The Decibel Mexico’s uneasy balance of power between cartels and government
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Feb 25, 2026 David Agren, a freelance journalist who has covered Mexico since 2005, provides context on cartels and security. He discusses the nationwide violence after El Mencho's death. He explains why tourist areas often remain intact. He traces cartel origins, the effects of killing bosses, and how U.S. demand and pressure shape Mexican policy.
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Guadalajara's Cultural Charm Beside Cartel Influence
- David Agren recalled Guadalajara as a pleasant, culturally rich city that nonetheless harbors deep cartel influence and longtime local infiltration.
- He gave examples: mariachi and tequila tourism coexisting with cartel killings of officials and infiltration of local politics.
How Jalisco New Generation Grew Through Violence And Diversification
- The Jalisco New Generation Cartel evolved from a split with the Sinaloa cartel and expanded via extreme violence and diversified criminal enterprises.
- David Agren listed methods: shooting down a helicopter, landmines, drone bombs, call-center recruitments and timeshare scams tied to fentanyl and meth supply chains.
Cartels Infiltrate Local Governments And Public Security
- The cartel has deeply corrupted local and state institutions, placing allied figures in police and municipal roles.
- Agren cited leaked military intelligence about a former interior minister appointing an affiliate as state police chief and a mayor accused of extorting Jose Cuervo distillers.