Ed Calderon

Date: 2019-05-22 | Duration: 1h 46m

Episode Overview

Ed Calderon shares a firsthand account of his experiences embedded in the violent and complex world of Mexico’s drug cartels, particularly in regions like Baja, Sonora, and Juarez. He details how what initially seemed like community policing quickly escalated into militarized conflict, with law enforcement armed heavily and facing brutal cartel violence. Calderon describes the intense cartel wars, the corruption fueled by fear, and the sophisticated smuggling operations—including tunnels and drones—that sustain the drug trade. He also highlights the deep-rooted cultural impact of figures like El Chapo, whose notoriety has shaped public perception and cartel dynamics. The conversation explores the challenges of combating cartels amid systemic corruption and ineffective government efforts, noting that cartel violence has become a form of open warfare with devastating consequences for entire generations. Calderon reflects on the role of U.S. policies, including gun trafficking and drug legalization, and how these factors have influenced cartel power and violence. He also touches on the human toll, sharing stories of mutilation, forced recruitment, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminal organizations. Throughout, Calderon emphasizes the need for greater awareness and cooperation to address a problem that transcends borders and demands urgent attention.

About Ed Calderon

Ed Calderon is a seasoned security specialist and combatives instructor with over a decade of experience in public safety along the U.S.-Mexico border. Known for his expertise in practical self-defense and threat assessment, Ed has trained both civilians and law enforcement in combative tactics and situational awareness. His unique approach integrates real-world scenarios drawn from his extensive background in navigating complex security environments, making him a sought-after voice in discussions about personal safety and crime prevention. Ed's insights into the realities of border security and the challenges faced by communities in volatile regions set him apart, offering a compelling perspective on safety in today’s world.

Key Moments

– Mexican Drug Cartels
– Border Security
– Organized Crime Warfare
– Cartel Corruption
– Drug Trafficking Tunnels
– Cartel Violence
– U.S.-Mexico Relations
– Law Enforcement Challenges
– Cartel Weaponry
– Human Trafficking
– Cartel Influence on Politics
– Cartel Social Media Use
– Drug Legalization Impact
– Cartel Folk Culture
– Military Training and Operations
– Cartel Recruitment
– Cross-Border Crime
– Cartel Terrorism
– Cartel Money Laundering
0:00:08 – Introduction and Instagram appreciation
0:00:42 – Self-teaching survival in cartel environments
0:01:41 – Shift from community policing to armed operations
0:04:02 – Experience in Baja, Sonora, and Juarez regions
0:04:40 – Overview of organized crime war in Mexico
0:06:14 – Declaration of war against cartels
0:08:11 – Casualties and brutality in cartel conflicts
0:11:05 – Gold guns displayed in Mexico City museum
0:12:38 – Use of tunnels by El Chapo's cartel
0:15:31 – Cultural note: Day of the Kings celebration
0:16:02 – El Chapo's popularity and influence
0:18:31 – Cartel dedication to heroin production
0:19:56 – Presidential plans to eradicate cartels
0:21:29 – Tijuana's ranking as a dangerous city
0:24:02 – Federal investigation police (AFI) role
0:28:30 – Unwritten rules against informing on others
0:29:31 – Impact of drug decriminalization policies
0:31:42 – Cartels' use of submarines and drones
0:34:13 – Evolution from drug mules to tunnels
0:38:48 – Discussion on U.S. invading Mexico
0:41:02 – Description of 'La Bestia' armored vehicle
0:42:41 – Methods of dissolving bodies to hide evidence
0:44:34 – Addiction to money in counter-cartel operations
0:49:03 – Reasons for joining the police force
0:50:13 – Cartel problem transcending Mexico
0:54:53 – Cartels' involvement in human trafficking
0:56:18 – Corridos as folk songs about cartel figures
1:00:50 – Comparison of cartel violence to ISIS
1:02:33 – Extortion practices by cartels
1:06:46 – Personal impact of cartel threats
1:08:05 – Discussion on drug legalization legality
1:10:02 – Frustration over U.S. state marijuana legalization
1:13:40 – Gang members' resistance to outsiders
1:17:40 – Attempts to cross the border
1:21:34 – Veteran experiences and medical issues
1:30:02 – Calls for Mexico to fix its own problems
1:40:42 – Cartels classified as terrorist organizations
1:42:15 – U.S. military training Mexican Marines

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Boom, boom, boom, boom. Starting point is 00:00:08 Well, I love your Instagram. Starting point is 00:00:42 that's kind of led me into teaching myself how to survive in that environment, Starting point is 00:01:41 And what I thought was going to be, you know, community policing and stuff like that turned into a full-on you know here's a assault rifle and just go climb up on that humby with Starting point is 00:02:31 mill shit or something in my head but the uh but the but the um the the you know there were there Starting point is 00:03:18 freely done on both sides uh border waits that used to take an hour now would take three hours Starting point is 00:04:02 i had most of my experience is the baja son, Sonora, Juarez type region, northern Mexico, basically. Starting point is 00:04:40 And among all of this movement, there's a giant organized crime war going on. Starting point is 00:05:13 Yes. Starting point is 00:05:31 over there we don't uh ask them for anything let them pass that's you know we don't do anything Starting point is 00:06:14 We're going to declare war. Starting point is 00:06:53 One of them was Lieutenant Colonel Lizaola. Starting point is 00:07:29 everything, Starting point is 00:07:39 you expected it to be regular law enforcement. Starting point is 00:08:11 three dead. Out of how many? Out of Starting point is 00:08:53 horribly you know mutilated and all this type of stuff tortured tortured you know and that kind of Starting point is 00:09:54 of friends that are in uh military up here in the u.s and it's not like uh it's not like them they Starting point is 00:10:15 I, Starting point is 00:10:26 And it's like, whoa. Starting point is 00:11:05 it's i think it's in a museum somewhere in mexico city uh where a lot of these gold guns that's up Starting point is 00:11:54 It's also fear-based corruption. Starting point is 00:12:20 It seems like somebody had to hear all that digging. Starting point is 00:12:38 So a lot of the peopl...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1302?

Ed Calderon was the guest on JRE #1302. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1302?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1302 with Ed Calderon, topics include Mexican Drug Cartels, Border Security, Organized Crime Warfare, and Cartel Corruption.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1302?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1302 with Ed Calderon is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.