The Guadalajara Reporter

Michoacan’s self-defense groups extend their reach

Michoacan is one of Mexico’s most beautiful states but increasing lawlessness is making certain regions risky to visit.

Mexican armed forces and federal police officers have increased their presence on the borders of Jalisco and Michoacan in the wake of heightened activity by “self-defense groups” and the recent discovery of a mass grave in the municipality of La Barca.

According to some reports, self-defense groups have now “taken over” the town halls of six municipalities in Michoacan, five of them bordering Jalisco – Buenavista, Tomatitlan, Tepalcatepec, Coalcoman and Chinicuila. The police departments in some of these municipalities have reportedly stood down, many of them accused of being in collusion with organized crime groups.

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