Mexico Cartel Violence Displaces Tula Residents

A severe crisis of internal displacement is unfolding in Tula, Mexico, and surrounding areas due to escalating cartel violence, primarily driven by the group Los Ardillos. Residents like María Cabrera are forced to flee their homes after drone attacks, gunfire, and widespread destruction. While local human rights groups like Indigenous and People s Council of Guerrero-Emiliano Zapata estimate hundreds of people displaced and several deaths, the government of Mexico, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, reports significantly lower figures and is criticized for downplaying the crisis. The Universidad Iberoamericana has also documented a rising trend in forced displacements, contradicting the government's claims of security improvements. This situation highlights a humanitarian crisis with long-term consequences and a lack of official support for the displaced.