The Rise of TikTok Trends Glorifying Mexico's Infamous Secret Police

In Mexico, a new trend on TikTok has emerged where young people are portraying themselves as agents of the Federal Security Directorate (DFS), a secret police force notorious for its brutal tactics during the country’s “dirty war” in the 1970s. These videos often depict young men in period-appropriate attire, standing beside classic cars, and accompanied by music that evokes nostalgia for the era. The content glorifies the DFS, which was responsible for the torture, murder, and disappearance of thousands of individuals. Critics have condemned this trend, arguing that it romanticizes a violent past and undermines the collective memory of the atrocities committed by the agency.

The Guardian

Founded in 1947 under the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the DFS functioned similarly to the FBI, focusing on intelligence gathering against perceived threats to the regime. As political dissent grew in the late 1960s and early 70s, the DFS adopted increasingly brutal methods, including kidnapping and forced disappearances. Historian Sergio Aguayo notes that the agency developed a "brutal but effective strategy" to eliminate guerrilla groups, employing tactics such as “death flights,” where victims were killed and their bodies disposed of in the Pacific Ocean. The DFS was ultimately dissolved in 1985 amid scandals involving drug trafficking and violence, including the murders of journalists and DEA agents.

The Guardian

The TikTok videos have sparked a complex dialogue about contemporary Mexican culture. Irene Soria, a feminist scholar, suggests that these portrayals reflect a broader societal shift, including the rise of far-right sentiments and a backlash against the feminist movement. Soria points out that some young women are embracing traditional gender roles, akin to the “tradwife” phenomenon in the United States, which opposes modern feminist ideals. This trend may indicate a cultural resistance to feminism, with some young people positioning themselves as countercultural figures by romanticizing the DFS.

The Guardian

While some TikTok users engage with the trend, others have voiced strong opposition. Critics argue that the glorification of the DFS undermines the historical trauma associated with its actions. One user remarked, “It’s incredible to see how a trend can override collective memory. We were NOT better off before; stop romanticizing one of the institutions that has done the most damage to the country.” This backlash highlights the tension between nostalgia and the need to confront historical injustices.

The Guardian

The TikTok trend of glorifying the DFS serves as a reflection of current cultural dynamics in Mexico, intertwining nostalgia, resistance to feminism, and a complex relationship with the past. As young people navigate these themes, the discourse surrounding the DFS and its legacy continues to evolve, prompting critical conversations about memory, identity, and the implications of romanticizing a violent history.

The Guardian