hipólito mora
The Vigilante Protagonist of an Oscar-Nominated Drug War Movie Speaks From Jail
The documentary Cartel Land portrays José Manuel Mireles as a flawed hero who stood up to one of Mexico's most barbarous drug cartels, but who also succumbed to the temptation of abusing his new power.
We Talked to One of Mexico's Leading Vigilantes
The former leader of a group of vigilantes in Mexico has just been released from prison, and is now eyeing a career in politics. VICE News speaks with Hipólito Mora about life after his release.
Town Booted Out Mexico’s Political Parties, But Now Some Residents Want Them Back
Yearning for a return to the 'bad old days,' some people in Cheran, Michoacan, say the town's high council is as corrupt as the political parties of before. Dissidents accuse council leaders of old-fashioned vote-buying.
From Prison to Politics: Mexico's Hot Land (Dispatch 4)
The former leader of a group of vigilantes in Mexico has just been released from prison, and is now eyeing a career in politics. VICE News speaks with Hipólito Mora about life after his release.
Mexico Releases Michoacan Vigilante Leader Involved in Fatal Gun Fight With Rival Militia
Hipólito Mora's December gun fight with his rival "El Americano" lasted two hours, leaving 11 dead, including his 32-year-old son. Mora's name is also being floated as a potential candidate for Congress.
Michoacan, Mexico, Breaks Bad — Again — After Shootout Between Rival Militias Kills 11
The son of the founder of the first civilian militia in Michoacan is among the victims. One parish priest tells us: "We used to know who the bad guys were. Now we don't."
Mexico’s Self-Defense Militias Follow Cartels Into Deadly Internal Conflict
Mexican "autodefensa" groups were founded to protect citizens from drug cartel violence. Now they too have descended into bloodshed.