Mexican city thanks fugitive cartel leader “El Mencho” for holiday gifts to children, prompts investigation

Mexico’s president said Monday that prosecutors are investigating officials in a city where a plaque was put up to thank a drug lord. $15 million prize Head over to her in the US – for holiday season gifts for kids.

In the past, drug cartels in Mexico often distributed gifts or food packages to local people around holidays to improve their image or build local support. Cartels often want locals to alert them to army raids, but at the same time, gangs usually receive protection money from locals.

Videos posted on social media last week from Coalcoman in the western province MichoacánHe showed a sign saying thank you at the Christmas fair Jalisco poster leader Nemesio Oseguera — better known by his nickname “El Mencho” — for gifts.

“The children of Coalcoma thank Mr. Nemesio Oseguera and his sons, 2, 3 and Delta 1, for their noble gesture. Thank you for your gifts,” the plaque read.

A person who spoke on loudspeaker repeated the message, but it was unclear how much local officials were involved or aware of the message, or whether they confirmed it. Such fairs are often organized in part by civic, neighborhood, or other groups.

Local officials are investigating any possible connection to the sign, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday.

“Obviously we condemn these signs,” he said. “A criminal group cannot hold a public event to promote the acceptance of violence.”

Sheinbaum said federal prosecutors were investigating whether the mayor had “criminal gang ties or who put up the sign.”

“El Mencho” has also been indicted in the United States, and the State Department increased the reward just this month. 15 million dollars for holding. Last month, he became the son-in-law of the cartel leader Arrested in California After US officials said he faked his own death to “live a life of luxury” north of the border.

It is not uncommon to see signs of gang control in areas bordering Michoacan and dominated by the powerful Jalisco cartel.

The cartel set up checkpoints on roads in the region, attacked rivals with roadside bombs and bomb-dropping drones, while also donating trampolines for local children. Cartels have also forced some local residents to join demonstrations against army operations.

The Mexican government’s policy of not standing up to the cartels leaves local officials in the uncomfortable position of often dealing with local gangs, and in some cases even giving them a portion of the municipal budget.

Sometimes local officials are involved in such murders. Last month it was German Reyes, a former prosecutor and local police officer was arrested in connection with the terrible the beheading of the mayor On October 6. What this meant was that Reyes, who was also a retired military officer with the rank of captain in the military justice system, according to his official biography, was in cahoots with some sort of gang.