Under renewed pressure from the United States, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has authorized the military to intensify operations aimed at capturing top cartel leaders. This so-called 'kingpin strategy' mirrors the approach used during the Felipe Calderón administration, which was criticized for triggering a surge in violence.
Critics argue that decapitating cartel leadership often leads to bloody succession wars, increased civilian casualties, and a fragmentation of organized crime groups. Human rights organizations warn that the militarized approach risks further destabilizing regions already plagued by drug-related violence.
Supporters counter that targeted arrests are the most effective way to weaken cartels and demonstrate government control. The shift comes as the U.S. demands concrete results in the fight against fentanyl trafficking and cross-border crime.
The strategy's long-term impact remains uncertain, but initial operations have already drawn comparisons to the controversial past campaigns that failed to curb violence despite killing or capturing high-profile drug lords.