The tragic deaths of two young brothers have ignited widespread protests in Culiacan, Mexico, as citizens demand an end to cartel violence.
Families, including mothers with their kids in school uniforms, joined the march, calling for an end to the ongoing cartel chaos. They held up signs with heartfelt messages like “I want to live, not survive.”
Things got heated when some protesters stormed the governor’s office, demanding his resignation. The governor, Rubén Rocha, has struggled to keep the violence in check, even with troops deployed.
The brothers, Gael and Alexander Sarmiento, were just 12 and 9 years old. They were shot along with their dad when armed men tried to steal their car. It’s heartbreaking, and the community is reeling.
This protest was organized by the boys’ school, and it really showed how fed up people are with the violence that’s been plaguing Culiacan. The city has been a battleground for rival cartel factions, especially after some big arrests last year.
Just the other day, there was an explosion at a supermarket that damaged a memorial for another cartel figure. It’s a tough situation, with bodies turning up all over the place, often in gruesome ways.
The violence has been a major challenge for President Claudia Sheinbaum since she took office. She’s under pressure to tackle the drug trade, especially with fentanyl smuggling being a hot topic.
The outrage over the brothers’ deaths has really struck a chord online, leading to a more emotional protest than usual. People are waking up to the reality of their situation, and it’s clear they’re done staying silent.