**Primary Article: Tijuana’s New Security Chief Faces Rising Violence as 38 Executions Occur in 9 Days**
In the latest developments from Tijuana, Juan Manuel Sánchez Rosales has been appointed as the new Secretary of Security amid an alarming surge in violence, with 38 executions reported in just nine days of October 2024. This decision stems from coordinated efforts between the local government and federal authorities following a directive from Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, to address crime through strategic law enforcement collaboration.
During the initial weeks of October, Tijuana has stood out as a focal point in Mexico’s strategy targeting “10 municipalities and 5 states” plagued by high crime rates. Local crime figures have placed the area under intense scrutiny as federal officials aim to curb ongoing violence by intensifying their presence and investigative strengths.
Sánchez Rosales, with an extensive history in intelligence, investigation, and strategic analysis roles, assumes the position following a controversial series of events involving the initial mayoral successor, Ismael Burgueño Ruiz. Burgueño had proposed Julián Leyzaola for the role, but the security council eventually bowed to federal preferences, leading to Sánchez Rosales’ nomination.
Despite this high-profile appointment, concerns linger about his capacity to implement effective changes. Historical data from previous roles, such as his time as Subsecretary of Intelligence in Chihuahua, paint a mixed picture regarding his impact on crime reduction. Nevertheless, federal figures stress their trust in his expertise, especially given his association with figures close to President Sheinbaum, like Omar García Harfuch.
As violence continues unabated, the question remains whether Sánchez can effectively employ his extensive intelligence background to tackle Tijuana’s entrenched criminal networks. His appointment comes with the federal expectation to focus on reducing high-impact crimes and dismantling violent criminal organizations, tasks critical to restoring safety and order in this troubled region.
**Secondary Article: Violence Flares in Tijuana as Cartel Rivalries Intensify**
Recent weeks have seen a stark increase in violent incidents across Tijuana, attributed to escalating conflicts between rival cartels. This includes the Arellano Félix cartel and others now entrenched in the region’s intricate web of organized crime. Close to 40 people have been killed in an ongoing turf war as factions vie for control.
On October 7, a targeted killing at the Hotel Suites Royal added to a series of calculated attacks highlighting the growing instability. Investigators link the spree of violence to shifting allegiances within the cartels as they struggle over critical drug trafficking routes near the US border. The deadly skirmishes illustrate how some former allies within the Arellano Félix cartel have splintered to align with new power blocks like the Chapitos or the Sinaloa Cartel, prompting fatal retaliations.
Tijuana’s strategic location has made it a prized battleground for control over drug supply chains, amplifying unrest in the densely populated city. Violent confrontations have spurred federal and local law enforcement to bolster security efforts, though with varying success.
In a related development, a mixed group comprising six National Guard members and associates of the Arellano Félix cartel was arrested recently, further exposing the deep-rooted complicity between criminal organizations and supposed enforcers of the law. They were detained after posing as law enforcement to facilitate cartel operations in the region, underscoring the challenges authorities face in distinguishing between lawmen and outlaws.
As Sánchez Rosales steps into his new role, he must navigate this turbulent landscape, balancing internal strife within enforcement agencies and external threats from the cartel rivalry. The security outcome over the coming months will be critical in determining whether Tijuana can curtail its cycle of violence and criminal exploitation.