Story perspectives

El Mayo Capture Sparks 5,800 Disappearances, Murder Surge

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. authorities captured cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in Texas in July 2024.
Activists say the arrest sparked murders and disappearances that now burden ordinary communities.
Sabuesos Guerreras estimates 5,800 disappearances since July 2024 and notes homicides rose from 44 in August to 142 in September.
Former security commissioner Bernardo Leon Olea argues the kingpin approach fragments cartels, causing more violence, extortion and drug sales in neighborhoods.

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Story summary

U.S. authorities captured cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in Texas in July 2024.
Activists say the arrest sparked murders and disappearances that now burden ordinary communities.
Sabuesos Guerreras estimates 5,800 disappearances since July 2024 and notes homicides rose from 44 in August to 142 in September.
Former security commissioner Bernardo Leon Olea argues the kingpin approach fragments cartels, causing more violence, extortion and drug sales in neighborhoods.