**Narcomantas Deemed “Schoolyard Notes” by Police Chief Julian Leyzaola Amid Threats**
Julian Leyzaola, the Chief of Police in Mexicali, vividly described recent threatening banners known as narcomantas as akin to “schoolyard notes,” in response to the menacing messages unveiled across the city on March 21, 2025. The municipal leader downplayed the threats, citing his past experiences in Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez, where he encountered similar intimidations during his tenure in public safety.
“I think these threats are like little notes you would see in elementary school. This isn’t the first time I’ve been targeted with threats; it’s something I’ve faced in both Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez. Criminals use these methods to intimidate officials,” Leyzaola commented.
He emphasized that the primary aim of such messages is to stir the media and public attention. Concurrently, the Attorney General of Baja California, María Elena Andrade Ramírez, announced that an investigation into the banners is underway. Following the discovery of a deceased man at the Lázaro Cárdenas transport hub in Mexicali, along with a similar narcomanta, authorities have identified the victim but have withheld further information due to the ongoing investigation and concerns for Leyzaola’s safety.
The state governor, Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, has expressed her support for Mexicali mayor Norma Bustamante Martínez’s appointment of Julian Leyzaola as the new Head of the Public Security Directorate, citing his previous positive results in enhancing security in other cities.
**Related News: Rising Concerns Over Criminal Threats Against Officials**
In light of the recent events in Mexicali, regional officials are grappling with a concerning trend of rising criminal threats targeting public servants. Analysts suggest that the tactics employed by organized crime syndicates, such as narcomantas, are strategic in sowing fear and garnering influence over local administrations.
This escalation has prompted key figures in Baja California to call for enhanced security measures and a strengthened response from law enforcement agencies. Experts argue that multi-layered strategies, including technological surveillance and community engagement, are imperative to counter and deter these criminal tactics.
The broader impact on governance and civil society underscores the ongoing struggle for regional stability, demanding resilient leadership and a unified stance against intimidation tactics perpetuated by organized crime.
Given the intricate dynamics at play, regional governments are urged to reassess and fortify their public safety protocols to safeguard their communities and ensure the protection of public officials.