Unstoppable Cartel Violence Claims Another Mayor in Southern Mexico: Román Ruíz Bohórquez Murdered

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Southern Mexico is engulfed in a relentless wave of violence, with yet another mayor, Román Ruíz Bohórquez of Oaxaca, brutally assassinated just weeks after a fellow mayor was decapitated under similar circumstances.

This killing shines a harsh spotlight on the escalating violence that has gripped Mexico, where public officials have become prime targets for the drug cartels seeking to tighten their control over strategic territories.

The inability—or unwillingness—of the authorities to confront this crisis is drawing increasing scrutiny, particularly under the leadership of Claudia Sheinbaum, whose inaction has sparked widespread criticism.

The murder of Ruíz Bohórquez is part of a disturbing trend. Since 2006, when Mexico’s so-called “war on drugs” began, assassinations of local politicians have surged, with over 200 officials killed, according to consulting firm Etellekt. Many of these deaths are directly linked to cartels exerting dominance over key drug production and trafficking corridors.

Oaxaca, where Ruíz Bohórquez was killed, is one of the most violent regions due to its geographical importance for cartel operations. The federal government’s lack of effective control has allowed criminal organizations to operate with near impunity, terrorizing local politicians who are often forced to choose between collaborating with the cartels or risking their lives.

In this climate of fear, Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is facing sharp criticism. As a leading figure in Morena, Sheinbaum has been accused of downplaying the influence of cartels within certain factions of her party. Despite the mounting death toll, no concrete policies have been implemented to protect vulnerable public officials, leaving mayors like Ruíz Bohórquez defenseless against cartel threats.

The situation has only fueled public frustration over the government’s failure to curb cartel power. Investigations into political assassinations rarely lead to justice, with families left in the dark and criminals emboldened by the systemic impunity. Cartels, operating as shadow governments in states like Oaxaca and Guerrero, continue to impose their brutal rule, controlling everything from local economies to security, and leaving terror in their wake.

The killing of Ruíz Bohórquez is another grim reminder that Mexico’s security apparatus is failing, with the National Guard’s deployment in high-crime regions yielding little in the way of results.

Some critics argue that Sheinbaum’s government is merely reacting to violence without addressing its deeper roots, including entrenched corruption and the lack of economic opportunity that allows cartels to flourish.

As Mexico faces this deepening crisis, it is clear that stronger leadership and a decisive break from the failed strategies of the past are desperately needed.

Maria Herrera Mellado

María Herrera Mellado es una abogada de EE.UU. y licenciada en España. Doctora en Ciencias Jurídicas y Analista política. La Dra. Herrera es conocida por su amplia experiencia en análisis y consultas en el diseño de políticas públicas, propuestas de ley y gestión en relaciones internacionales.

Su reconocimiento proviene de sus contribuciones al análisis y representación legal de diversas organizaciones, empresas e individuos que han visto abusados sus derechos humanos, su privacidad o en la inclusión  de políticas efectivas fundamentalmente en el ámbito de la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas, así como la lucha contra la corrupción.

Su formación académica y experiencias profesionales la convierten en una voz respetada en el debate público y en el análisis de temas de actualidad sobre todo en los desafíos políticos y legales contemporáneos.

María Herrera Mellado is a U.S.-based attorney also licensed in Spain. She holds a PhD in Legal Sciences and is known as a media legal and policy analyst.

Dr. Herrera is recognized for her extensive experience in analyzing and consulting on public policy design, legislative proposals, and international relations management.

Her recognition stems from her contributions to the analysis and legal representation of various organizations, companies, and individuals whose human rights or privacy have been violated, or who have benefited from the inclusion of effective policies, primarily in the areas of transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption.

Her academic background and professional experience make her a respected voice in public debate and in the analysis of current issues, particularly in contemporary political and legal challenges.