Marines Lead Public Security in Baja California Sur
In response to the surge in high-impact crimes across Baja California Sur between 2014 and 2018, where over 800 people lost their lives, the state government enlisted the help of the Mexican Navy (Semar) to take charge of municipal and state-level safety operations. This decision was aimed at ensuring reliability and results amid the wave of violence driving the region into one of the worst crises in its history.
By the end of 2017, marines were appointed to lead Public Security, Preventive Police, and Municipal Traffic authorities in the state’s five municipalities and within the State Public Security Secretariat (SSPE). The Security Committee, comprising various government levels, made the final decision. Critics viewed this as militarization, but the opposition parties at the time — Morena and the Labor Party — did not agree with these claims.
One of the critical assignments includes Captain Armando Daniel Reyes, who has been overseeing security operations in Comondú for more than a year and continues in this role. Despite facing challenges such as low performance in Control and Confidence assessments and ongoing violence, marines have proven to be suitable leaders for security.
Although the visible wave of violence decreased by the end of 2018, another issue emerged: disappearances. As of September 30, there were 803 recorded cases across the state’s municipalities. This situation underscores the responsibility of all security institutions to work on prevention, response, and justice delivery.
As new municipal administrations took office in 2024, Baja California Sur’s Governor, Víctor Castro Cosío, confirmed the continued presence of marines in security roles within the municipalities and the SSPE, maintaining the hopes to stabilize and further improve public safety.
Rut de la Fuente, the first female head of the La Paz Security Department, has been confirmed to continue her role after Milena Quiroga’s historic reelection as mayor. De la Fuente, with a solid background in the Naval Infantry, continues to address the city’s prevalent issues such as domestic violence and business robbery while making significant progress in reducing other crimes.
Similarly, Christian Agúndez Gómez ratified Captain Christopher Jordi López Monge as the director of public safety in Los Cabos. Despite new challenges, such as rising crime rates in several categories, efforts continue to maintain the area’s status as a secure tourist destination.
In Mulegé, the focus is on gender-based violence, with recent developments including new units to support victims, highlighting the pressing need for social sensitivity and the cooperation of various entities to address this issue.
Meanwhile, Captain Armando Daniel Reyes in Comondú and Alberto Lucas Evangelista in Loreto face unique challenges, from the high rate of robberies to managing large networks of municipal areas. These officials leverage their extensive military experience to craft strategies aimed at improving security conditions in their regions.
Governor Castro Cosío remains committed to ensuring that security remains a top priority, with cooperation between military, state, and municipal bodies playing a crucial role in these efforts.
Secondary Article:
Baja California Sur’s Security Strategy: Progress and Challenges
Over recent years, Baja California Sur has intensified efforts to manage public safety through diverse strategies, including the prominent integration of military personnel in security roles. While this approach has been successful in curbing high-profile acts of violence, the region continues to grapple with new and evolving security challenges.
The state government has shown a commitment to transparency and improvement, obtaining input from various sectors, including community leaders and local businesses. Their aim is to bring about a safer and more stable environment for residents and tourists alike.
However, these efforts require intricate coordination between the military and local law enforcement, prompting ongoing discussion about the balance between military involvement and civil liberties. As the state moves forward with this strategy, the focus remains on enhancing safety while also ensuring respect for human rights and due process.
Community involvement and responsiveness to local concerns are becoming increasingly essential components of the evolving security framework. Baja California Sur’s authorities continue to adapt to the complexities of crime prevention while striving to foster a sense of security and well-being among its residents.