### Proposed Legislation to Mandate DNA Sampling of Unidentified Bodies in Baja California
In an effort to address the ongoing issue of missing persons in Baja California, a new legislative proposal aims to make DNA sampling mandatory for unidentified bodies. Presented by the Federation of Bars, Colleges, and Associations of Lawyers (FEDABO) to the State Congress’ Commission of Security, this initiative seeks to streamline the identification process for families searching for lost loved ones.
Titled “Where Are Our Disappeared?”, the proposal was unveiled on October 30th and emphasizes the importance of collecting DNA samples from unidentified bodies housed at the Forensic Medical Service (Semefo) before they are interred in mass graves. Currently, official records indicate that Tijuana alone has about 13,000 unidentified bodies.
Hassan Martín Franco, the President of FEDABO in Baja California, explained the necessity of the initiative by highlighting the current challenges families face when identifying bodies through photographs at Semefo. The proposed reform would require the Public Ministry to collect DNA samples from unclaimed bodies and compare them against a DNA database managed by forensic services. This process would allow families to provide their DNA and potentially avoid the trauma of manually reviewing photos at Semefo.
At present, the proposal is being reviewed by the legal team of the State Justice Commission’s President, with further discussions scheduled for November 12th. FEDABO plans to present the initiative to national lawmakers in an effort to amend the National Code of Criminal Procedure, making DNA sampling a mandatory element of missing persons investigations on a national scale.
According to the National Registry of Missing and Unlocated Persons (RNPDNO), there are 117,386 people reported missing in Mexico. This number could be higher due to underreporting, often driven by fear among families. In Baja California alone, over 18,000 individuals are reported missing, with Tijuana accounting for 80% of these cases.
### Related Developments in Missing Persons Advocacy
In addition to the proposed legislation in Baja California, other regions are also making strides to tackle the crisis of missing persons. In neighboring Sonora, a new task force has been formed with an aim to enhance the efforts of locating disappeared individuals. This task force aims to collaborate with local and international organizations to leverage technological advancements such as facial recognition software and expanded DNA testing capabilities.
These developments come amid rising public pressure to address systemic inefficiencies in handling missing person cases. Advocacy groups continue to call for greater transparency and accountability from government authorities and law enforcement agencies. The growing support for utilizing DNA technology to solve cold cases and identify unknown remains showcases a shift towards more scientific and compassionate approaches.
Through these collective efforts, families of missing persons hope for closure and justice in a landscape that has long struggled with unresolved disappearances.