Sixteen&nbsp;police employees who had been kidnapped in Mexico's southern state of Chiapas have been freed after three days of captivity, Governor Rutilio Escandon said Friday.

Confrontations between criminals and law enforcement have multiplied recently in the area, which is a transit zone for migrants and drug trafficking.

"I want to tell the people of Chiapas and Mexico that the 16 kidnapped colleagues... have been released this afternoon," the governor said on Twitter.

Local television stations aired live footage of the abductees reuniting with their families.

The relatives had been staging a sit-in at the Chiapas Security Secretariat, where those abducted were employed, demanding the safe release of their loved ones.

As the newly freed police workers approached on foot, the surprised family members raced to embrace them amid screams and tears, news footage from Foro TV and Milenio showed.

Mexico has registered more than 350,000 murders and some 110,000 disappearances -- most attributed to criminal groups -- since the launch of a controversial military anti-drug offensive in 2006.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hipolito-mora-leader-of-mexican-self-defense-movement-murdered-in-violent-ambush-610489">Hipólito Mora, leader of Mexican self-defence movement, murdered in violent ambush</a>

"My brother is in the ambulance right now. They are working on keeping his vital signs stable, as his blood pressure was high," Benicia Rincon, a sister of one of the hostages, told a local network.

Escandon thanked Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the army, the navy, the national guard and others for their help in rescuing the kidnap victims.

During an event in Mexico state, Lopez Obrador described the release as "very good news" and sent "a hug to the relatives".

The state governor did not offer details about how the workers had been freed.

More than 1,000 members of state and federal security forces were involved in the search for the workers, who are administrative employees of the police force.

They had been kidnapped Tuesday while traveling by bus on a stretch of highway that connects the town of Ocozocoautla and the state capital Tuxtla Gutierrez, some 700 kilometers (435 miles) southeast of Mexico City.

At the time, there were 17 women on board the bus, but they were all let go.

Local media released a video purportedly showing the captive workers, one of whom says that the abductors are demanding the resignation or dismissal of three state security officials accused of working in secret with another armed group.

Lopez Obrador on Thursday proposed that an inquiry be launched into the actions of those three officials, in exchange for the hostages' release.

Mexico has registered more than 350,000 murders and some 110,000 disappearances -- most attributed to criminal groups -- since the launch of a controversial military anti-drug offensive in 2006.

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Sixteen police employees who had been kidnapped in Mexico's southern state of Chiapas have been freed after three days of captivity, Governor Rutilio Escandon said Friday.

Sixteen police employees who had been kidnapped in Mexico's southern state of Chiapas have been freed after three days of captivity, Governor Rutilio Escandon said Friday. Confrontations between criminals and law enforcement have multiplied recently in the area, which is a transit zone for migrants and drug trafficking. "I want to tell the people of Chiapas and Mexico that the 16 kidnapped colleagues... have been released this afternoon," the governor said on Twitter. Local television stations aired live footage of the abductees reuniting with their families. The relatives had been staging a sit-in at the Chiapas Security Secretariat, where those abducted were employed, demanding the safe release of their loved ones. As the newly freed police workers approached on foot, the surprised family members raced to embrace them amid screams and tears, news footage from Foro TV and Milenio showed. Mexico has registered more than 350,000 murders and some 110,000 disappearances -- most attributed to criminal groups -- since the launch of a controversial military anti-drug offensive in 2006. Also read | Hipólito Mora, leader of Mexican self-defence movement, murdered in violent ambush "My brother is in the ambulance right now. They are working on keeping his vital signs stable, as his blood pressure was high," Benicia Rincon, a sister of one of the hostages, told a local network. Escandon thanked Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the army, the navy, the national guard and others for their help in rescuing the kidnap victims. During an event in Mexico state, Lopez Obrador described the release as "very good news" and sent "a hug to the relatives". The state governor did not offer details about how the workers had been freed. More than 1,000 members of state and federal security forces were involved in the search for the workers, who are administrative employees of the police force. They had been kidnapped Tuesday while traveling by bus on a stretch of highway that connects the town of Ocozocoautla and the state capital Tuxtla Gutierrez, some 700 kilometers (435 miles) southeast of Mexico City. At the time, there were 17 women on board the bus, but they were all let go. Local media released a video purportedly showing the captive workers, one of whom says that the abductors are demanding the resignation or dismissal of three state security officials accused of working in secret with another armed group. Lopez Obrador on Thursday proposed that an inquiry be launched into the actions of those three officials, in exchange for the hostages' release. Mexico has registered more than 350,000 murders and some 110,000 disappearances -- most attributed to criminal groups -- since the launch of a controversial military anti-drug offensive in 2006. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mexico: 16 kidnapped police employees  freed after three days of captivity

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has finally gotten rid of the luxury presidential jet that he once called an 'insult' to the commoners of the country.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has finally gotten rid of the luxury presidential jet that he once called an 'insult' to the commoners of the country. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been sold to the government of Tajikistan. Lopez Obrador announced the sale late on Thursday night, saying the Central Asian nation bought the plane for $92 million. The sale finally draws curtains on a political saga where Obrador repeatedly used the plane to point out the excesses of his predecessors. “It’s important that everyone knows how people thought before, how the authorities acted, like little pharaohs,” Obrador was quoted as saying by Reuters. “Not any more. I would have felt shame, I say it sincerely, to use this plane,” he added. WATCH | Mexico's presidential aircraft sold to Tajikistan × Obrador, popularly known as Amlo stated that the proceeds from the sale will be used to build two hospitals in the poor and impoverished regions of the country. Last year, he announced that the jet will be made available to rent for birthdays, wedding parties and other celebrations to earn revenue. In September 2020, Lopez Obrador's government held a symbolic raffle aimed at raising funds roughly equivalent to the plane's value. Obrador's vow to sell the jet Obrador, a leftist crusader had vowed to get rid of the 'white elephant' during his 2018 election campaigning trail. At the time, he said even Donald Trump did not have a plane like that. After coming to power, Obrador made the selling of the jet a centrepiece of his austerity programme. However, for over three years, nobody came forward to buy it. Obrador's desperation could be gauged from the brochure he had drawn up to pitch the jet to prospective clients. “You, you biggest producers, your elite sales team, your most prized associates can now enjoy a reserved flight experience until now only available to heads of state,” the brochure read, adding the plane has “incomparable VIP capacity”. And indeed the jet had 'incomparable' facilities. Used by Obrador's predecessor Enrique Peña Nieto, the Dreamliner is customised with an executive bedroom, private bath and seating for 80 people. However, it was originally purchased for $218 million during former president Felipe Calderon's 2006-2012 term in office. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mexico finally manages to sell unwanted luxury presidential jet

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Sunday easily survived a divisive referendum on whether he should step down or complete his term -- a vote marked by low turnout, initial results showed.

With an approval rating of nearly 60 per cent, Lopez Obrador's presidency had never appeared seriously at risk, and the left-wing populist was himself one of the vote's biggest cheerleaders.

The 68-year-old president, elected in 2018 for a six-year term, won a majority of around 90.3-91.9 per cent in favor of his staying in office until 2024, according to a preliminary vote count by the National Electoral Institute.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-unusual-step-mexico-president-asks-voters-if-he-should-go-469282">In an unusual step, Mexico president asks voters if he should go</a>

The turnout rate was between 17 and 18.2 per cent, meaning that even if Lopez Obrador had lost, the result would not have been legally binding.

Supporters of the referendum -- the first of its kind in Mexico -- said it was a way of increasing democratic accountability, giving voters the opportunity to remove the president due to loss of confidence.

"Now we have the chance to change what's not right. There have been presidents who, after being elected by the people, ended up serving other interests," Benigno Gasca, a 57-year-old mathematician and musician, told AFP.

Useless exercise

But critics saw it as expensive propaganda and an unnecessary distraction from the many challenges facing the country, including drug-related violence, poverty and the rising cost of living.

"It's a useless exercise -- money thrown away," said Laura Gonzalez, a 62-year-old retired teacher.

Lopez Obrador cast his vote early Sunday with his wife at a polling station near the presidential palace.

"Let no one forget that the people are in charge," he declared afterwards.

Mexico's constitution limits presidents to one term, and Lopez Obrador has vowed to retire in 2024, following accusations by opponents that the referendum was a step towards trying to stay in power beyond then.

Watch |&nbsp;India is an important partner in Trade, Space says Mexico Foreign minister Ebrard

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Mario Delgado, leader of the ruling party Morena, said voters had recognized Lopez Obrador's "dedication to the most needy and the enormous moral authority with which he governs."

"Only an indomitable, unwavering democrat like him can subject himself to a recall process," he added.

But Marko Cortes, of the conservative opposition party PAN, said the vote was marked "by illegality, lies, manipulation and the diversion of public resources."

Alejandro Moreno of the PRI, which ruled Mexico for seven decades until 2000, tweeted that Morena had turned the referendum into a "mockery" to "satisfy its own ego and continue deceiving Mexicans."

Sustenance of democracy

Some 93 million voters were eligible to participate in the midterm referendum, which was incorporated into Mexico's constitution in 2019 at Lopez Obrador's initiative.

Most of the signatures that were collected in order for the vote to happen came from his supporters.

Experts had predicted that a win could give impetus to Lopez Obrador's policy agenda, such as controversial energy reforms.

The president also has his eye on the 2024 elections and the prospects for his party and possible successors, including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum.

Lopez Obrador enjoyed an approval rating of 58 per cent in March, although that was far below a peak of 81 per cent seen in February 2019, according to a poll of polls by the Oraculus&nbsp;firm.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/space-and-pharma-to-be-key-focus-of-mexico-fms-india-visit-tomorrow-466726">Space and pharma to be key focus of Mexico FM’s India visit on Wednesday</a>

Carmen Sobrino, a 64-year-old housewife, said she heeded the call to vote because she was happy with Lopez Obrador.

"I hope he continues," she said after casting her ballot in the capital.

Another voter, 59-year-old economist Flor Mercedes Rodriguez, saw the referendum as a chance to "resume the culture of citizen participation... It's the sustenance of democracy."

The president accused the National Electoral Institute before the vote of sabotaging the exercise in collusion with his political opponents by failing to do enough to promote it.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Sunday easily survived a divisive referendum on whether he should step down or complete his term -- a vote marked by low turnout, initial results showed.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Sunday easily survived a divisive referendum on whether he should step down or complete his term -- a vote marked by low turnout, initial results showed. With an approval rating of nearly 60 per cent, Lopez Obrador's presidency had never appeared seriously at risk, and the left-wing populist was himself one of the vote's biggest cheerleaders. The 68-year-old president, elected in 2018 for a six-year term, won a majority of around 90.3-91.9 per cent in favor of his staying in office until 2024, according to a preliminary vote count by the National Electoral Institute. Also read | In an unusual step, Mexico president asks voters if he should go The turnout rate was between 17 and 18.2 per cent, meaning that even if Lopez Obrador had lost, the result would not have been legally binding. Supporters of the referendum -- the first of its kind in Mexico -- said it was a way of increasing democratic accountability, giving voters the opportunity to remove the president due to loss of confidence. "Now we have the chance to change what's not right. There have been presidents who, after being elected by the people, ended up serving other interests," Benigno Gasca, a 57-year-old mathematician and musician, told AFP. Useless exercise But critics saw it as expensive propaganda and an unnecessary distraction from the many challenges facing the country, including drug-related violence, poverty and the rising cost of living. "It's a useless exercise -- money thrown away," said Laura Gonzalez, a 62-year-old retired teacher. Lopez Obrador cast his vote early Sunday with his wife at a polling station near the presidential palace. "Let no one forget that the people are in charge," he declared afterwards. Mexico's constitution limits presidents to one term, and Lopez Obrador has vowed to retire in 2024, following accusations by opponents that the referendum was a step towards trying to stay in power beyond then. Watch | India is an important partner in Trade, Space says Mexico Foreign minister Ebrard Mario Delgado, leader of the ruling party Morena, said voters had recognized Lopez Obrador's "dedication to the most needy and the enormous moral authority with which he governs." "Only an indomitable, unwavering democrat like him can subject himself to a recall process," he added. But Marko Cortes, of the conservative opposition party PAN, said the vote was marked "by illegality, lies, manipulation and the diversion of public resources." Alejandro Moreno of the PRI, which ruled Mexico for seven decades until 2000, tweeted that Morena had turned the referendum into a "mockery" to "satisfy its own ego and continue deceiving Mexicans." Sustenance of democracy Some 93 million voters were eligible to participate in the midterm referendum, which was incorporated into Mexico's constitution in 2019 at Lopez Obrador's initiative. Most of the signatures that were collected in order for the vote to happen came from his supporters. Experts had predicted that a win could give impetus to Lopez Obrador's policy agenda, such as controversial energy reforms. The president also has his eye on the 2024 elections and the prospects for his party and possible successors, including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum. Lopez Obrador enjoyed an approval rating of 58 per cent in March, although that was far below a peak of 81 per cent seen in February 2019, according to a poll of polls by the Oraculus firm. Also read | Space and pharma to be key focus of Mexico FM’s India visit on Wednesday Carmen Sobrino, a 64-year-old housewife, said she heeded the call to vote because she was happy with Lopez Obrador. "I hope he continues," she said after casting her ballot in the capital. Another voter, 59-year-old economist Flor Mercedes Rodriguez, saw the referendum as a chance to "resume the culture of citizen participation... It's the sustenance of democracy." The president accused the National Electoral Institute before the vote of sabotaging the exercise in collusion with his political opponents by failing to do enough to promote it.

Mexico President survives recall vote marked by low turnout, doesn't have to step down

Bolivian ex-President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-victim-of-coup-mexican-president-amlo-265630">Evo Morales</a> arrived in Argentina on Thursday seeking refuge under the country's new leftist government after he left his homeland last month following a disputed election.

Morales was granted asylum in Argentina and was on his way to "definitive refugee status," the Argentine interior ministry said in a statement. Center-left President Alberto Fernandez, a Morales ally, was inaugurated on Tuesday.

Four former members of Morales' government have also been granted asylum, including his former health minister Gabriela Montano, the ministry said.

Morales had previously been in Mexico where he was granted asylum after his resignation in the wake of a presidential election which the Organization of American States <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-election-rigging-in-favour-of-morales-was-overwhelming-oas-final-report-266281">(OAS) says was rigged</a> in his favor.

Both Morales and Montano signed a petition upon arrival in Buenos Aires that complied with the "conditions of their refugee status," the Argentine government said, without detailing the conditions.

Argentina's new foreign minister, Felipe Sola, said on an Argentine TV station that the government wanted a commitment from Morales to not make political statements while in the country.

Morales, an iconic socialist leader in Latin America who had been in power for nearly 14 years, thanked Argentina and Mexico for their "support and solidarity" in a tweet after arriving in Argentina.

"My eternal thanks to President (Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador) and the government of Mexico for saving my life and for sheltering me. I felt at home with Mexican sisters and brothers for a month," Morales said in the tweet.

Morales resigned as president on November&nbsp;10 after the OAS declared there were serious irregularities during the Oct. 20 election, prompting political allies to quit and the army to urge him to step down.

There was no meeting planned between Morales and Fernandez, but they could talk on the phone, Sola said.

A senior US&nbsp;official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Morales' presence in Argentina was "not welcome news."

"We will not accept any attempt or action by Morales to meddle or use Argentina as a staging ground to stoke violence or unrest or to undermine a democratic transition in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-reforges-us-ties-as-political-alliances-redrawn-264972">Bolivia</a>," the official said.

Morales, who was Bolivia's first indigenous president, insisted on seeking a fourth term in office, in defiance of term limits and a 2016 referendum in which Bolivians voted against him being allowed to do that. After he resigned, interim President Jeanine Anez was appointed.

Bolivian Foreign Minister Karen Longaric said in La Paz on Thursday that she hoped Argentina would restrict Morales from making political statements.

"We hope that Argentina rigorously complies with the principles and rules of the right of asylum and the right of refuge and that what happened in Mexico - that had an open microphone, an open arena for policy making - does not occur," Longaric said.

Bolivian ex-President Evo Morales arrived in Argentina on Thursday seeking refuge under the country's new leftist government after he left his homeland last month following a disputed election.

Bolivian ex-President Evo Morales arrived in Argentina on Thursday seeking refuge under the country's new leftist government after he left his homeland last month following a disputed election. Morales was granted asylum in Argentina and was on his way to "definitive refugee status," the Argentine interior ministry said in a statement. Center-left President Alberto Fernandez, a Morales ally, was inaugurated on Tuesday. Four former members of Morales' government have also been granted asylum, including his former health minister Gabriela Montano, the ministry said. Morales had previously been in Mexico where he was granted asylum after his resignation in the wake of a presidential election which the Organization of American States (OAS) says was rigged in his favor. Both Morales and Montano signed a petition upon arrival in Buenos Aires that complied with the "conditions of their refugee status," the Argentine government said, without detailing the conditions. Argentina's new foreign minister, Felipe Sola, said on an Argentine TV station that the government wanted a commitment from Morales to not make political statements while in the country. Morales, an iconic socialist leader in Latin America who had been in power for nearly 14 years, thanked Argentina and Mexico for their "support and solidarity" in a tweet after arriving in Argentina. "My eternal thanks to President (Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador) and the government of Mexico for saving my life and for sheltering me. I felt at home with Mexican sisters and brothers for a month," Morales said in the tweet. Morales resigned as president on November 10 after the OAS declared there were serious irregularities during the Oct. 20 election, prompting political allies to quit and the army to urge him to step down. There was no meeting planned between Morales and Fernandez, but they could talk on the phone, Sola said. A senior US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Morales' presence in Argentina was "not welcome news." "We will not accept any attempt or action by Morales to meddle or use Argentina as a staging ground to stoke violence or unrest or to undermine a democratic transition in Bolivia," the official said. Morales, who was Bolivia's first indigenous president, insisted on seeking a fourth term in office, in defiance of term limits and a 2016 referendum in which Bolivians voted against him being allowed to do that. After he resigned, interim President Jeanine Anez was appointed. Bolivian Foreign Minister Karen Longaric said in La Paz on Thursday that she hoped Argentina would restrict Morales from making political statements. "We hope that Argentina rigorously complies with the principles and rules of the right of asylum and the right of refuge and that what happened in Mexico - that had an open microphone, an open arena for policy making - does not occur," Longaric said.

Bolivia's Morales arrives in Argentina, to get refugee status

Archaeologists said Wednesday they have made the largest-ever discovery of&nbsp;mammoth&nbsp;remains: a&nbsp;trove&nbsp;of 800 bones from at least 14 of the extinct giants&nbsp;found&nbsp;in central&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-probes-narco-group-la-linea-in-mormon-murders-260430">Mexico</a>.

Moreover, they believe they have made the first-ever find of a&nbsp;mammoth&nbsp;trap set by humans, who would have used it to capture the&nbsp;huge&nbsp;herbivores more than 14,000 years ago, said&nbsp;Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).

"This is the largest find of its kind ever made," the institute said in a statement.

The skeletal remains were&nbsp;found&nbsp;in Tultepec, near the site where President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's government is building a new airport for&nbsp;Mexico City.

Some bore signs that the animals had been hunted, leading experts to conclude that they had&nbsp;found&nbsp;"the world's first&nbsp;mammoth&nbsp;trap," it said.

"Mammoths lived here for thousands of years. The herds grew, reproduced, died, were hunted... They lived alongside other species, including horses and camels," archaeologist Luis Cordoba told journalists.

Researchers said at least five&nbsp;mammoth&nbsp;herds lived in the area of the find.

Mexico&nbsp;has been the scene of surprising&nbsp;mammoth&nbsp;discoveries before.

In the 1970s, workers building the&nbsp;Mexico City&nbsp;subway&nbsp;found&nbsp;a&nbsp;mammoth&nbsp;skeleton while digging on the capital's north side.

Archaeologists said Wednesday they have made the largest-ever discovery of mammoth remains: a trove of 800 bones from at least 14 of the extinct giants found in central Mexico.

Archaeologists said Wednesday they have made the largest-ever discovery of mammoth remains: a trove of 800 bones from at least 14 of the extinct giants found in central Mexico. Moreover, they believe they have made the first-ever find of a mammoth trap set by humans, who would have used it to capture the huge herbivores more than 14,000 years ago, said Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). "This is the largest find of its kind ever made," the institute said in a statement. The skeletal remains were found in Tultepec, near the site where President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's government is building a new airport for Mexico City. Some bore signs that the animals had been hunted, leading experts to conclude that they had found "the world's first mammoth trap," it said. "Mammoths lived here for thousands of years. The herds grew, reproduced, died, were hunted... They lived alongside other species, including horses and camels," archaeologist Luis Cordoba told journalists. Researchers said at least five mammoth herds lived in the area of the find. Mexico has been the scene of surprising mammoth discoveries before. In the 1970s, workers building the Mexico City subway found a mammoth skeleton while digging on the capital's north side.

Huge trove of mammoth skeletons found in Mexico

Neighbourhood ravaged in pursuit of Ovidio Guzman, son of El Chapo

Angry farmers stormed a city hall in southern Mexico, seized the mayor and dragged him through town from the back of a pickup truck in protest, officials said Wednesday.

The incident occurred Tuesday when dozens of members of the Tojolabal indigenous community armed with clubs broke into the mayor's office in the town of Las Margaritas in the state of Chiapas.

Witnesses told investigators they tied up the mayor, Jorge Luis Escandon, pushed him outside and tied him to the back of a pickup.

They then dragged him several dozen meters down the street, before police and public employees intervened and freed Escandon, who survived without major injury.

The mayor accused his attackers of trying to extort him.

"Around 50 or 60 people came in three pickup trucks, armed with clubs and looking to kidnap city officials to extort us and get what they've always wanted: to be given money," he told AFP.

"They started struggling, carrying me, tied up one foot and dragged me out of my office to the street," he said.

State prosecutor Jorge Luis Llaven said the attackers were demanding more public resources, including direct cash transfers, for their rural community, Santa Rita El Invernadero.

Leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has introduced a policy of providing public assistance in the form of cash payments to beneficiaries, in order to stem corruption by cutting out bureaucratic middlemen.

Eleven people were arrested and a dozen injured in the melee. Chiapas state police were also sent to help restore order in Las Margaritas, a town of 20,000 people near Mexico's border with Guatemala.

This is not the first time farmers from Santa Rita El Invernadero have staged a violent protest. Four months ago they vandalized the town hall, demanding that Escandon fulfill promises he had made during the 2018 campaign.

Angry farmers stormed a city hall in southern Mexico, seized the mayor and dragged him through town from the back of a pickup truck in protest, officials said Wednesday.

Angry farmers stormed a city hall in southern Mexico, seized the mayor and dragged him through town from the back of a pickup truck in protest, officials said Wednesday. The incident occurred Tuesday when dozens of members of the Tojolabal indigenous community armed with clubs broke into the mayor's office in the town of Las Margaritas in the state of Chiapas. Witnesses told investigators they tied up the mayor, Jorge Luis Escandon, pushed him outside and tied him to the back of a pickup. They then dragged him several dozen meters down the street, before police and public employees intervened and freed Escandon, who survived without major injury. The mayor accused his attackers of trying to extort him. "Around 50 or 60 people came in three pickup trucks, armed with clubs and looking to kidnap city officials to extort us and get what they've always wanted: to be given money," he told AFP. "They started struggling, carrying me, tied up one foot and dragged me out of my office to the street," he said. State prosecutor Jorge Luis Llaven said the attackers were demanding more public resources, including direct cash transfers, for their rural community, Santa Rita El Invernadero. Leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has introduced a policy of providing public assistance in the form of cash payments to beneficiaries, in order to stem corruption by cutting out bureaucratic middlemen. Eleven people were arrested and a dozen injured in the melee. Chiapas state police were also sent to help restore order in Las Margaritas, a town of 20,000 people near Mexico's border with Guatemala. This is not the first time farmers from Santa Rita El Invernadero have staged a violent protest. Four months ago they vandalized the town hall, demanding that Escandon fulfill promises he had made during the 2018 campaign.

Mexican mayor tied to truck, dragged through street in protest