Jack Nicas

And this is a major move that could open a new chapter of violence in Mexico.

I think one visual way to see the different approach of the Jalisco Cartel is the map of Mexico, particularly when it's overlaid with the different cartels' control.

And what you see is the Jalisco Cartel really has presence across the country, and it really has conquered almost every state it has presence in.

And there is widespread corruption within the states and local governments across their region to make sure that Jalisco can do what it wants without any questions.

It gives them resources.

It's natural for us to make the analogy that these guys are a Fortune 500 company with a diverse set of businesses, no question.

They are also, in a way—

a state actor.

They have their tentacles in the state governments and in the local governments across the country, and that allows them to really operate unbridled.

And it even means that when a hurricane hits, sometimes the Jalisco cartel are the ones providing aid because they want to generate some goodwill with constituents.

So I think it's really difficult to

understand the importance of the cartels to the economy, but also to the society.

They are a fact of daily life in Mexico.

Well, a lot of Mexicans are wondering that as well.

This certainly was a rise that wasn't just, you know, a single year.

This is something that played out over 15 or more years.

The reality is El Mencho was very elusive.

He basically, you know, according to a senior government official I just spoke to, he really basically just used human messengers.

He was not on the phone.

He did not use radio.