### Political Rift Over Security in Mexicali
A political crisis over security management has led to a severe rift between the Executive Power, led by Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, and the Mayor of Mexicali, Norma Alicia Bustamante Martínez. Over the past two weeks, both leaders have engaged in a series of passive-aggressive and even antagonistic statements, all against the backdrop of security concerns in the southern region of the Mexicali Valley.
The area between Ciudad Guadalupe Victoria and Kilometer 57, bordering the Valle de Mexicali and San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, is entirely controlled by the criminal organization Los Rusos, led by Jesús Alexander Sánchez Félix. Despite a decline in overall homicide rates in Baja California compared to the previous year, the influence of this criminal group remains significant in this region.
Coordination and security issues have escalated to the upper echelons of government, resulting in a political conflict. Tensions between the Municipal Police, led by Director Pedro Ariel Mendívil, and the State Security Secretary, Leopoldo Tizoc Aguilar Durán, have been brewing since the beginning of the year, following a series of arrests where both forces accused each other of various infractions.
State forces allege that Municipal Police are colluding with organized crime, citing instances where municipal officers hindered state operations in the southern Mexicali Valley. Conversely, local officers accuse state forces of extortion and acting like organized criminals, even breaking into homes while dressed in civilian clothing and ignoring police protocols.
On September 20, Mayor Norma Alicia Bustamante publicly stated that there used to be coordination with the state on security matters and expressed her unawareness of the magnitude of the Executive’s intended operations. Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda responded aggressively to these remarks, emphasizing the need for congruence between words and actions and underscoring the governor’s commitment to making tough decisions for the citizens’ benefit.
The conflict has intensified despite some arrests and operations carried out by the FESC and the Army, which have supposedly subdued criminal activities in the area. However, intelligence reports indicate that many criminal elements from Los Rusos have migrated to Sinaloa to engage in conflicts there, temporarily reducing their activities in Mexicali.
### Secondary Article
#### Increased Law Enforcement Presence in the South Valley of Mexicali Amid Rising Tensions
Recent developments reveal a heightened law enforcement presence in the southern Valle de Mexicali as state forces continue their efforts to regain control from local criminal organizations. The initiative, which began as a five-day evaluation, has already stretched into its second week.
More than 70 elements from the State Security Forces (FESC) and the Army have been deployed in the region, with authorities boasting about capturing high-profile suspects involved in significant criminal cases. One such arrest includes an individual implicated in the disappearance of five young people from the Shots bar between 2022 and 2023.
Nevertheless, the conflict between state and local forces persists. Reports of extortion by the state police and allegations of wrongdoing by municipal police officers continue to surface. Recently, armed groups stole ten vehicles from a vehicular impound lot, an act believed to be orchestrated by Los Rusos to bolster their fleet for ongoing criminal activities.
Mayor Norma Alicia Bustamante has since adopted a more subdued public stance, avoiding direct comments about the governor’s statements. As the situation unfolds, it remains uncertain when local law enforcement will regain control.
Despite setbacks, the governor remains resolute in her approach, continuing to evaluate new profiles for leadership positions within the Mexicali police force. The overall aim is to establish a robust security framework capable of addressing the region’s challenges effectively.
The local administration’s efforts are also being scrutinized by the Federal Attorney General’s Office, which has been called in to investigate the security issues plaguing the Mexicali Valley and the local police force.
As the administrative period winds down, speculation mounts about potential changes in the city’s management and the broader security apparatus. Whether these shifts will lead to a lasting resolution or further complications remains to be seen.