Organized Crime Imposes Control in Michoacán: Grecia Quiroz

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

Grecia Quiroz, Mayor of Uruapan, denounces that organized crime in Michoacán exercises the real power, affecting merchants and transport workers.

The Mayor of Uruapan, Grecia Quiroz, asserted that in Michoacán, real power is wielded by organized crime, arguing that the daily dynamic of violence and extortion makes it evident who truly controls the territory.

In an interview with *El País*, she affirmed that the citizenry perceives this reality firsthand, noting: “If we look at the actions taking place day-to-day involving citizens—[it is] organized] crime.” She added that sectors such as merchants and transport workers continue to operate under pressure.

She explained that this situation is reflected in acts of intimidation, stating: “When the butcher, the tortilla maker, the taxi driver, or the minibus operator report that they continue to be extorted, abducted, or intimidated, you realize that *they* are indeed organized—and *we* are not.”

The municipal president warned that the problem is exacerbated when ties exist between authorities and criminal elements, declaring:

“The moment a mayor, a governor, or a legislator has links to organized crime, that is when support for the citizenry ends; you are no longer the one governing—*they* govern through you.”

In this context, she rejected any form of agreement with criminal groups, emphasizing: “I do not need them to act as my patrons, nor to fund my campaign; I never want to make a pact with these kinds of people.” She also called for the necessary conditions to be established so she could properly carry out her public duties.

Doubts the progress made in Carlos Manzo case

Six months after the assassination of her husband—former mayor Carlos Manzo—his widow maintained that the investigations have failed to shed light on the facts, stating: “They have not gotten to the bottom of it.” She raised the possibility of a political motive, noting: “Carlos was going to be the governor of Michoacán; there are reasons to believe they wanted to get him out of the way.” She also referred to specific political figures who, she stated, ought to be investigated.

She also questioned the conduct of the authorities, declaring: “I do not see the authorities giving this the necessary attention,” and called for the investigations to be deepened.

**Grief and Security Conditions**

The mayor described the personal impact of the crime, noting: “My life has changed completely; not a single thing remains the same.”

She indicated that fear has become a part of her daily reality, stating: “I think about what would happen if the same thing happened to me—my children would be left adrift.” Nevertheless, she maintained that she would continue her public service.

Regarding her personal grieving process, she acknowledged that she has not been able to pause and process it, saying: “There hasn’t been any time to fully assimilate it.”

**Strategy Against Violence**

Quiroz explained that her approach to combating crime has defined limits, stating: “I am not going to go up into the hills—as Carlos used to do—to uncover clandestine labs or weapons caches.”

She noted that she would opt for institutional reporting rather than direct confrontation, declaring: “Of course [I will take action], but I am not going to confront them directly; I am the only thing my children have left.”

She acknowledged the presence of federal forces in the area, though she maintained that the perception of insecurity persists within the municipality.

**Political Ambitions**

The municipal president confirmed her intention to seek the governorship, stating: “Yes, I am ready.”

She asserted that her political project offers a distinct alternative, noting that “Michoacán needs something different,” and linked her aspiration to the growth of the *Movimiento del Sombrero* (The Hat Movement).

Finally, she made her participation contingent upon personal factors, declaring: “May God grant me life; if God grants me life, we will fight the battle.”

Sources: Contra Muro, Borderland Beat Archives