### Political Turmoil Erupts Among Law Enforcement Over Pursuit of “El Isra”
A series of ongoing events since the beginning of the year has culminated in an open and direct conflict between two top security officials in Baja California. Leopoldo Tizoc Aguilar Durán, head of the State Security Citizen Force (FESC), and Pedro Ariel Mendívil, chief of the Municipal Police in Mexicali, reached a breaking point on September 9. During Mendívil’s vacation, Aguilar Durán seized full control of police sectors, units, and weaponry in the Valle de Mexicali.
Tensions between the two have simmered throughout the year, primarily due to disputes over high-priority arrests. The conflict came to a head on August 27 when Agustín Jaime Brambila, the head of Intelligence for the FESC, was ambushed in a remote area. The attack, purportedly by a gang known as Los Rusos and commanded by El Ruso, involved nearly 900 shell casings, as per forensic reports. Despite this, the Municipal Police did not provide assistance, angering Aguilar Durán.
In response, the FESC launched dual operations targeting both the Los Rusos gang and the Municipal Police, culminating in a takeover of police facilities and reassignment of responsibilities in the Valle de Mexicali. This move was viewed by many as a strategic push to expel the Municipal Police from the area.
### HUNT FOR EL ISRA
The operation against Los Rusos focused on capturing Israel Leonardo Trigueros Muñoz, aka “El Isra.” Intelligence suggests the gang was responsible for the August ambush, resulting in a high-magnitude crackdown involving numerous arms seizures. However, the mission was stymied after El Isra fled to the Golfo de Santa Clara.
### MUNICIPAL POLICE RESET
In an attempt to regain control, state authorities, including the head of the state security, executed a plan involving rigorous checks and evaluations of over 150 Municipal Police officers. Local police unions decried the actions, citing procedural violations and extensive fatigue among officers. Many officers faced long hours at the evaluation centers, compelled to comply under threat of consequences.
While senior officials of Baja California defended these measures as a necessary strategy to clamp down on heightened criminal activity, the future of the participating officers remains uncertain. Pedro Ariel Mendívil continues in his role, though his status for the next three years is still undetermined.
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### ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS FROM RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
**City Mayor Steps Down for New Pursuit**
In a significant political shift, the city mayor has announced plans to resign from his post at SEGOB to pursue the presidency of a national political party. This development promises to shake up local governance and potentially align with the broader political realignments occurring at the state level.
**Violence in Sinaloa Tied to Political Maneuvering**
Recent violence in Sinaloa has been attributed to political adversaries aiming to undermine the current administration. According to official statements, these violent episodes are orchestrated attempts to tarnish the government’s public standing.
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