Part 13/15:
Calderon paints a bleak picture: Mexico's government is riddled with corruption, its military compromised, and organized crime operates with near state functions—owning states, controlling regions, and intimidating or killing officials. The current era marks Mexico’s bloodiest year, surpassing past violence levels, coupled with the rise of militarized cartels posing a national security threat akin to insurgencies.
He underscores how official denial and silence hinder understanding and response. Crime scenes are often not reported or investigated due to a system that resorts to corruption, bribery, and impunity. Calderon suggests that only a formalized designation of cartels as terrorist organizations could prompt meaningful action.