A new study makes devastating crime behavior predictions based on patterns and last year’s data. The United States, for example, is at risk of increased violent political instability. Mexico, on the other hand, is on the list of ten conflict-stricken countries to worry about in 2020 due to a high chance of cartel insurgency.
The data, gathered by The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a non-governmental organization (NGO) which specializes in conflict data and analysis, shows that 2019 was Mexico’s most violent year yet. There were reportedly over 31,000 homicides, with gang and cartel activity against civilians responsible for a vast majority of deaths.
About 216 cartel members were captured between 2016 and 2019, according to El Economista. A significant portion are established leaders. Most notably being the third capture of Joaquín Guzman, otherwise known as El Chapo. Cartels have rapidly multiplied since then. In fact, a recent government report shows that as many as 37 cartels or criminal groups are currently operating in Mexico.
Meanwhile, this video (taken by reporter Edgar Hernández) from the Mexico-Guatemala border shows a growing flock of troops fighting *checks notes* asylum seekers.
As we reported last week, Mexico’s National Guard – initially created to fight violent crime – is largely focused on immigration prevention at the southern border now. On the weekend, a Central American caravan came face to face with thousands of troops acting on President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (and President Trump’s) command.