#1302 - Ed Calderon
NaN minutesEpisode #1302
Ed Calderon is a security specialist and combatives instructor with over 10 years experience in public safety along the northern border area of Mexico. Follow him online @EdsManifesto
Episodes with Ed Calderon
Watch the full episode of #1302 - Ed Calderon.
Episode Timestamps
Ben - Non-Permissive Environments Specialist
- Specialist in teaching survival skills in dangerous environments
- Background in law enforcement in Mexico
- Transitioned into teaching others survival skills in the US
Felipe Calderón's Presidency and the War on Cartels
- Start of full-on war against cartels during Calderón's presidency
- Shift from regular law enforcement to militarized counter-insurgency efforts
- Military actively involved against cartels, leading to changes in the organizations
El Chapo and the Tunnels
- El Chapo used people from silver mining companies to operate tunnels along the border.
- Discussion about El Chapo's tunnel operations and employment of skilled individuals.
- Issues with patrolling and the quality of the well-made drug tunnels.
El Chapo's Glorification
- Exploration of the glorification of El Chapo and his celebrity status.
- Link to Sean Penn's involvement and the controversy surrounding it.
- Discussion on the impact of celebrities associating with notorious individuals.
Mexico's Law Enforcement Challenges
- Leftist president's amnesty idea affecting handling of cartels by military and police officers.
- Army's unconstitutional engagement in cartel combat due to constitutional amendments.
- Struggles with corruption and ineffectiveness within federal police forces and name changes.
Struggles with Corruption and Ineffectiveness
- Challenges with state and municipal police forces due to politicization.
- Efforts to clean up police forces with initiatives like the C3 plan facing constitutional and effectiveness issues.
- Concerns over drug legalization leading to heroin epidemic impacting the United States.
Corruption Involving CIA and Fast and Furious Scandal
- References to blonde, tall individuals with tattoos involved in covert operations
- Discussion on corruption within the CIA
- Overview of the Fast and Furious scandal involving illegal gun sales to cartels
Conspiracy Theories and Cartel Escalation
- Rumors of potential US invasion and cartel retaliation plans
- Escalation in weaponry between cartels and authorities
- Discussion on extreme measures taken by cartels such as body disposal and youth recruitment
Mexico: Police Corruption and Cartel Recruitment
- U.S. pays for counter narcotics operations in Mexico, creating dependence
- Good police officers overlooked for promotions due to lack of connections
- Cartel recruitment of ex-police officers due to limited job options
Rise of Cartel Influence in the U.S. and Border Security
- Shift in cartel crime towards the U.S. due to children born there by cartel members
- Cartel kidnap operations in the U.S. and Canada border crossings
- Challenges and controversies surrounding the effectiveness of border walls
Jesus Malverde and Religious Persecution in Mexico
- Jesus Malverde, a folk hero turned saint in Sinaloa, is honored with a giant church and money stuck to walls.
- Hidden Santa Marta shrine with a statue of the Virgin Mary and a reaper behind, to avoid military destruction.
- Deeply rooted death cult worship in Mexico possibly traced back to Aztec days, impacting violent cartel behaviors.
Mexican Cartels' Influence and Connection to Violent Extremism
- Curious connections between Middle Eastern viewers of cartel execution videos and subsequent ISIS high production videos.
- Proximity of Mexico to the US making it a potential hub for learning violent tactics, reflecting in cities like Tijuana.
- Rapid escalation from cartel conflicts to abductions, extortion, protection rackets, and brutal sociopathic behaviors.
Migrant Caravans and Tijuana
- Migrant caravans with thousands of people arrived in Tijuana, causing tension and disruptions.
- The first caravan reached Tijuana amidst protests and political tensions.
- The mayor of Tijuana even wore a 'Make Tijuana Great Again' hat in response to the influx.
Social & Political Impact of Migrant Caravans
- The migrant caravan created a divide among the Mexican population and affected businesses in Tijuana.
- Some Mexican citizens supported Trump's stance on immigration due to conservative beliefs.
- There was a disparity in perspectives between those directly affected by the caravan and those ideologically supporting it.
Mexican Drug War Veteran Hat and Mormon Cults
- Discussion on experiencing medical issues post-service
- Mention of a friend giving a Mexican drug war veteran hat
- Involvement and interactions with Mormon communities in Mexico, including Mitt Romney's family members
Armed Mormon Community in Mexico
- Description of a Mormon community in Mexico with its own military protection
- Details about the community's conflict with cartels and self-defense tactics
- Insights on the unique situation of a white American community in the midst of Mexican turmoil
Inside the Cartel Stronghold with Executions and Corruption
- A big cartel stronghold inside a castle with a giant dome on top witnessed a shootout near a school leading to a horrific scene.
- People abducted on the inside were executed, with cartel members posing as police officers using zip ties and disguises.
- Evolution of cartel tactics from drug mills to unmanned drones for drug transportation, showcasing constant adaptation.
From Field Experience to Social Impact: Ed Manifesto's Story
- Ed Manifesto's Instagram account serves as a platform to raise awareness and share experiences from his time in dangerous environments.
- Transition from reporting incidents to creating social impact using over a decade of fieldwork experience.
- Discussion on self-justification and the value of sharing experiences to challenge perceptions and inspire change.