Background on Carlos Manzo and His Role
Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, Mexico, was tragically killed during a public event on Saturday night. Manzo had been in office since December 2024 and was known for his active participation in local governance. As the mayor of Uruapan, a city located in the western state of Michoacán, Manzo was deeply concerned about the rising violence and criminal activities in his region.
Manzo’s Security Concerns and Requests
In September of the previous year, shortly after assuming his mayoral position, Manzo publicly expressed his worries about the escalating violence linked to criminal organizations in Uruapan. He stated, “We are all exposed, including my own life as mayor,” and emphasized his reluctance to become “just another slain mayor.” Manzo formally requested additional security support from the federal government, specifically asking for assistance with peripheral security.
Official Protection and Support
According to Omar García Harfuch, the Secretary of Public Security, Manzo had been assigned official protection since December 2024. In May of the current year, there was an additional reinforcement of 14 Guardia Nacional elements providing peripheral security support, as requested by Manzo himself.
Investigation and Context
García Harfuch mentioned that the weapon used in Manzo’s assassination is connected to two recent incidents of violence involving criminal groups operating in Michoacán. As of now, no investigative avenue has been ruled out in the ongoing probe into Manzo’s murder.
Reactions to the Assassination
President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the assassination, stating that it motivates her administration to further strengthen security strategies. She convened a meeting with her security team following Manzo’s death.
Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, the governor of Michoacán, attended Manzo’s funeral but was met with hostility from the attendees who chanted negative slogans about his security efforts.
Homero Gómez Valencia’s Statement
Homero Gómez Valencia, the son of activist and Mariposa Monarca defender Homero Gómez (also assassinated in Michoacán), expressed his grief over Manzo’s death and announced his participation in a peaceful march scheduled for November 15 in Mexico City. He honored the memories of Homero Gómez, Carlos Manzo, Bernardo Bravo, and Hipólito Mora.
Insecurity in Michoacán
Michoacán, a state comparable in size to Costa Rica with a Pacific coastline, is a significant producer of aguacates and other fruits like limes, primarily for export to the United States. The Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and La Nueva Familia Michoacana are the dominant criminal organizations operating in the region. In February of the previous year, these groups were designated as “foreign terrorist organizations” by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The assassination of Manzo occurred just days after Bernardo Bravo, a lime producer representative from Michoacán, was gunned down. Bravo had repeatedly denounced extortion against his industry and requested security for workers before his death.
