Sun, Fun and Cartels

I really would not want to be in the Mexican town of Guadalupe right now. Why not, Because the town’s only cop has mysteriously disappeared.

Erika Gandara was kidnapped from her home on December 23^rd. Officials do not have much in they way of leads this is largely because her family did not report the crime themselves. Authorities learned of it from her friend. While this might shock some of you keep in mind one simple fact. Guadalupe is located just outside of the city of Juarez.  Juarez is known for it beautiful desert scenery, quant colonial architecture and out of control drug cartel violence.  Juarez is considered by many people to be one of the most dangerous cities in the world. In a country that is becoming one of the most dangerous in the world.

The thing that seems to be the most perplexing about this whole situation is that it started at first as an attempt to clean up the corrupt Mexican government. The drug cartels in Mexico have been operating for years. They became even more powerful after the Crackdown on the Columbian cartels took away their biggest competition. However, the cartels also had the Mexican government bought off so that they would not go after them. In return, they divided Mexico amongst themselves and agreed not to waste so much time fighting each other. That all changed however when the current President Felipe Calderon decided that it would be a good idea to crack down on the cartels. The cartels themselves however, disagreed.

For those of us living north of the border, this should be of some concern.  So far the violence of Mexico has managed to remain in Mexico but, as we all know, the border is hardly impenetrable. It shall be only a matter of time before things spread to the States and when it does, especially in Texas and California, be afraid be very afraid. Part of the major reason why states like Arizona are pushing for immigration reform is a feeling the secure borders are the only thing that can help keep this from happening.

One more thing before I leave, the city of Juarez is just on the other side of the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas.