rackets

Critics said it was unrealistic to expect Mexico to shut down billion-dollar trafficking organizations that have been expanding their territories, rackets and power for years.

Chavez told the jury — at times through tears — that he got in over his head with clients who threatened him into going along with their rackets.

As it played, the BBC Singers and BBC Symphony Chorus started a Mexican Wave while brandishing football rattles and tennis rackets.

But analysts and law enforcement officials say that emboldened cartels are spreading fear in races at the local level as they expand their reach into extortion rackets, migrant trafficking and food production.

The charges unsealed this week show little has changed in the operations of the jail rackets since Torres first implemented them while awaiting trial 20 years ago.