Excessive juvenile detention worsening Mexico's security problems?

There has been a lot written about Mexico's security problems. The drug war has led to tens of thousands of deaths. Certain municipalities, cities and large parts of some states are very dangerous places, where narco-gangs operate with impunity. We have met many families who have moved from more dangerous parts of the country to start life over in Mexico City - internally displaced people.

As a result of the insecurity, political pressure to get "tough on crime" has led to very draconian juvenile justice laws. Many states in Mexico allow kids to be imprisoned for one year or more while awaiting trial. Some states have excessive penalties juveniles, as high as 20 year sentences in some cases.

Is juvenile justice policy actually contributing to the security problems?