Chasing the Scream

by

Johann Hari

Miguel Treviño Character Analysis

Miguel Treviño was one of the Zeta Cartel’s leaders. Until his arrest in 2013, he was extremely powerful and widely feared, particularly because he was known for torturing and massacring innocent people. He recruited Rosalio Reta into the cartel and eventually ordered Reta’s murder due to cartel infighting. Treviño’s life story shows how the drug war rewards extreme, sadistic violence by handing power and respect to whoever is most willing to use it.
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Miguel Treviño Character Timeline in Chasing the Scream

The timeline below shows where the character Miguel Treviño appears in Chasing the Scream. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 9: Bart Simpson and the Angel of Juárez
Drug Legalization and U.S. Policy Theme Icon
Prohibition and the Cycle of Violence Theme Icon
...he told the police that he joined the cartel because he admired its second-in-command, Miguel Treviño. According to this version, he visited Treviño’s ranch, then became a hitman, and he loved... (full context)
Prohibition and the Cycle of Violence Theme Icon
...he was in, there was no way out. He became a professional hitman, killing at Treviño’s orders. And he didn’t tell anyone, least of all his family. During their interview, Reta... (full context)
Prohibition and the Cycle of Violence Theme Icon
Stories and Human Psychology Theme Icon
...perks: he had access to all the women, drugs, and money he could possibly want. Treviño once paid Reta $375,000 for killing a man. In wiretapped conversations, Reta and his friend... (full context)
Drug Legalization and U.S. Policy Theme Icon
Prohibition and the Cycle of Violence Theme Icon
Treviño also bought off the police, military, and even federal officials through a combination of threats... (full context)
Drug Legalization and U.S. Policy Theme Icon
Prohibition and the Cycle of Violence Theme Icon
 Soon, Treviño’s men went after Reta. They attacked him in the woods and slashed him all over... (full context)
Drug Legalization and U.S. Policy Theme Icon
Prohibition and the Cycle of Violence Theme Icon
...a sadistic, ruthless killer if it weren’t for the war on drugs. After their interview, Treviño becomes the Zetas’ leader and is then captured by the police. There’s a new turf... (full context)