Military-first approaches to organized crime consistently fail and create more violence than they prevent. President Sheinbaum, who quickly promised justice would be served, uses an intelligence-focused strategy to combat complex criminal networks that can't be defeated with bombs. Effective counternarcotics requires law enforcement cooperation and social safety net programs, not heavy-handed tactics that alienate regional partners.

Mexico's cartel violence has spiraled completely out of control under the ruling leftist party's failed "hugs, not bullets" approach. Mayor Manzo repeatedly begged for protection and criticized the government's weak strategy, but officials refused adequate security. This assassination sends a clear message that soft policies embolden criminals while brave leaders pay with their lives.

Military-first approaches to organized crime consistently fail and create more violence than they prevent. President Sheinbaum, who quickly promised justice would be served, uses an intelligence-focused strategy to combat complex criminal networks that can't be defeated with bombs. Effective counternarcotics requires law enforcement cooperation and social safety net programs, not heavy-handed tactics that alienate regional partners.