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As Mexico prepares for a historic judicial elections, citizens are bracing for a new wave of cartel violence. Fear and insecurity have become part of daily life, from quiet neighborhoods in Mexico City to remote rural towns. This fear is not unfounded—it’s fueled by years of rising violence, political assassinations, and growing distrust in the country’s justice system.
Armor Demand Surges Amid Rising Violence
Gadi Mokotov, an expert in vehicle armoring, is busier than ever. His Mexico City garage is packed with requests—from military-grade trucks to everyday sedans. Even aging Hondas are being armored. His clients aren’t just high-profile politicians or wealthy business owners anymore. Many are regular citizens desperate to protect their families.
“We are living in a war,” Mokotov says. “A war with the cartels.”
Some vehicles return to his garage riddled with bullets, survivors of horrifying ambushes. One recent client brought back a pickup truck with over 100 bullet holes. The owner cried with relief—it had saved their life.
Mexico City No Longer a Safe Haven
Once considered a safe zone, even Mexico City has seen a dramatic rise in violence. Murders have spiked by over 150% compared to last year. Politically motivated attacks are becoming more common. Two city officials were recently shot dead in a targeted assault. Days earlier, a mayoral candidate in Veracruz was gunned down during a campaign event.
This rise in violence comes just before the June 1 judicial elections, heightening tensions nationwide.
Elections Under Siege by Organized Crime
Mexico’s elections have become a battlefield. Last year’s legislative elections were the most violent in history. Over 40 candidates were assassinated. Hundreds of incidents, from kidnappings to armed attacks, were reported. Cartels are believed to be behind many of them, aiming to manipulate outcomes and scare candidates.
This year is no exception. At least four judicial candidates have already dropped out due to threats. In cartel-dominated regions, some judges refuse to campaign at all. According to Crisis Group, 17 judges and six clerks have been killed since 2012.
Radical Reform Sparks Debate
The upcoming vote is the result of a major constitutional reform passed in 2024. For the first time, judges will be elected by direct vote. President Claudia Sheinbaum, a close ally of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has supported the move. Supporters believe this will boost judicial independence and public trust.
But critics, both domestic and international, aren’t convinced. The U.S. has warned that exposing judges to elections could make them more vulnerable to cartel influence, political pressure, and corruption.
Running for Justice – With a Bulletproof Vest
César Gutiérrez Priego, a criminal lawyer and Supreme Court candidate, knows the risks firsthand. He wears a bulletproof vest under his suit during campaigns. He does it for his family, he says.
“I don’t want to be just another number.”
Priego’s motivation runs deep. His father, once Mexico’s top drug official, was imprisoned under controversial charges. That experience drove him to study law and fight systemic corruption.
He believes this election could bring real change—if it leads to real justice.
Trust in the System Remains Fragile
Public faith in Mexico’s justice system is at an all-time low. Judges are often seen as corrupt. Many high-profile criminal cases remain unsolved. In 2022, only 16% of investigations ended in a resolution.
Experts argue that electing judges isn’t enough. Tackling cartel power and corruption within law enforcement must also be priorities.
A Nation Gripped by Fear
Back at his workshop, Mokotov sees the human toll of this crisis every day. More women are asking for bulletproof upgrades to their family cars. Many are mothers trying to protect their children.
“It’s disturbing,” Mokotov admits. “It’s not normal for moms to say, ‘I need to protect my kid just to go to school.’”
With elections just days away, the nation holds its breath. Mexicans want change—but they fear the price might be too high.
