### Political Conflict Between Police Forces Over Pursuit of “El Isra” in Mexicali
#### September 16, 2024
A series of events that began at the start of the year have led to an intense political showdown between Baja California’s Secretary of Public Security, Leopoldo Tizoc Aguilar Durán, and the Municipal Police Chief of Mexicali, Pedro Ariel Mendívil. This conflict reached its peak on September 9, when Aguilar Durán assumed control of municipal police operations in Mexicali’s Valle region during Mendívil’s vacation.
The ongoing tension arose from multiple conflicts regarding high-priority arrests. The most recent incident, which aggravated the situation, occurred on August 27, when Agustín Jaime Brambila, head of the Intelligence Unit of the State Citizen Security Force (FESC), was ambushed in a scarcely populated region between Carrancita and Oviedo Mota Reacomodo. The attackers, allegedly affiliated with the criminal group known as “Los Rusos,” commanded by Jesús Alexander (Alejandro) Sánchez Félix/Juan Josué Ponce Félix, reportedly fired approximately 900 rounds. The timely arrival of more officers from the operation helped save lives.
The Secretary’s dissatisfaction grew due to the apparent lack of support from the Municipal Police during this ambush, with investigations revealing that the criminal group responsible was led by Israel Leonardo Trigueros Muñoz, known as “El Isra.” The FESC quickly orchestrated operations to pursue “Los Rusos” and diminish the influence of the Municipal Police in Mexicali.
Operations in the following days led to arrests and weapon seizures near the site of the attack, and threatening banners were discovered, signed by “Los Rusos” and “El P1,” targeting General Aguilar Durán. This escalation included detaining individuals associated with “Los Rusos,” seizing a significant arsenal, yet failing to apprehend key targets like “El Isra,” who evaded capture by fleeing to the Golfo de Santa Clara.
Meanwhile, an unexpected maneuver to reinstate control included summoning over 150 Municipal Police officers to undergo control and confidence tests. Allegations of violations during this process led to complaints by police unions regarding the treatment and prolonged detentions of officers. Despite the anxieties, FESC officials stated that the actions were essential for addressing rising criminal activities in Mexicali.
In light of this friction, actions directly targeting General Aguilar Durán and the state prosecutor María Elena Andrade for alleged misconduct against the Municipal Police were prepared. While Mendívil remains in his role, his future amidst the local administration remains uncertain.
### Additional Update: Arrest of “El Isra” Associated Individual
In a related development, law enforcement authorities have arrested another key figure associated with “El Isra.” The individual, known as “El Gusano,” is implicated in the ambush against Brambila and notable criminal activities. This arrest further intensifies the strategic push against “Los Rusos” and their influence in Mexicali, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the FESC to curb organized crime operations in the region.
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