Mexico's Military Secures an Essential Port

The Mexican government is taking steps to limit the effect of instability on critical infrastructure that is vital to the functioning of the country's economy. On Nov. 3, the government sent the military to take over security at one of Mexico's most important ports, Lazaro Cardenas in Michoacan state. In addition, due to complaints of collusion, the military disarmed the Lazaro Cardenas municipal police and submitted them and select customs officials to background checks and training.

The military's deployment is part of a larger trend unfolding over the past year in which the federal government is becoming increasingly concerned with instability in the western state of Michoacan. Insecurity has been a perennial issue in Michoacan, but intercartel violence and the emergence and proliferation of community vigilante groups have exacerbated existing problems.