Ed Calderon

Date: 2020-01-08 | Duration: 1h 58m

Episode Overview

Ed Calderon returns to discuss the complex and evolving landscape of Mexican organized crime, focusing on the interplay between cartels, government forces, and local communities. He highlights the entrenched power of groups like the Sinaloa and Linea Cartels, explaining how they exert control through both violence and social influence, such as distributing gifts to impoverished neighborhoods. Calderon also delves into the controversial U.S. policy of designating cartels as terrorist organizations, exploring its potential consequences and the longstanding cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities. The conversation touches on the strategic importance of natural resources, particularly lithium deposits in northern Mexico, which have become a new frontier in cartel conflicts and international interest. Calderon reflects on the challenges of law enforcement in a country where corruption and cartel infiltration are pervasive, and he underscores the cultural complexities that shape the drug trade and violence. Additionally, he addresses the debate around drug legalization, suggesting it could be part of a broader solution but acknowledging the deep-rooted difficulties in changing the status quo. Throughout, Calderon shares vivid anecdotes from his experience, painting a nuanced picture of a region marked by danger, resilience, and ongoing transformation.

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
– Narco-terrorism
– Border Security
– Lithium Mining
– U.S.-Mexico Relations
– Organized Crime
– Cartel Influence on Communities
– Drug Legalization
– Military Intervention
– Cartel Propaganda
– Fentanyl Crisis
– Cartel Prison Breaks
– Cartel Recruitment
– Gun Laws in Mexico
– Chinese Economic Influence
– Cartel Celebrity Culture
– Mental Health in Mexico
– Social Media Censorship
– Immigration and Asylum
– Cross-border Drug Trafficking
0:00:00 – Introduction and welcome to Ed Calderon
0:02:12 – Discussion of abduction case in Tamaulipas
0:03:33 – Trump's terrorist group designation threat
0:06:11 – Amnesty proposals for cartels overview
0:09:52 – Cartels giving gifts to local communities
0:12:23 – Linea Cartel control in Ciudad Juarez
0:14:47 – Legalizing drugs as part of the solution
0:17:12 – Mexican police special unit capture operation
0:20:00 – Seattle Cartel holding families hostage
0:23:48 – Cartel safe houses with advanced security
0:27:41 – Felipe Calderon's 'gloves off' war on crime
0:31:23 – China's interest in Mexican mining
0:34:48 – Sinaloa Cartel's armed enforcement group
0:36:10 – Cartel recruitment and guerrilla training camps
0:38:16 – Fake fentanyl-laced pills entering U.S. market
0:41:28 – Potential armed intervention in Mexico
0:44:12 – Lithium deposits in Sonora and implications
0:46:49 – Cartels providing Christmas gifts to communities
0:49:00 – Discussion on identity and America vs California
0:52:30 – Gun rights and firearm sales in Mexico
0:56:46 – Alleged U.S. government support for Sinaloa Cartel
0:59:07 – Books and media about El Chapo and cartels
1:03:25 – Cartel shrines and veneration practices
1:08:11 – Social media censorship of cartel content
1:14:58 – Challenges of immigration and integration
1:18:51 – Sharing cartel realities online
1:22:00 – Mental health issues in Mexico
1:27:29 – Law enforcement difficulties in Mexico
1:31:28 – Philosophy: Hard men produce soft times
1:35:06 – Lack of mainstream news coverage on crisis
1:37:07 – Properties of powdered titanium and pyrite
1:39:31 – FARC and criminal group challenges
1:43:03 – Evolution of cartel operations
1:44:16 – Views on border wall and immigration policies
1:46:14 – Immigration asylum process challenges
1:47:20 – Chinese industrial influence in Mexico
1:53:03 – Mexican cuisine references and culture
1:54:35 – Closing remarks and appreciation

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Welcome back, Ed. Starting point is 00:00:32 they build their roadblocks on the state and local roads. Starting point is 00:00:57 I mean, if anything, I would probably avoid traveling through those areas. Starting point is 00:01:24 Unless you have a 4x4 truck'll let you go on your way. Starting point is 00:01:42 They don't mind getting shot up. Starting point is 00:02:12 I recently saw a case of an apparent abduction in Tamaulipas. Starting point is 00:02:33 it's because he did something or he's involved in something. Starting point is 00:02:50 It's not always the case, but it's pretty, yeah. Starting point is 00:03:33 that so uh trump was saying that they were going to designate them as terrorist groups and that Starting point is 00:04:19 As soon as the designation threat by the U.S. came down, Starting point is 00:04:57 Yeah. Starting point is 00:05:47 which had already kind of been done before, Starting point is 00:06:11 Amnesty for the cartels was basically kind of the main theme of that. Starting point is 00:06:47 And it was a kind of a collaboration between the U.S. and the Mexican government. Starting point is 00:07:20 It would open up the possibility for military – direct military action against – Starting point is 00:07:42 Well, it's – right now it's a myriad of things Starting point is 00:08:24 it's not under the mattress Starting point is 00:08:55 people talk about as designating them as a terrorist and send drones down there things Starting point is 00:09:52 And they also, examples of the New Generation cartel from Guadalajara giving out Christmas gifts or groceries to the poor, Starting point is 00:10:16 I think the cartels and narco-terrorism is a thing in and of itself. Starting point is 00:10:38 Yeah. Starting point is 00:10:50 So what's going on with the Mormons now is are they moving out of there now? Starting point is 00:11:13 Help us out. Starting point is 00:11:40 dangerous yeah it only makes sense. Starting point is 0...

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Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1408?

Ed Calderon was the guest on JRE #1408. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1408?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1408 with Ed Calderon, topics include Mexican Drug Cartels, Narco-terrorism, Border Security, and Lithium Mining.

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