Peak Points | "I Was Covered in Blood" - Terrifying Moments as a Police Officer

Ed Calderon, reflecting on his time as a Tijuana police officer, reveals the intense threats and challenges he faced from cartels, showcasing their power and the inadequacies of law enforcement in combating them.

Ed Calderon Witnessed Cartel Lawlessness as a Tijuana Police Officer

Calderon recalls a chilling encounter with a cartel convoy, where he and a small team of officers experienced the cartels’ brazen display of power firsthand.

Calderon's Team Faced a Cartel Convoy in Tijuana, Which Drove Past the Police Without Fear of Retaliation

Calderon recounts an incident where his team of about nine officers found themselves in a Mexican standoff with a convoy consisting of roughly 15 vehicles, some armored and filled with men brandishing AK-47s, dressed in what looked like federal police and army uniforms. This impostor group traversed the area without fear, going about their business, clearly untroubled by the possibility of police interference.

Calderon Realized Early the Cartels' Disregard For Law and Police, Leading To Hopelessness In His Work

The standoff led Calderon to an early realization of the intense disregard the cartels had for law enforcement, which brought about a sense of hopelessness and futility in his work. This dispiriting insight came not long after Calderon joined the force and contributed to his eventual resignation, especially after an incident where a body was left as a warning, suggesting he was a target for recruitment by a cartel.

Insufficient Support and Resources Hindered Officers Like Calderon In Combating Cartel Power

The Tijuana police were drastically unprepared and unsupported in their efforts to combat the powerful cartels, which was evident in Calderon’s recollection of being outgunned and outmanned.

Calderon's Team Was Outgunned and Outmanned by the Cartel, With No Reinforcements Arriving

In the face-off against the cartel convoy, Calderon pointed out the stark difference in numbers and firepower between the police and the cartel, with only two police cars against the cartel's 15- ...

The police force in Mexico faces significant challenges due to corruption and an environment that coerces officers into compromising situations.

Corruption in Mexican Police: Officers on Cartel Payroll

Calderon reveals disturbing trends within the Mexican police force related to corruption and cartel influence.

Certification and Background Checks Reversed, Suspected Cartel Tied Officers Reinstated

Calderon discusses the implications of a change in administration that led to a landmark case declaring firings based on polygraph exams unconstitutional. This legal shift allowed officers who were suspected of having ties to cartels to return to their jobs and receive back pay. The reinstatement of these officers casts a shadow over the police force's integrity and highlights the difficulty in maintaining a corruption-free environment within law enforcement.

Calderon Faced Resigning or Working For a Cartel, Leading Him to Leave

The situation reached a personal crisis for Calderon, who was approached by intermediaries who offer ...

Ed Calderon brings attention to China’s involvement in Mexico’s cartel activities, suggesting that it is part of a strategy to undermine U.S. interests and destabilize the region.

Calderon: China Seeks to Destabilize Mexico, Exploit U.S. Vulnerability

Chinese Weapons and [restricted term] Precursors in Mexico Indicate Government-Backed Effort to Worsen Cartel Crisis

Calderon points out that nothing comes out of China without the government's knowledge, indicating that the state is involved in monitoring activities within its borders. He mentions the presence of Chinese weapons and [restricted term] precursors in Mexico and views these as indications of a government-backed effort to worsen the cartel crisis. He emphasizes that the operation of [restricted term] labs, being supervised by Chinese laboratory specialists, indicates state-sponsored activities rather than just criminal enterprises.

Despite Disruptions, Rapid Cartel Growth During Covid-19 Suggests External Support and Supply Chain Aid From China

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most businesses suffered disruptions, but the new generation cartel in Mexico grew, which according to Calderon, suggests external support or assistance. He believes that ignoring the rapid growth of the largest cartel in Mexico during the pandemic, with evident supply chains from China, means overlooking the clear evidence of external aid. Calderon discusses the case of Jen Lee Seigon, a Chinese Mexican national, who was involved in trafficking [restricted term] and [restricted term] precursors legally into Mexico, which further highlights the possibility of state-supported trade. He notes the immediate replacement of foreign businesses leaving Mexico during the pandemic with Chinese plants and companies, indicating China's increasing influence in Mexico.

Calderon Views China's Influence on Mexican Cartels As a Strategy to Undermine U.S. Interests

Chinese Government's Control and Unconventional Tactics Make It Formidable Against Mexican Cartels

Calderon asserts that China, through its oversight and involvement in activities like the illegal drug trade, wields control in a way that makes it a formidable influence against Mexican cartels. He states that C ...

The journey of Ed Calderon from facing trauma as a result of his policing work in Tijuana to finding coping mechanisms is a compelling story of resilience and the power of support.

Calderon's Mother Helped Him Process Trauma From Tijuana Policing

Calderon's mother played a crucial role in his ability to deal with and process the trauma he experienced. After encountering a particularly traumatic event, Calderon found himself at his parents' house, where his mother's silent support—washing his bloody clothes and making him coffee—gave him the space he needed to rest and reflect.

Mother's Support Helped Calderon Reflect After Trauma

Through her silent actions, Calderon's mother provided a haven for him to recover, both physically and mentally. This support allowed him to pass out and take the time he needed to process the events he had been through.

Mother's Wisdom Showed Calderon He Needed a New Path Forward

His mother's wisdom was instrumental in helping Calderon see the need for a change in his life. She questioned what his next steps would be and insisted that returning to his former way of life was not an option. Her pivotal advice, "Either you change on your way back to home, or the home you left changes when you're gone and you don't recognize it when you come back," led him to reevaluate his situation and ultimately decide to leave his job after reflecting on her words following her death.

Camaraderie and Humor Were Key Coping Mechanisms For Calderon

Calderon finds that humor and camaraderie play significant roles in coping with the stresses of his past work. He believes that a sense of humor is an important trait that tells a lot about a person and their ability to deal with challenging situations.

Calderon Found Levity and Laughter in Hi ...