From the Editors

Together with the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), the criminal grouping El Maíz has been able to control residents of the municipality of Frontera Comalapa, where there are some 3,000 displaced by the violence. Those who refuse to participate in the roadblocks are killed, disappeared, kidnapped, fined or beaten with boards, denounced inhabitants of that place, situated 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from the border with Guatemala.

“Some of those who are closing roads are transport drivers, gum sellers, shoe shiners, businessmen; everyone who seeks to earn their daily bread with the simplest work is subject to this group,” they accused.

“Under threat and fear, everyone is pressured. So is Comalapa. Those who have a conscience are few; the majority of the people of Comalapa do not participate of their own volition,” said some locals consulted on condition of anonymity.

“If the tenants of the market are told that they have to close and go to block [roads], they must obey; Otherwise, they fine them, lock them up for three days and even take away their booths,” they explained.

They said that the situation in Comalapa broke down more than two years ago, when a group of the Sinaloa cartel split and joined the CJNG. Then, they formed El Maíz, now a feared group, to form their social base through threats and pressure.

The clashes that began two years ago are the result of the Sinaloa cartel seeking to regain territory.

“They have subjected the unions of workers who sell pozol, gum, meat, tortillas, shine shoes, load cargo, etc. (only teachers and health workers have not been forced to join); From the smallest to the largest are subject to this organization, backed by four letters,” a resident revealed.

Since last Tuesday, when the most recent confrontations began, in which according to some neighbors even drones were used, the constant threat, especially through WhatsApp messages, is that they will enter the municipal seat to capture the leaders or that there will be forced recruitment.

In response, El Maíz forces citizens to block different points and confront an opposing group approaching Lajerío or some other community.

“The least that can happen to those who resist participating is that they board them: they lower their pants and with a piece of board they hit them on the buttocks until they defecate because of the pain,” a local man said.

Paralyzed Economy

Comalapa, governed by a municipal council presided over by Alejandro Mérida, is now taken over by men of the CJNG-El Maíz, which without the presence of public security forces, move through the streets at any speed in pick-up trucks, and with high-power weapons.

When they participate in confrontations they use the so-called monsters, armored vehicles with thick metal plates.

The residents of Frontera Comalapa asserted that the clashes in recent days have left an undetermined number of dead and injured from the two gangs. There have also been heavy economic losses due to the closure of shops, paralyzed transport and citizens unable to work.

Originally Published in Spanish by La Jornada, Monday, May 29, 2023, https://www.jornada.com.mx/2023/05/29/estados/030n1est and Re-Published with English interpretation by the Chiapas Support Committee