Ep 28. The Sicario

The Weekly season 1 episode 28, titled "The Sicario," takes an in-depth look at the violent drug trade along the US-Mexico border. Through interviews with drug cartel members, law enforcement officials, and victims' families, the episode explores the devastating impact of cartel violence on both sides of the border.

The episode starts by introducing a young man named Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez, who was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent while walking near the fence separating Nogales, Mexico and Nogales, Arizona. The incident, which occurred in 2012, sparked an international controversy and a legal battle that has continued for years. The Weekly investigates the case and reveals new details about the shooting, shedding light on the culture of violence that has developed along the border.

From there, the episode delves into the world of cartel violence, exploring the tactics and motivations of groups like the Sinaloa cartel, one of the largest drug organizations in Mexico. Through interviews with former cartel members and journalists who cover the drug trade, the episode offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of these organizations, including their use of violence as a means of control and their ability to corrupt law enforcement officials.

The episode also highlights the toll that cartel violence takes on everyday people. We meet a family in Juarez, Mexico who lost two sons to cartel violence, as well as a group of activists who are fighting to hold both cartel members and government officials accountable for the violence. Through their stories, we see the human cost of the drug trade and the courage of those who refuse to be silenced by fear.

Ultimately, "The Sicario" is a powerful and deeply affecting episode that shines a light on the complex issues surrounding the drug trade and the violence that accompanies it. Through its bold reporting and intimate storytelling, The Weekly reveals the human stories behind the headlines and offers a glimpse at what it will take to make the border a safer and more just place for all.