**Julián Leyzaola to Serve as Security Advisor, Not Head of SSPCM**
Julián Leyzaola Pérez, a retired military officer and former head of the Tijuana Municipal Police, will take on the role of security advisor to the city government. This decision was confirmed by the city’s mayor, Ismael Burgueño Ruíz, who emphasized that Leyzaola will be closely involved in providing strategic guidance on reducing crime rates, although he will not lead the Secretariat of Citizen Security and Municipal Protection (SSPCM).
The mayor clarified that the decision to withdraw Leyzaola from consideration as the SSPCM chief was influenced by federal recommendations. Despite past legal challenges, including allegations of arbitrary detention and torture during his previous tenure, the state attorney general’s office has cleared Leyzaola to serve in government roles.
**Tijuana Prepares for Security Leadership Decision as Federal Influence Emerges**
Tijuana is set to announce its new security chief, with the city council scheduled to select from a list that includes Juan Manuel Sánchez Rosales, the mayor’s preferred candidate. Sánchez Rosales brings experience from high-level security positions, including the National Intelligence and Security Center (Cisen) and other prominent government bodies in Mexico.
Julián Leyzaola, originally considered for the top security role, will instead provide his expertise as a security advisor. This decision came in part due to external federal suggestions and continues amidst Leyzaola’s controversial history with accusations of misconduct. However, local authorities affirm that his advisory role aims to bolster efforts against criminal activities in the city. Other candidates in consideration alongside Sánchez Rosales include José Alonso Sepúlveda and Carlos Arturo Huacuja Betancourt, with the council decision anticipated soon.