In Guerrero's sierra, Guajes de Ayala self-defense groups fight La Nueva Familia Michoacana's control, turning the town into a 'ghost village'. The population dropped from 1,600 to 400 due to forced recruitment and violence. The 50 armed men refuse to join criminals amid state absence.
Guajes de Ayala, an ejido in Guerrero's sierra, faces ongoing siege by La Nueva Familia Michoacana seeking control of routes to Acapulco. Self-defense groups formed in 2020 as the cartel cleared lands and pressured for recruitment. After nearly a year of shootouts, families fled, leaving empty houses.
In October 2021, the group regrouped against cartel fentanyl labs and drones. Leader Javier Hernández states: “We do not want to belong to their ranks and we do not want to cede the territory.” They monitor about 100 enemy gunmen with their own drones from mountain posts.
Member Jesús Domínguez, carrying an AK-47 rifle, says: “We practically do not exist for the government. It is impossible for our weapons to compete with theirs.” They use 'Made in USA' AR-15s and DJI drones, some bought from cartels, per one member.
After 'El Mencho's' death, they fear increased violence. Schools and clinics closed; teachers avoid risks. Hernández criticizes: “The propaganda says the government is doing wonders, but it is a lie.” They share intel with the Army, yet abandonment continues.
