In a recent press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the serious issue of forced labor in the Sierra Tarahumara, highlighting the government’s commitment to aid citizens affected by such exploitation. This came in response to revelations about modern slavery within the region, detailed in an investigative report that exposed how individuals were lured with false job offers only to find themselves working under dire conditions in drug cultivation fields controlled by cartels. This report has amplified concerns among communities where men have been subjected to torture and forced labor for years, with some having managed to escape.
During the conference, independent journalist Reyna Haydee Ramírez raised concerns regarding ongoing support requests from people displaced by this forced labor narrative. In her response, President Sheinbaum emphasized the initiatives implemented by the federal government, including welfare programs initiated during former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration, aimed at improving living standards in historically neglected areas. She detailed projects like “Sowing Life” for reforestation and apprenticeship programs for youth to enhance community resilience.
Sheinbaum further mentioned infrastructural progress, including the development of artisanal roads to boost connectivity and the introduction of essential services like electricity and health initiatives. The National Guard’s increased presence in more vulnerable municipalities, particularly those known for security issues related to drug trafficking, was also a point of emphasis in her remarks.
Despite the challenges outlined in the investigative report, Sheinbaum assured that the federal government is actively engaging in the region and addressing reports of disappearances. She further stressed that the government has a responsibility to all areas of Chihuahua, not just its urban centers. Her response indicates a commitment to creating a safer environment, although many community members still feel the weight of these old structures of exploitation.
While discussing the long-standing issue of slavery, a question was raised regarding the state’s role in allowing such practices to persist almost two centuries after it was officially abolished. Sheinbaum defended the government’s actions, highlighting recent reductions in crime rates and ongoing efforts to tackle the underlying causes of such societal issues. Her words reflect a determination to cultivate national security and community protection, even amidst ongoing struggles.