**Collapsing Services in Tecate Under Benítez’s Administration**
Every morning, thousands of Tecate residents step outside to see their overflowing trash bins. Some wake up early only to be greeted by a city shrouded in darkness due to non-functional streetlights. As they head out to work, they carry the burden of recent violent incidents in their community. The roads, riddled with potholes, lead them through a city center that, once deemed magical, now suffers from neglect and decay. These were the grim observations made by Darío Benítez in his inaugural address on September 20, 2021, when he took office as the Mayor of Tecate.
Three years down the line, as he prepares to hand over the reins to Román Cota Muñoz, Benítez leaves behind a municipality bogged down by severe issues in waste collection, street lighting, road maintenance, and soaring crime rates that resulted in the tragic deaths of two public servants and five municipal police officers.
**An Overflowing Trash Crisis**
Tecate produces around 200 tons of household waste daily, amounting to over 1,400 tons weekly. Without proper waste management, this refuse ends up in illegal dumping sites, on streets, vacant lots, and sometimes even in homes, posing significant health risks. Despite promises in 2023 from Mayor Benítez, the situation has worsened. Health authorities highlight Tecate as a hotspot for gastrointestinal illnesses, eye infections, and skin conditions due to pollution.
Previously, household waste was transported to the Guajardo Transfer Center, but this facility was closed to the public during Benítez’s term. The only alternative was the landfill on the Tecate-Tijuana Highway, which was shut down for exceeding its capacity. Consequently, public spaces have seen up to a 40% increase in trash accumulation, attracting homeless individuals who further contribute to the filth and fire hazards. Numerous complaints to Civil Protection and Fire Departments, Environmental Protection, and emergency services have gone unanswered.
In April 2023, Benítez announced the acquisition of three garbage trucks funded by the Fortamun 2023 fund and the municipal resources, costing over 7 million pesos in total. Yet, within three months, these trucks were out of service due to mechanical failures. Public Works officials admitted that the garbage collection system needs at least three times the current number of units and workers to be effective.
**Violence: A New Normal**
The Luis Donaldo Colosio neighborhood, ominously nicknamed “La Coyotera,” is notorious for high crime rates, with at least ten murders and numerous home invasions and armed robberies recorded between 2023 and 2024. Recent weeks saw over five armed attacks and four executions in the El Paraíso colony, and five more killings in the Invasión or Los Olivos neighborhoods over the past year.
From 2022 to 2024, Tecate recorded over 350 homicides, including 84 in the current year alone. Additionally, more than 200 people have been reported missing during Benítez’s term according to local search collectives. Among the victims were two former officials, Enrique León and Cristian Vázquez, both close colleagues of Benítez, who were brutally murdered in public spaces.
Benítez himself has been surrounded by suspicions of an attempted assassination, allegedly by members of the Arellano Félix Cartel. The purported attack involved setting fire to his vehicle and parts of his residence while he was inside.
**Neglected Infrastructure and Lighting**
The so-called “Magical Town” of Tecate struggles with severe infrastructure decay, with 80% of its roads in poor condition and widespread streetlight failures, creating unsafe environments for pedestrians, students, athletes, and nighttime workers. Key streets like Avenida Revolución, Defensores, Mixcoac, Callejón Madero, and Río Tecate are stark examples of urban neglect.
In his first year, Benítez announced the acquisition of an asphalt plant, which was the centerpiece of his re-election campaign. However, this project too was abandoned due to environmental permit issues.
Darío Benítez concludes his term amid a collapse in public services, claiming that “Tecate could be much worse.”
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**Secondary Article: Recent Developments in Tecate**
**Rise in Public Discontent Over Municipal Collapse**
Amidst growing concerns over the state of public services in Tecate, residents are now voicing their frustration louder than ever. The local government’s inability to manage waste collection efficiently has become a significant public health concern. Authorities have been criticized for failing to act on numerous complaints, with reported cases of illnesses on the rise.
Insecurity continues to plague the town, with an alarming rate of homicides and disappearances. Community members express fear over the unresolved violence, which has seen a spike in both petty crimes and brutal assaults, painting a grim picture of safety in Tecate.
Calls for immediate action and accountability are increasing as the incoming administration prepares to address these critical issues. Public forums and neighborhood meetings are being organized to ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard.
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