Coordinated attacks across Mexico’s Tierra Caliente region from 11 to 15 July elevated La Familia Michoacana to a new level. Also known as simply, La Familia, or ‘The Family’, this former group of vigilantes has evolved into Mexico’s most unique criminal organization, one that has proven its power and influence at least within Michoacan and the neighboring states of Guerrero, Mexico and Jalisco.

Mexican analysts believe that La Familia formed in the 1980s with the stated purpose of bringing order to Michoacan, emphasizing help and protection for the poor.  In its initial incarnation, La Familia formed as a group of vigilantes, spurred to power to counter interloping kidnappers and drug dealers, who were their stated enemies.

Since then, La Familia has capitalized on its reputation, building its myth, power and reach to transition into a criminal gang itself. While doing so, it has become a powerful regional polydrug organization with its fingers in methamphetamine, marijuana and cocaine trafficking; kidnapping for ransom; and pirated CDs and DVDs - not to mention co-opting politicians and seizing political control and influence.  

“[La Familia has] grown from a group of marijuana producers and traffickers to a polydrug organization,” Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) section chief, Office of Global Enforcement, Mexico and Central America, Ralph Reyes, told ISN Security Watch.

Continue reading