MEXICO CITY (AP) — In a surprising turn of events, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that prosecutors are investigating local officials from Coalcoman, a town in the western state of Michoacan, where a sign was prominently displayed thanking notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” for holiday gifts given to children. The welfare of local communities is often jeopardized in cartel-dominated areas, where such gestures can improve a gang's image.

The controversial sign appeared during a Christmas fair, with the message stating, "The children of Coalcoman thank Mr. Nemesio Oseguera and his sons, 2, 3, and Delta 1, for their noble gesture. Thank for your gifts," as reported by AP News and CBS News. Videos emerging on social media sparked outrage while highlighting the deep connections between cartels and local communities.

President Sheinbaum condemned the act, affirming, "A criminal group cannot hold a public event to promote the acceptance of violence," as she emphasized the need for an investigation into the roles local officials may have played in such public displays. The investigation is scrutinizing whether the town’s mayor has any ties to organized crime, as stated by Sheinbaum. She also pointed to the problems arising from a government strategy that often leaves local authorities vulnerable, frequently compelled to acquiesce to cartel demands or risk violent repercussions.

This incident underscores a larger issue within Michoacan, an area besieged by the powerful Jalisco cartel, infamous for employing brutal tactics alongside community engagement efforts, such as distributing trampolines to children while conducting violent operations against rival gangs. The cartel's intention to create a facade of local support is a known tactic they use to discourage denunciations from community members.

The U.S. government has a $15 million bounty on El Mencho’s head, reflecting the extent of his criminal operations. Reports indicate tensions are high as local officials are caught between the demands of the cartel and federal oversight, with complications often leading to instances where local authority figures become implicated in violent acts, including recent arrests of ex-officials linked to murder.

The ongoing investigation into the Coalcoman incident sheds light on the growing challenges faced by Mexico in addressing cartel influence and its impact on community relations.