**The Illusion of Security Control**
The latest approach to security under President Claudia Sheinbaum seems to echo strategies from previous PAN governments, focusing more on centralizing control over security forces than on tackling the root causes of violence. Despite disagreements, the aftermath of Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration has left an unsettling legacy in terms of national security. Regions of Mexico still face issues like lawlessness due to rampant criminal activities, with cities such as Tijuana and Celaya marked as some of the most violent in the world. The deteriorated relationship with U.S. security agencies highlights the Mexican government’s retreat from actively addressing insecurity.
Recent developments have seen a trend where military forces take on greater roles in civilian security matters, becoming responsible for the National Guard and other key enforcement areas. This shift occurs alongside a staggering figure of nearly 200,000 homicides during López Obrador’s tenure. President Sheinbaum places trust in Omar GarcÃa Harfuch, an influential figure from the Calderón era, in hopes of reversing the tide.
Harfuch, also known as the “Security Czar,” aims to consolidate power by appointing allies in strategic positions across the country, potentially undermining municipal and regional autonomy, as exemplified by the current security chief in Tijuana, Juan Manuel Sánchez Rosales. Such tactics invoke memories of past federal governance under PAN, where the main focus was to control security forces rather than ensure public safety and tranquility.
Sheinbaum’s administration seems swayed by a recycled security doctrine that’s proven futile, an approach entrenched in the legacy of the defunct Federal Investigation Agency led by the now-condemned Genaro GarcÃa Luna. In locations like Mexicali and San Luis RÃo Colorado, state authorities have supplanted municipal security entities with state-controlled operations, echoing similar past approaches. These actions yield minimal results in combating crime, instead feeding public fear, to the point where residents are warier of state police than the criminals themselves.
GarcÃa Harfuch’s agenda appears clear: seize control over police departments and their intelligence capabilities under a guise of increased coordination, hobbling local governments while expanding influence over municipalities and states. This strategy appears to pretend to fill the gap left by transferring the National Guard to the military, effectively co-opting local police and eroding regional authority.
Centralizing security has repeatedly shown to diminish transparency and accountability, fostering a conducive environment for power abuse and human rights violations, where leaders evade repercussions while subordinates face penalties long after the fact. Sheinbaum and GarcÃa Harfuch seem poised to view security as a tool for control and dominance, not as a primary means to safeguard citizens.
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**Related News: Security Challenges in Mexico Continue**
Despite attempts to reinvigorate Mexico’s safety strategies, the landscape remains rocky. In recent updates, reported actions in Tijuana have seen authorities seeking to mitigate a growing wave of violence. A notable incident involved the arrest of suspects associated with the discovery of a vehicle containing human remains, demonstrating ongoing security threats in the region.
Furthermore, Tijuana’s law enforcement battles are underscored by local controversies, such as the suspension of musician Cornelio Vega’s concert due to permitting disputes, reflecting broader governance struggles. Meanwhile, adjacent states like Baja California strive to address economic and cultural issues alongside security concerns, evidenced by the inauguration of the Morelia International Film Festival and the Expo Tequila 2024, aiming to bolster cultural ties and economic activity amid persistent security challenges.