Anabel Hernández Critiques Mexico’s Response to ‘El Mayo’ Zambada’s Capture
The Mexican government should not request information from the United States about the capture of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel. Journalist Anabel Hernández stated that Mexican authorities have more questions to answer than the U.S. Hernández, known for her coverage of drug trafficking, criticized the executive branch, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, for seeking information about Zambada’s arrest almost four months after it occurred.
In her podcast, “Narcosistema,” she expressed that the government should focus on why they have not captured Zambada, instead of blaming the Americans. She emphasized that it was a mistake for Sheinbaum to ask for explanations rather than providing them herself.
Hernández also highlighted the ongoing violence in Mexico, referring to it as a “narcoinsurgency.” She urged citizens to demand an end to the violence affecting many parts of the country, especially in regions like Sinaloa and Guerrero.
How does Anabel Hernández suggest Mexico should reform its approach to drug trafficking and improve internal security?
Interview with Anabel Hernández on the Capture of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and Mexico’s Response
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Anabel. You’ve been vocal about the Mexican government’s approach regarding the capture of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada. Can you explain why you believe the Mexican authorities should not seek information from the United States?
Anabel Hernández: Absolutely. The government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, is flipping the narrative by asking for information from the U.S. instead of addressing their own failures. The real question is not how the U.S. managed to capture Zambada, but rather why the Mexican authorities, despite their resources and knowledge about these networks, have not been able to arrest him themselves. The focus should be on accountability at home.
News Directory 3: You mentioned the term “narcoinsurgency” in your recent podcast. Could you elaborate on that and its relevance to the current situation in Mexico?
Anabel Hernández: “Narcoinsurgency” refers to the pervasive and violent influence of drug cartels in Mexico, akin to an insurgency. This situation is particularly acute in regions such as Sinaloa and Guerrero, where the violence is affecting daily life. Citizens need to rise up and demand an end to this chaos. The government’s distraction with international complications only prolongs the suffering of the people.
News Directory 3: You criticized Sheinbaum’s request for explanations from the U.S. government. What are the implications of this stance for Mexico’s sovereignty and internal security?
Anabel Hernández: By shifting responsibility to the U.S., the Mexican government undermines its sovereignty and displays a lack of accountability. Sheinbaum should be focusing on strengthening our own law enforcement and judicial systems. Instead, we see a desire to deflect blame rather than confront profound issues in how our institutions operate in the face of drug cartels.
News Directory 3: Alejandro Gertz Manero confirmed that while some information about Zambada’s capture has been shared by the U.S., crucial details remain missing. What does this suggest about the nature of U.S.-Mexico cooperation in these matters?
Anabel Hernández: It indicates a deeply flawed relationship where one side has to rely on the other for critical intelligence. The U.S. may have operational capabilities that Mexico lacks, but we must develop our own strategies and capacities to deal with our situations rather than waiting for a foreign government to provide insights.
News Directory 3: With the ongoing legal proceedings against Zambada in the U.S., what should be Mexico’s next steps in addressing the issues surrounding drug trafficking?
Anabel Hernández: Mexico needs to focus on reforming its approach to drug trafficking, strengthening its institutions, and ensuring that law enforcement operates independently from cartels. The ultimate goal should be to build a secure environment for its citizens, tackling not only the symptoms of violence but the root causes of systemic corruption and poverty that allow drug trafficking to thrive.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Anabel, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. Your perspective offers much to consider regarding Mexico’s response to drug trafficking and the violence it spawns.
Recently, Sheinbaum mentioned that there is still time for the U.S. government, under President Joe Biden, to explain how the capture took place. After a report indicated that the Department of Homeland Security was involved in the operation, she pointed out the need for accountability from the U.S., not Mexico.
Alejandro Gertz Manero, head of the Attorney General’s Office, confirmed that while the U.S. has shared some information about Zambada’s capture, crucial details are still missing. The ongoing legal proceedings against Zambada are in a federal court in New York. Currently, he is held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.