How a Priest in Mexico Resists the CJNG’s Incursions

In Mexico's hotly contested Tierra Caliente region, one priest is caught between the CJNG and a smattering of violent criminal groups.

CJNG Control of Illegal Mining in Michoacán, Mexico, Claiming Indigenous Lives

With cartels like the CJNG muscling in on illegal mining in Michoacán, Mexico, Indigenous community members continue to suffer.

The Next Generation of Criminal Groups Driving Violence in Mexico

Mexico's process of criminal fragmentation has been a slow burn. Many of the country's mightiest criminal groups have been unable to stay united, either due to internal strife, incursions from…

A Guatemala Arrest, a US Indictment, and a Mexico Attack

Following the arrest of a former Mexican mayor in Guatemala, US prosecutors unveiled an indictment against him and criminal rivals allegedly attacked the town he once ruled.

Worth Its Weight In Gold: New Unit Combats Mine Heists In Mexico

Six months after a sophisticated robbery where gunmen hijacked gold and silver bars being loaded onto a plane in Mexico, the government has stood up a specialized force to secure…

The Life and Death of a Mexican Hitman

It’s 7 pm on a Sunday, and night is falling in this Michoacán town. The heat of the day is past, and there’s a pleasant breeze. The first visitors to…

Mexico Arrests Knights Templar Leader, Cementing Group's Demise

Authorities in Mexico have arrested one of the last main leaders of the Knights Templar crime group, likely leaving the organization's already debilitated leadership in further disarray and raising…

Praying for Death: Blood Sacrifice and Organized Crime in Latin America

A new collection of essays tackles patterns of cultish behavior and ritualized violence among illegal groups across the globe, from the Zetas and the Familia Michoacana to Al Qaeda and…

How the MS13 Got Its Foothold in Transnational Drug Trafficking

Throughout the continent, the debate on whether or not the Mara Salvatrucha (MS13) gang is working with or for drug traffickers continues. In this investigation, journalist Carlos García tells the…

Helicopter Shoot-Down Could Signal Resurgence of Mexico Cartel

The recent downing of a government helicopter in Michoacán, Mexico could signal the re-emergence of what was once one of the country's most powerful criminal groups.

Municipal Murders Highlight Local Corruption in Mexico

A mayor and four municipal police officers were arrested for the grisly murder of 10 people in Mexico's turbulent state of Michoacán, an event that could prompt debate over the…

'New' Vigilante Groups Keep a Violent Tradition Alive in Michoacán

The appearance of new and recycled armed groups whose motives are as questionable as their video-making credentials is the latest manifestation of Michoacán's continued decent into nebulous criminal-vigilante territory.