In parts of Mexico, organized crime groups have taken control of hospitals and forced medical staff to treat wounded cartel members under threat of violence, according to doctors speaking anonymously.

In Guanajuato, a doctor described being threatened at gunpoint and coerced into treating injured hitmen from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

While official data shows a drop in homicides under President Claudia Sheinbaum, experts warn this may reflect cartels hiding bodies rather than reduced violence.

Disappearances have surged, with 4,010 reported in her first 100 days in office, NBC News has reported.

Analysts say cartels are using fear, impunity, and territorial control to maintain power.

Written by B.C. Begley