In a brave and daring act, a group of Mexican villagers took on the notorious Familia Michoacana criminal gang, resulting in the death of at least 10 gang members, including their leader “El Payaso.”
This intense gang war unfolded in early December 2023, showcasing the villagers’ determination to confront the criminal elements threatening their community.
The BBC reported on December 28, 2023, that the Mexican villagers will not face any charges, as prosecutors ruled that their actions were in self-defence. This turn of events offers a glimmer of justice for a community long plagued by the menacing activities of the Familia Michoacana.
Mexican Villages Vs Familia Michoacana
To understand the roots of this conflict, we delve into the background of the story.
The Familia Michoacana gangsters have a history of extorting money from local businesses, compelling them to pay “protection money” due to a lack of support from local law enforcement agencies.
The situation escalated when the gang started demanding “protection money” from local farmers, requiring payment for every square meter of the fields they cultivated.
Initially, the farmers complied with these demands. However, when faced with a challenging harvest, negotiations were attempted on December 7, 2023, to reduce the fees.
In a courageous move, the farmers decided to stand up to the gang and refused to pay “protection money” altogether.
According to prosecutors from the State of Mexico, where the village of Texcapilla is located, the Familia Michoacana gang initiated the violence by opening fire.
The Farmers Fought Back Familia Michoacana Gangsters
In self-defence, the farmers fought back, using the tools of their trade, including sickles, machetes, and shotguns.
The victory on that fateful day was not without consequences.
The villagers now live in fear of reprisals, especially concerning the fate of 14 individuals, including four children, who have been missing since the confrontation.
One person was reportedly abducted from a hospital while receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the fight, and nine others, including the children, disappeared during a car journey.
There are fears that they may have fallen into the hands of the Familia Michoacana gangsters.
In response to the potential threat, hundreds of National Guard members have been deployed to the area to protect the villagers.
Governor Delfina Gomez of Mexico State has reassured residents that officials will not abandon them, stating, “You are not alone; we are with you.”
Looking ahead, there is a call for the local government to take proactive measures.
Initiatives such as creating task forces with special powers and providing high-tech ammunition could be crucial in bringing the notorious gangsters to justice and ensuring the safety of citizens.
The ultimate goal is to foster an environment where every citizen feels secure, enabling them to conduct their trades peacefully and contributing to the prosperity of the community.