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Deep Dive: Cartel Land (2015)

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Cartel Land
Cartel Land is a documentary that examines the Mexican drug war through the actions of vigilante groups on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. It features Tim 'Nailer' Foley, who leads the Arizona Border Recon, a paramilitary group aimed at stopping drug cartels from operating in the U.S. The film also focuses on Dr. José Manuel Mireles Valverde, a physician in Michoacán, Mexico, who organizes local citizens to combat the Knights Templar Cartel, successfully driving them from the region. The film presents a parallel narrative of these two groups, highlighting the motivations and actions of individuals who feel compelled to take the law into their own hands due to perceived government failures. Shot in both Michoacán and Arizona, the documentary captures the raw realities faced by those involved in this conflict, providing a ground-level perspective on the impact of drug cartels and the responses of ordinary citizens.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Tim 'Nailer' Foley and his paramilitary group.
  • •Follow Dr. José Mireles as he leads a citizen uprising.
  • •See the impact of drug cartels on local communities.

Did You Know

•The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2016.
•Tim 'Nailer' Foley leads the Arizona Border Recon, a paramilitary group.
•Dr. José Mireles organized an uprising against the Knights Templar Cartel in Michoacán.
•Cartel Land received a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 99 reviews.

Perfect For

Vigilante justiceMexican drug warParamilitary groups