Jalisco faces rampant cartel violence and fear

In Jalisco, Mexico, violence is a part of daily life, particularly under the influence of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The state, known for its tequila and mariachi music, is now shadowed by fear, with organized crime entrenched in many aspects of life. A recent discovery at a ranch in Teuchitlán has brought new attention to the terror associated with drug cartels. Abandoned items like shoes and clothing were found, sparking distress among families searching for missing loved ones. Many young people disappear after being lured by false job offers, only to become victims of the cartel's violent operations. The Jalisco cartel is deeply embedded in local communities, where the police often work alongside organized crime groups. In some areas, law enforcement serves little purpose beyond minor disputes. Reports suggest that local authorities may even facilitate kidnappings in service to the cartel. The implications of this situation are severe. There are over 124,000 people currently missing in Mexico, with many young individuals being forcibly recruited into the life of crime. The cartel's network extends beyond drug trafficking, affecting agriculture, tourism, and more, buying off local governance and making them a de facto power. Life in Jalisco is marked by a fear-induced silence as people avoid speaking out against the rampant violence. Recent raids have uncovered horrors, but the public remains skeptical about the authorities' ability or willingness to act against the cartel. The bodies of victims are often never identified, and unresolved cases underline a broader crisis of security and trust in the state. As the cartels continue to grow, its grip on society tightens, revealing a cycle of violence that seems unbreakable. Many young people feel trapped in this reality, where the allure of money from drug trafficking often overshadows the grim consequences of such a life.