Guerrero AG Launches Criminal Investigation into Town Officials Arming and Training Minors to Fight Drug Cartels

Authorities Take Action on Disturbing Reports of Child Soldiers in Ayahualtempa, Mexico

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – The Attorney General’s Office in Guerrero, Mexico, has initiated a criminal investigation into a town accused of arming and training minors to fight against drug cartels. This shocking revelation comes in response to reports that children as young as 12 were given firearms and paramilitary training in Ayahualtempa, a town located in the mountains of Guerrero. These actions were allegedly taken to protect the town from continuous abductions and harassment by drug cartels operating in the region.

The Guerrero AG’s Office released a statement saying, “The Attorney General’s Office has launched a corruption of minors investigation after receiving information that a group known as the ‘Community Police’ armed 20 boys and girls.” The statement further emphasized the office’s commitment to ensuring the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of the minors involved.

Multiple Mexican news reports have highlighted videos shared on social media, which show children participating in military formations near the town square. The children can be seen holding rifles, wearing masks, and donning olive-green T-shirts. These visuals have sparked outrage and concern among the public.

In an interview with a Mexican news portal, two underage volunteer community police members shared their experiences. When asked if they were still attending school, one child soldier responded, “Study? Only when we have time. Because of the government’s insecurity, we cannot study.” The same child revealed that their training involved shooting, taking positions, and confronting criminals.

Another child expressed their desire for the government to fulfill its responsibilities so that they wouldn’t have to take matters into their own hands. In the background, an adult coordinator was heard addressing the crowd, stating, “They will not humiliate us. We will not bend our knee. We will stay. We will defend our rights.”

Residents of Ayahualtempa have reported recent abductions linked to the Ardillos gang, as well as encounters with the La Familia Michoacana transnational criminal organization and the Los Tlacos regional gang. In response, the community police has expanded its efforts. However, the Guerrero AG’s Office has pointed out that a joint police-army base operates near the town, providing safety and protection to the residents. Ludwig Marcial Reynoso, Guerrero state secretary of government, stated, “Arming children is not an adequate strategy. I think the people behind that strategy are wrong. We will file the appropriate complaints and take the necessary actions.”

This is not the first time Ayahualtempa has recruited children for its volunteer community police. In 2021, the Coordinadora Regional de Autoridades Comunitarias de los Pueblos Fundadores (CRAC-PF) showcased a group of child soldiers to urge the Mexican government to take action against organized criminals in the region.

The revelation of child soldiers in Ayahualtempa has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of minors involved in such activities. The Guerrero AG’s Office’s criminal investigation aims to hold those responsible accountable and ensure the protection of these children. The incident highlights the urgent need for effective government intervention and support to address the underlying issues contributing to the recruitment of child soldiers in Mexico.