Civilian Protection in Mexico & Guatemala: Humanitarian Engagement with Druglords & Gangs

Homeland security aims to protect people, institutions, and infrastructure from 21st century threats, most of which are transnational in nature. This article focuses on the threat of organized crime to the regional security of the Americas. Complex criminal networks are interlinked across state borders, from South to North America. At both ends and in between, civilians suffer the cost of violence associated with trafficking. This article acknowledges that interrupting criminal networks is a long-term endeavor, and focuses on protecting civilians in the short-term using confl ict analysis and resolution strategies for mitigating risk to people in harms way.