing security challenges.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Claudia Sheinbaum is the President of Mexico City, responsible for overseeing the city’s government and addressing various challenges faced by its residents.
  • What happened in Michoacán? A homemade landmine detonated while National Guard members were patrolling an area near the border of Jalisco and Michoacán, resulting in six deaths and two injuries.
  • Who is the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG)? The CJNG is a powerful and violent criminal organization based in Jalisco, Mexico. It is involved in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and other illicit activities.
  • What is the National Guard? The National Guard is a joint effort between Mexico’s military and federal police forces, established in 2019 to strengthen public security across the country.