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Sheinbaum Rejects Drug War After Mayor's Assassination

11/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected a renewed "war on drugs" after the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, during a Day of the Dead celebration.
Sheinbaum condemned the killing as "vile" and vowed to find the perpetrators.
Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, had advocated a tougher stance against cartels.
Manzo was shot multiple times, prompting protests over perceived leniency toward crime.

History

Historical Context

In December 2006, Mexican President Felipe Calderón initiated a military offensive against drug cartels, marking the start of the Mexican drug war. This aggressive strategy, which involved over 45,000 troops by 2008, aimed to dismantle powerful organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel. The recent assassination of Uruapan's mayor underscores ongoing violence, prompting leaders like Claudia Sheinbaum to reconsider the "war on drugs" approach.

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Story summary

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected a renewed "war on drugs" after the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, during a Day of the Dead celebration.
Sheinbaum condemned the killing as "vile" and vowed to find the perpetrators.
Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, had advocated a tougher stance against cartels.
Manzo was shot multiple times, prompting protests over perceived leniency toward crime.

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