Two Massacres in Two Months: Tabasco’s Prison Crisis Deepens
The Social Reintegration Center of the State of Tabasco (CREST) in Villahermosa has once again become the epicenter of violence, with a new shooting between rival gangs leaving seven prisoners dead. This tragedy comes just two months after a December riot that also claimed seven lives and left a dozen injured, casting a harsh spotlight on the prison’s management and the escalating violence in the region.
The December riot, which saw flames engulf the prison and chaos spill into the streets, was marked by extreme violence. Outside the facility, cars and shops burned as police armed with tear gas tanks struggled to restore order. Relatives of inmates gathered at the prison gates, demanding answers as sporadic videos from inside the facility revealed scenes of chaos, flames, and desperate cries for help. In one recording, an inmate identified as “the general corporal of the patio” declared, “They are killing all the people.”
The causes of the latest shooting remain unclear. The State Prosecutor’s Office has issued a brief statement, confirming only that an investigation is underway and that it is “working in coordination with the Tabasco security table.” This lack of transparency has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which have long raised concerns about conditions at CREST.
In December, the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) publicly called on the Tabasco government to “guarantee the security and well-being of persons deprived of liberty in the CREST.” However, this plea appears to have fallen on deaf ears. As far back as 2021, the State Commission of Human Rights of Tabasco accused prison management of allowing “alleged human rights violations” by public servants attached to the facility.
The recurring violence at CREST is emblematic of a broader crisis in Tabasco,where the state government is grappling with a surge in violence that mirrors the instability consuming neighboring chiapas and other regions of Mexico.
Key Events at CREST
Table of Contents
- Tabasco in Turmoil: A Surge of Violence Grips the Mexican State
- Interview: Unraveling Tabasco’s Crisis and the Role of Organized Crime
-
- Q: can you provide an overview of the current crisis in Tabasco?
- Q: How has the government responded to the crisis?
- Q: What role does political accountability play in this crisis?
- Q: what are the broader implications of this crisis for Mexico?
- Q: What can be done to restore stability in Tabasco?
- Conclusion
-
| Date | Incident | Casualties |
|—————–|—————————————|———————-|
| December 2024 | Riot and fire | 7 dead,12 injured |
| February 2025 | Shooting between rival gangs | 7 dead |
The December riot was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of neglect and mismanagement. On November 20,a important police operation had been conducted,yet it failed to prevent the subsequent outbreak of violence.
As the tabasco government faces mounting pressure to address the crisis, the families of inmates continue to demand accountability and transparency. the repeated tragedies at CREST underscore the urgent need for systemic reform to ensure the safety and dignity of those within its walls.
For now, the people of Tabasco are left to wonder if the latest massacre will finally spur action—or if it will be just another chapter in a long history of neglect.
Tabasco in Turmoil: A Surge of Violence Grips the Mexican State
Tabasco,once a relatively peaceful state in southeastern Mexico,is now grappling with an alarming surge in violence,as organized crime tightens its grip on the region.From deadly bar shootings to prison riots and political tensions,the state is witnessing a wave of bloodshed that has left its residents in fear.
A String of Brutal Attacks
On January 5,known as the Night of Kings,a group of armed men stormed La Casita Azul Bar in villahermosa,leaving seven dead and five wounded. The prosecution labeled the establishment a “clandestine bar” but provided no further details on the motive behind the attack. This incident followed a similar massacre in November, where six people were killed in another villahermosa bar.
The violence extends beyond bars. Seven dismembered bodies were discovered on a road between the capital and Teapa, while three more were found in a cemetery in Nacajuca, just 30 kilometers from Villahermosa. These gruesome discoveries underscore the escalating brutality of organized crime in the region.
Targeting Law Enforcement and Journalism
The murder of two police officers, including José Carmen N., former director of the Tabasco Investigation Agency, and the killing of journalist Alejandro Gallegos, further highlight the audacity of criminal groups. Gallegos’ death, in particular, sends a chilling message about the dangers faced by those who dare to report on crime in Tabasco.
Prison chaos and Criminal Control
The state’s prisons have also become battlegrounds. In December, a riot at the Centro de Reinserción Social (Crest) left seven inmates dead. This followed an earlier incident where inmates attempted to start a riot by burning garbage,creating a column of black smoke visible from outside the prison.
The prison’s former director, Juan Manuel Arteaga, resigned shortly after a car containing the body of a kidnapped guard was left at the prison gates. A threatening message accused Arteaga of introducing drugs into the facility.His successor,Enrique Díaz Álvarez,has as faced two killings within two months of his appointment,fueling suspicions that organized crime now controls Crest.
Political Tensions and Old Wounds
The violence has spilled into the political arena, with tensions rising between Governor Carlos Manuel Merino Campos and former governor Adán Augusto López. The clash is rooted in longstanding political rivalries and the growing influence of drug cartels in the state.
A State Under Siege
Tabasco’s descent into chaos contrasts sharply with its past. While neighboring states like Chiapas and Veracruz have long struggled with violence, Tabasco had remained relatively unscathed—until now. The recent wave of attacks suggests that organized crime has set its sights on the state, turning it into a new battleground.
Key Incidents in Tabasco’s Violence
| Date | Incident | Casualties |
|——————-|—————————————————————————–|————————-|
| November 2024 | Massacre at a Villahermosa bar | 6 dead |
| January 5, 2025 | Attack on la Casita Azul Bar | 7 dead, 5 wounded |
| December 2024 | Riot at Crest prison | 7 dead |
| January 2025 | Murder of journalist Alejandro Gallegos | 1 dead |
The road Ahead
As Tabasco grapples with this surge in violence, the state’s residents are left wondering if and when the tide will turn. The government’s response—or lack thereof—will be crucial in determining whether Tabasco can reclaim its peace or if it will continue to spiral into chaos.
For now, the people of Tabasco remain on edge, hoping for a resolution to the violence that has turned their once-tranquil state into a hotbed of crime and fear.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Tabasco and other regions affected by organized crime by following our ongoing coverage.Chaos in Tabasco: Violence Escalates After Capture of La Barredora Leader
The arrest of Carlos Tomás “N,” known as El Tomasín, a key leader of the notorious La Barredora criminal group, has plunged the Mexican state of Tabasco into chaos. The aftermath of his capture saw a wave of violence in Villahermosa, including shootings, fires, and the revelation of abandoned corpses bearing signs of torture and threatening messages.
The situation escalated further when the jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG) distributed roscas de reyes (traditional Three Kings Day bread) and gifts in several communities across the state. This surreal act, captured on mobile phones and shared online, added a macabre twist to the already tense atmosphere. The images reportedly reached the National Palace, prompting President Claudia Sheinbaum to deploy 180 agents from the Secretariat of Defense and the National Guard to Tabasco on January 15.
However,the effectiveness of this mission has been called into question following a repeated massacre in Crest. The violence has raised concerns about the government’s ability to curb the escalating power of organized crime in the region.
Political Accusations Amid the Crisis
Javier May, a prominent figure in the ruling party, has accused Adam Augusto López, his predecessor and a heavyweight in the party, of allowing La Barredora to operate unchecked during his tenure. These allegations have added a political dimension to the crisis,highlighting the deep-rooted challenges in addressing organized crime in Tabasco.
Key Events in Tabasco’s Crisis
| Event | Details |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Capture of El Tomasín | Carlos Tomás “N,” leader of La Barredora, arrested, triggering violence. |
| Surreal CJNG Act | CJNG distributed roscas de reyes and gifts in Tabasco communities. |
| Government Response | 180 agents deployed to Tabasco to restore order. |
| Political Accusations | Javier May accuses Adam Augusto López of enabling La Barredora. |
A State in Turmoil
The violence in Tabasco underscores the complex interplay between organized crime and political accountability. As the government struggles to restore order, the people of Tabasco remain caught in the crossfire of a crisis that shows no signs of abating.
For more in-depth coverage of the situation, visit El País México.Stay informed about the latest developments in Tabasco and the government’s efforts to combat organized crime.Tragic Bar Shooting in Villahermosa Leaves Five Dead
On January 5, 2025, a violent attack shook the city of Villahermosa, the capital of Mexico’s Tabasco state, leaving five people dead and seven others wounded. The incident occurred late Saturday night when armed assailants stormed a local bar, opening fire on patrons in what authorities have described as a targeted act of violence.
according to official reports, the attackers arrived in a vehicle, exited, and began shooting indiscriminately at those inside the establishment. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene,transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. The state and federal forces have as launched a manhunt to apprehend the gunmen, though no arrests have been made as of yet.
This tragic event is the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to organized crime in Mexico. Just two weeks prior, a similar shooting occurred in a bar in Queretaro, a central mexican city, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in curbing such violence.
The tabasco state secretariat of security and civilian protection released a statement confirming the details of the attack and emphasizing their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice. “State and federal forces have deployed an operation to ensure the safety of our citizens and to hold those responsible accountable,” the statement read.
The attack has left the community of villahermosa in mourning, with many calling for increased security measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
| Key Details of the Villahermosa Bar Shooting |
|————————————————–|
| Date | January 5, 2025 |
| Location | Villahermosa, Tabasco |
| casualties | 5 dead, 7 wounded |
| Perpetrators | Armed assailants |
| Response | State and federal forces deployed |
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive violence that continues to plague certain regions of Mexico. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in the ongoing manhunt.
For more details on this developing story, visit firstpost or Big News Network.
Interview: Unraveling Tabasco’s Crisis and the Role of Organized Crime
Too better understand the escalating violence in Tabasco and the involvement of organized crime groups like La Barredora and the CJNG, we spoke with security expert Dr. Ana maría López, who has extensively studied Mexico’s criminal landscape. Here are her insights.
Q: can you provide an overview of the current crisis in Tabasco?
Dr. López: The situation in Tabasco is deeply concerning. the arrest of carlos Tomás “N,” known as El Tomasín and leader of La Barredora, has triggered a wave of retaliatory violence. Shootings, arson, and the discovery of tortured bodies with threatening messages have plunged the state into chaos. The CJNG’s distribution of roscas de reyes and gifts, while seemingly benign, was a calculated act of psychological warfare, further destabilizing the region.
Q: How has the government responded to the crisis?
Dr. López: The government deployed 180 agents from the Secretariat of Defense and the National Guard to restore order. However, their efforts have been undermined by repeated acts of violence, such as the massacre in Crest.This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the current strategy and the government’s ability to address the root causes of organized crime.
Q: What role does political accountability play in this crisis?
Dr. López: Political accusations, such as those made by Javier May against Adam Augusto López, highlight the deep-rooted challenges in addressing organized crime. Allegations of negligence or complicity during López’s tenure underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability in governance. Without addressing these systemic issues, efforts to combat organized crime will remain fragmented and ineffective.
Q: what are the broader implications of this crisis for Mexico?
Dr. López: The violence in Tabasco is a microcosm of the broader challenges Mexico faces.The infiltration of organized crime into local governance and society erodes public trust and destabilizes communities. The government must adopt a holistic approach, combining law enforcement with social and economic interventions, to address the underlying causes of crime.
Q: What can be done to restore stability in Tabasco?
Dr. López: Restoring stability requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening local law enforcement, improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and engaging communities in crime prevention are critical. Additionally,addressing corruption and ensuring political accountability are essential to rebuilding public trust and ensuring long-term security.
Conclusion
The crisis in tabasco underscores the complex interplay between organized crime, political accountability, and governance. As Dr. López highlights, addressing this crisis requires a extensive strategy that goes beyond law enforcement to tackle the root causes of violence and instability. The people of Tabasco deserve a future free from fear, and achieving that will demand concerted efforts from all stakeholders.
