MEXICO CITY, Mexico – Mexico City suffered a tragic loss with the killing of its police operations chief on Sunday, following the recent murders of an Indigenous rights defender and his family in the country. These attacks are part of a disturbing trend of violence targeting police officers, activists, and politicians across Mexico. The chief commissioner, Milton Morales Figueroa, lost his life in a cowardly attack in Coacalco, Mexico State, according to local authorities.

Morales, responsible for intelligence operations against organized crime, was fatally shot outside a poultry store as captured by security camera footage. Described as a dedicated officer involved in important investigative tasks, Morales’s death has shaken the peace and security of Mexico City, as expressed by Mayor Marti Batres on social media. His work reportedly led to the dismantling of criminal gangs in the region.

The city’s police force has been a crucial front line in combating small drug trafficking and smuggling cells affiliated with powerful drug cartels like the Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG). Known for producing and smuggling deadly fentanyl into the United States, the cartel’s activities lead to thousands of overdose deaths annually. Despite the violence against police chiefs in other Mexican states, attacks on authorities in the capital have been rare.

In a separate incident, a prominent Indigenous rights defender, Lorenzo Santos Torres, and his family were targeted in a heinous attack in Oaxaca, Mexico. Torres, known for his activism in defending the rights of Indigenous communities, was tragically killed alongside his wife and daughter when their car was ambushed and set on fire. This violent act has sparked outrage, with authorities suspecting revenge as a potential motive for the crime.

Torres had been a vocal advocate for human rights in Oaxaca, often challenging injustices perpetrated by local authorities. The activist had faced threats for his work, highlighting the risks faced by those defending marginalized communities in Mexico. The country’s long-standing issues with drug trafficking and land disputes have contributed to a climate of violence, claiming the lives of numerous human rights activists in recent years.

As Mexico grapples with ongoing violence and insecurity, the deaths of Morales and Torres serve as stark reminders of the dangers faced by those working towards justice and peace in the country. The pursuit of accountability for these senseless killings remains a critical task in the fight against organized crime and social injustices plaguing Mexican society.