After Resisting Narco Groups, Mexican Indigenous Towns Are Being Erased

In Alcozacán, one of the four communities attacked, people organize through regular assemblies. They do not expect much from the state, which has shown little interest in providing basic infrastructure like paved roads or health clinics.

A home in Tula, likely hit by a drone bomb, has completely collapsed, the earth around it scorched. After Los Ardillos bombed and shot at residents for four days, they burnt fields and set fire to crops, homes and community buildings.

A man stands at the door of his burned-out home in Tula, which had probably been hit by a drone bomb. In one corner of the home’s remaining walls, metal springs were all that was left of his bed. He said he is now staying with his sister.

The corn outside one home was still smoldering after an attack.

After fleeing his home, this man returned almost two weeks later to see what he could salvage, but there was nothing left. The baby goat he carries had been attacked by dogs. Another of his goats was shot by Los Ardillos.

A goat wanders amongst the burnt rubble of a destroyed home looking for food. Tula and Xicotlán were dotted with hungry goats, pigs, chickens and turkeys.

Everyday people lost their homes and animals. Farmers lost their machinery, food stocks and livelihood.

After losing their homes, residents said they want justice — for the criminals to be punished.

This municipal building in Tula was set on fire. The interior showed evidence that gasoline was used to fuel the fire.

Community police (in olive uniforms), who are not affiliated with government authorities, watch over the town of Alcozacán. One of the police officers said, “We are all scared by what has happened. We had to defend ourselves, some of us were killed. The government did nothing, they always come by later. In reality, we are discriminated against. We are forcibly disappeared. We are murdered.” Three community police officers killed in the attacks were buried on May 20.

A community assembly in Alcozacán was attended by hundreds of people. The attacks by Los Ardillos didn’t just destroy homes, they also aimed to destroy the basis of community organizing and collective defense of the land. When families abandon their lands, communities lose their capacity to resist. The roads become deserted, and the territory changes hands.

David Sanchez Luna, a community police officer speaking at an assembly on May 23, said Los Ardillos began harassing the community in 2014, demanding tributes and offering local residents trucks and weapons in exchange for being able to travel unhindered through the region. Unable to tolerate such treatment, the communities were forced to provide their own defense. “We had no choice, because we are Indigenous Nahua people, and the government never looks out for us,” he said.

Community organizing in the region involves cultural activities and workshops, including those tailored for children and older residents.

On May 23, locals marched through the streets of Alcozacán demanding an end to the attacks and punishment for those responsible for the killings and destruction. They also appealed for  paved roads, more teachers and access to healthcare.