In the early hours of Monday, an armed group opened fire on six people in the streets of San Miguel Mixquic, Tláhuac, a rural district in the southeastern part of Mexico City. The attack resulted in five fatalities, including three men and two women, while a 20-year-old man sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
According to the Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC), the assailants arrived in a white Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and began shooting without warning at the group gathered on Independencia and Reyna Xóchitl streets. Witnesses reported that the gunmen fired indiscriminately before fleeing the scene.
Police Investigate Possible Gang Involvement
The nature of the attack has raised concerns about organized crime activity in Tláhuac. Authorities are working to determine whether the Cártel de Tláhuac, Los Rodolfos, or Los Molina—the three dominant criminal organizations in the area—are linked to the shooting.
As part of the investigation, Mexico City’s C2 Oriente and C5 command centers are analyzing surveillance footage to track the suspects’ movements. The Toyota Tacoma used in the attack has been identified through video analysis, and authorities believe the perpetrators were carrying both long-range and short-range firearms.
The Ongoing Presence of Criminal Groups in Tláhuac
Tláhuac has long been a hotspot for criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crime. According to the Fiscalía General de Justicia de la Ciudad de México (FGJCDMX), at least seven criminal groups operate within Mexico City, with three major factions controlling illicit activities in Tláhuac:
- Cártel de Tláhuac – Known for drug distribution and violent enforcement tactics.
- Los Rodolfos – Involved in homicide, drug sales, and territorial disputes.
- Los Molina – Engaged in extortion and organized theft operations.
In late 2024, the SSC and federal security agencies arrested five members of the Cártel de Tláhuac, seizing 50 packets of cocaine, 60 bags of marijuana, firearms, and digital scales. However, despite these arrests, violence continues to disrupt the region.
Residents Fear Rising Violence in the Area
For years, residents of Tláhuac have voiced concerns over escalating cartel violence and public safety issues. Many fear that retaliation attacks and ongoing power struggles between criminal groups will continue to put innocent people at risk.
Local businesses and community leaders have called for increased police presence and federal intervention to curb organized crime activities. While authorities have stepped up security efforts, the latest attack underscores the persistent challenges in maintaining law and order in one of Mexico City’s most vulnerable districts.
What Comes Next?
As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on:
- Tracking the Toyota Tacoma and identifying the gunmen.
- Reviewing security footage from nearby surveillance cameras.
- Determining any direct links between the attack and criminal organizations.
- Strengthening security in high-risk areas to prevent further violence.
While Mexico City’s government has made efforts to dismantle organized crime networks, incidents like the San Miguel Mixquic shooting highlight the ongoing challenges in combating cartel influence within urban and rural districts alike.
For now, the people of Tláhuac await justice, hoping for a resolution that brings both accountability and long-term security to their community.
