18 Comments
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Butter's avatar

Hi Ioan I watched YOUR own interview today and was quite impressed. You’re extremely low key for such an international treasure. It’s a privilege to be a subscriber here. 🙏🏼❤️

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Ioan Grillo's avatar

Thanks so much there friend and that means a lot to me. All best there my friend.

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Daniel Helkenn's avatar

I think a great part of your success comes not only from your dogged reporting but from the fact you have made the commitment to live in the area you’re reporting on. There are many reporters who fly in, try to get the story, and fly out. There’s no feel for the culture. You live it so to speak. You’re an indispensable part of my knowledge repertoire. I always look forward to your posts, and that next book. I had to get that in. 😀

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Ioan Grillo's avatar

Super appreciated words my friend. I am working away on the new book, but it's perhaps my most ambitious one yet. I hope all is well with you and have a great weekend carnal.

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YUSUKE's avatar

This is an interesting topic.

It’s very fascinating to learn about the media situation in your country.

It’s strange that the major media outlets are not covering this issue.

I have a personal desire to visit Mexico and report on some of the historic sites of past events.

I’ve been told that security might be necessary depending on the location—do you think that’s true?

In Japan, there are a few journalists who talk about gangs, but they only focus on numbers—such as the death toll, the effects of drugs, or the sex industry.

What I want to pursue are the human stories and the deeper backgrounds behind these events.

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Ioan Grillo's avatar

Thanks there Yusuke. I think generally you can report in Mexico without security but you do need to be careful. I will do a story on the safer and more violent cities to come to for the world cup. Also, I'd be happy to say hello if you come to Mexico.

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YUSUKE's avatar

I would be happier than ever in my life if I could meet you.

Until now, my media project has struggled financially, but little by little, more people have joined, and I finally have the resources to conduct reporting.

I will definitely come, so please wait for me!

The places I especially want to visit are Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, and the Narco Museum.

I’m also interested in the Zetas’ crime scene in San Fernando, but I might need a knowledgeable advisor there.

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Ioan Grillo's avatar

They are tough places to go. I could give you the contact of a producer if you like although it could be expensive. Either way, happy to Say hello in Mexico City

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YUSUKE's avatar

Thank you very much.

Of course.

I will come to Mexico City.

Please let me know.

I am prepared for the expenses to some extent, but I would like to ask about various conditions.

I truly appreciate your actions.

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Ioan Grillo's avatar

World Cup 2026 here we go!

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Mar a man's avatar

Love your work Ioan, n feel like I can't express that enough/often enough. But yeah. :)

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Ioan Grillo's avatar

Great to have you with us Mar a man and back at yer!

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francisco arcaute's avatar

Felicidades, Don Juan!

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Ioan Grillo's avatar

Gracias amigo!

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Deana Holmes's avatar

I'm looking forward to your reporting on the extralegal killings committed by the Trump admin on the Venezuelan ship. Why yes, there are USAians who recognize the action for what it is. It doesn't have to be drug smuggling. With 11 people on the ship, I have to ask if it wasn't human smuggling?

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Ioan Grillo's avatar

Yes, I raise that question in the video on it I made. There is certainly a big doubt there and they are probably looking for a next target now. Great to have your voice here Deana.

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David Cashion's avatar

You said independent reporting in Mexico is increasing, does that include reporting on the Cartels ?

I thought the Cartels had shut any reporting about them down.

When I stopped hearing about journalists being murdered, I figured the Cartel won the war on journalists. Was it only directed at "local" news ?

I have always been surprised, not only by your information but by the access you have.

I would really like to hear sometime how you navigate and stay safe.

Are there rules ?

How long did it take you to figure it out, have you ?

I heard if one really wants to boost their exposure, do a tic tok of a monkey hitting you in the nuts.

The world is lucky to have reporting like yours.

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Ioan Grillo's avatar

Thanks there David and this is an interesting area that deserves a story by itself. There is an interesting mix in Mexico that there are black holes of the country that cartels have shut down reporting but there also are a lot of feisty Mexican reporters who keep on getting out good stories despite the dangers. It's a difficult environment to navigate and there are certain rules I guess, although they also keep changing. Well appreciated to have you as a reader there David!

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