Mexican civic group defies cartel threat to hold Independence Day event in Uruapan

Movimiento del Sombrero leader Carlos Bautista Tafolla confirmed the group will proceed with September 15 Independence Day activities in Uruapan despite acknowledged security risks, signaling defiance amid cartel violence. The statement underscores the persistent grip of organized crime over public life in Michoacán, where civic actors face direct threats. The actual security outcome remains uncertain.