Anger and disgust in Mexico over beheading of newly sworn-in city mayor

In the aftermath of the shocking murder of Alejandro Arcos Catalán, the newly elected mayor of Chilpancingo, Mexico, the government faces a daunting challenge in tackling public security issues. This horrific event, which occurred just days after Arcos Catalán assumed office, has ignited public outrage and increased pressure on President Claudia Sheinbaum to articulate her security plans.

Alejandro Arcos Catalán was sworn in on September 30, the same day Claudia Sheinbaum made history as Mexico’s first female president. Tragically, within just a week of her inauguration, Sheinbaum confirmed the mayor’s death, telling reporters, “All the necessary investigations are taking place.”

Graphic images of Arcos Catalán’s decapitated body spread across social media, serving as a grim reminder of the rampant violence linked to organized crime in the area. His murder followed the targeted killings of two close associates: secretary Francisco Tapia was shot on October 3, and Ulises Hernández Martínez, a probable candidate for the mayor’s security chief position, was killed the evening before the inauguration.

In an interview before his untimely death, Arcos Catalán shared his hope to be remembered as a peacemaker. “I’ve lived here all my life… and it’s here that I want to die – but I want to die fighting for my city,” he said, a sentiment now overshadowed by the tragic reality.

Political leaders have responded with shock and urgency. Alejandro Moreno, president of Arcos Catalán’s party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), condemned the murder as a grotesque “act of terror.” Meanwhile, opposition senator Ricardo Anaya expressed grave concern about the escalating insecurity throughout the nation, stating, “The fact that they have decapitated the mayor of such an important city should make us shudder. We need an immediate change in security policy.”

Despite the outcry, President Sheinbaum remains committed to the “hugs, not bullets” strategy promoted by her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. During her inauguration address to thousands of supporters, she emphasized the importance of justice as the cornerstone of security and peace, dismissing the violent approaches of past administrations.

While López Obrador reported a slight decrease in murder rates towards the end of his term, many analysts agree that his initiatives failed to achieve significant change. With more than 30,000 murders recorded last year and 11 of the world’s deadliest cities located in Mexico, including Chilpancingo, the situation is grim. López Obrador left office with a 70% approval rating, largely due to his focus on addressing social inequality and poverty.

Recognition of the monumental challenge ahead compels Sheinbaum to prepare her public security strategy, especially in light of escalating violence linked to internal conflicts within the Sinaloa cartel, particularly in areas like Culiacán. Her security minister, Omar García Harfuch, who previously served as her police chief in Mexico City, brings personal insights into organized crime, having survived a 2020 assassination attempt.

The investigation into Arcos Catalán’s murder is ongoing, as local criminal groups, Los Ardillos and Los Tlacos, clash violently. Previous corruption scandals involving local politicians add to the complexities of the situation, as evidenced by Arcos Catalán’s predecessor, who was ousted after being caught in a compromising position with a member of a rival faction. After his election, Arcos Catalán pledged to reject any association with criminal organizations, a commitment that ultimately cost him his life. As Sheinbaum prepares to implement her policies, the nation continues to watch closely, hoping for a meaningful change in the ongoing fight against violence.