9781422286937

Timeline

Twilight over Guanajuato, capital of the state of the same name.

9

2009 In December, Mexican authorities kill Arturo Beltran Leyva, one of the country’s most wanted drug lords. For the year, the government reports more than 6,500 people have been killed, making it the deadliest year of the narco conflict since it was escalated by President Calderón. 2011 In April, following the murder of his son, Mexican poet Javier Sicilia encourages people to protest against drug-related violence. Throughout the spring and summer, tens of thousands of Mexicans participate in protests across the country. 2012 Enrique Peña Nieto is elected president of Mexico, receiving 38 percent of the vote. His election returns the PRI to power after 12 years of PAN rule. He is sworn in as president on December 1. 2014 Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, leader of the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel, is arrested by the Mexican military, with the assistance of U.S. authorities.