Identifying Familiar Traces: The Pain of Families Affected by Cartel Violence in Mexico

Rubi Cruz identifies her missing husband’s belongings at a suspected cartel ranch, raising fears of forced recruitment. This incident reflects the harsh realities of cartel violence in Mexico, where over 120,000 individuals are missing and the brutal tactics of cartels compel families to confront unspeakable loss and sorrow.

Rubi Cruz has tragically identified her husband’s belongings, including a shirt and wallet, found at a suspected drug cartel recruitment ranch in Mexico. This discovery raises concerns regarding the forced recruitment tactics of cartels in a nation where over 120,000 individuals are reported missing. Her husband, Fermin Hernandez, was kidnapped in 2021 by gunmen who shot him, amplifying the fear surrounding such violent organizations.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, recognized as a terrorist organization by past governmental actions, purportedly entices individuals with false job advertisements, as stated by Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch, based on information from an arrested alleged recruiter. The cartel’s brutal operations have been made evident, as reports suggest they have taken lives of those who resisted their training or sought to escape.

The escalation of disappearances in Mexico correlates with the government’s war on drug trafficking, launched in 2006, resulting in nearly 480,000 murders. Veronica Cruz, also impacted by cartel violence, is searching for her son, Robert Reyes. He vanished a year prior after being drawn to Jalisco for a painting job, and he later communicated ominously about his forced affiliation with cartels, expressing fear for his life.

Despite the government’s efforts in dismantling social media recruitment pages, illicit job offers persist on platforms such as TikTok, further indicating the prevalence of organized crime. Young men, especially from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, become prime targets for cartels seeking manpower for their operations.

Rubi Cruz retains a glimmer of hope in finding her husband, while Veronica’s hope has diminished, yet her desire for answers remains strong. Recent mass graves uncovered in Mexico signify the alarming extent of cartel violence, highlighting the grim reality for many families as they search for their loved ones amid rampant criminality.

The grim reality of cartel violence in Mexico is underscored by the personal tragedies experienced by families like those of Rubi and Veronica Cruz. Their narratives reveal the pervasive issue of forced recruitment, the sorrow of missing persons, and the ongoing struggle against organized crime. As the search for answers continues, the disturbance caused by such violence poses significant challenges for affected communities.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com