Security Crisis in Los Cabos Mulege

Heightened measures in Los Cabos and Mulegé respond to escalating criminal activities, prompting strategic interventions and partnerships to maintain order and security in the face of growing challenges.

## Enhanced Security Measures Implemented in Los Cabos and Mulegé

Following the violent incident involving José Eleazar Toscano, known locally as “El Profe,” concern has grown among those charged with maintaining public order in Baja California Sur. Toscano, 36, who is alleged to be a local crime figure in Guerrero Negro, Mulegé, was attacked on October 11th, prompting the deployment of specialized forces from the Subprocuraduría de Atención a Delitos de Alto Impacto (SADAI) in La Paz.

According to military sources, reports indicated the presence of armed groups following the incident. This surge in criminal activity raises alarm about the severity of the situation in Mulegé. Special ops have been dispatched, and early reports from the National Guard confirm sightings of armed individuals entering the area, underscoring the need for immediate action.

Further complicating the security landscape, a local informant reported the suspicious landing of a small plane near Punta Chivato beach on October 11th, involving six passengers, some of whom were masked and carrying long guns. Although the suspects had fled by the time law enforcement arrived, evidence suggested recent activity in the area.

These events escalated when, on October 27th, Rosa Irene, dubbed “La 5,” was abducted in broad daylight in Mulegé. Irene’s companion, Yuri Nayeli, was injured during the confrontation. The whereabouts of Rosa Irene remain unknown, and organized crime factions, namely “La Chapiza” and “La Mayiza”—both associated with the infamous Sinaloa Cartel—are believed to be battling for control in the region.

Luis Alfredo Cancino Vicente, the Secretary of State Public Security, confirmed that an extensive operation is underway to manage the conflict between these rival gangs. Efforts are being made to prevent any further escalation of violence through rapid and professional responses to any criminal activity.

### Continued Tensions and Violence in Los Cabos

The city of Los Cabos, known for its tourism, finds itself amid the ongoing strife between criminal organizations. Following the fracturing of alliances within the Sinaloa Cartel, Los Cabos has emerged as a critical area for drug trafficking and criminal enterprise.

According to a local representative from the Citizens’ Council for Victims of Crime, organized crime in Los Cabos remains a significant challenge, despite efforts from local authorities. On October 24th, a gruesome discovery was made when authorities found the body of a man with signs of violence in a popular shopping district. The incident is thought to be connected to criminal factions battling for dominance in the region.

Days later, another body was found in a similarly violent condition in San José del Cabo, reaffirming suspicions that the area is under siege by organized crime. These incidents underscore the extensive organization of these groups, reportedly leveraging strategic locations for their illicit activities.

### Official Strategy and Response

Saúl González Núñez, the Secretary General of Government, articulated the state’s strategy to address these challenges by increasing the coordination between various security forces. This approach aims to thwart the so-called “cockroach effect”—where criminals flee from one locality to another—by ramping up surveillance both along highways and at sea.

Despite Baja California Sur’s reputation for safety, there has been a visible surge in severe criminal acts. Homicides have risen sharply by 87.5% from 2023 to 2024. Moreover, drug-related offenses are also on the rise, with a reported increase of over 10% in such cases compared to the previous year.

González Núñez stressed that while the state remains attractive for criminal actors, it also stands as a model for collaborative security measures. The main focus remains on intelligence operations to ensure that local authorities are prepared to respond rapidly and efficiently to any emerging threats.

### Addendum: Rising Insecurity in Mexican States

Recent events in Baja California Sur are a fragment of a larger security challenge facing several Mexican states. With organized crime factions vying for control, a nationwide uptick in violence has been observed, driven by clashes between established cartels and emerging groups eager to expand their influence.

Efforts by both state and federal law enforcement agencies continue to target these criminal elements through increased surveillance, advanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and a reinforced presence in hotspot areas. The goal is to curb the violence that threatens local communities and disrupts the social fabric of towns dependent on tourism and commerce.

The transformation and realignment within criminal syndicates pose a continuing threat that necessitates a robust response from all levels of government to ensure public safety and order in affected regions.