Recent efforts by the Mexican government to combat organized crime reveal a focused and ongoing campaign against drug cartels, particularly the notorious Cártel de Sinaloa. According to official reports, from the onset of the current administration in October 2024 through June 2025, authorities have detained numerous individuals linked to various factions within these organizations, signaling a concerted effort to weaken their influence.
Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, announced that more than 24,600 individuals accused of high-impact crimes have been apprehended nationwide. During the government’s daily briefings, 157 specific detentions have been detailed, with 60 connected to the Sinaloa Cartel. These detainees include members from distinct factions, such as those led by Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, son of Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, and others associated with Ismael Zambada Sicairos, known as Mayito Flaco.
He also highlighted that the security operations have targeted other criminal groups, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) with 27 arrests, the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, and the Beltrán Leyva Organization among others. Notably, the ongoing security efforts have led to the killing of key figures, such as Jorge Humberto Figueroa, alias ‘La Perris,’ in a recent federal operation.
Despite these successes, experts like Valentín Pereda, a criminologist, suggest that the long-standing history of the Sinaloa Cartel, dating back to the 1970s, makes its complete dismantling unlikely. He posits that the cartel’s deep-rooted connections with illegal markets give it resilience, regardless of current pressures.
He mentions that the government might be focusing on weakening specific factions, such as Los Chapitos, to foster stability and reduce violence in the region.
Meanwhile, reports point out that the Sinaloa Cartel has adapted by utilizing modern technology. In 2018, during investigations into Joaquín Guzmán, a hacker employed by the cartel accessed sensitive information of a FBI agent in Mexico, illustrating the evolving tactics and threats posed by organized crime groups.
Furthermore, recent high-profile arrests include Ovidio Guzmán, captured in the town of Jesús María in Culiacán after a violent confrontation that resulted in one military casualty. Authorities also report significant operations that involve intelligence-driven raids, detention of financial operatives, and disruption of supply networks.
The security landscape remains complex, with some analysts suggesting the Mexican government might be intentionally targeting one faction over another to create conditions favorable for long-term stability. García Harfuch reinforced this perspective, emphasizing that the crackdown aims not necessarily at an alliance or rivalry but at restoring order by diminishing the faction that currently fuels instability.
While many of these actions are concentrated in Sinaloa, with about 75% of detentions occurring there, efforts are also ongoing nationwide, including in states like Sonora, Baja California, Jalisco, and Chiapas. The combined military and federal police operations reflect a strategic approach to combat the pervasive influence of organized crime across the country.
As the government continues its campaign, questions remain about the long-term impacts and whether these measures will lead to a significant decline in violence or merely shifts in criminal power structures. The ongoing battle highlights the persistent challenge Mexico faces in its effort to establish peace and rule of law amidst deeply entrenched criminal networks.
To stay updated on this evolving situation, follow official briefings and investigative reports. Mexico’s security challenge is ongoing, and understanding its dynamics is crucial for assessing future progress and regional stability.
