The violence against security forces in Guanajuato, Mexico, has reached alarming levels in 2024. To date, 50 police officers have been killed, making Guanajuato the state with the highest number of fallen officers in the country. The recent execution of three brothers who served as custodians at the León Center for Social Reintegration (Cereso) has raised concerns among authorities and shocked the public.
The Murder of Three Custodian Brothers in León
One of the most shocking incidents in this wave of violence was the execution of three custodian brothers from the León Cereso. The attackers broke into their homes and executed them in cold blood, revealing the vulnerability of officers off-duty.
This incident has triggered a wave of outrage, not only among the people of Guanajuato but also among authorities and human rights organizations, who are demanding stronger protection measures for law enforcement officers.
“It is necessary to strengthen the protection of police officers when they are off-duty,” declared the Governor of Guanajuato, Libia Dennise García Muñoz Ledo, who acknowledged the need to protect officers even on their days off. The governor also called for severe penalties for those responsible and assured the public that progress has been made in the investigation, although specific details have not been released.
Guanajuato: National Leader in Police Killings
According to official reports, Guanajuato is the state with the highest number of police killings in Mexico. So far in 2024, 50 officers have been killed violently. The number of homicides of police officers in Guanajuato has surpassed that of other states in the country, highlighting the seriousness of the public security crisis.
The fight for territorial control between drug cartels is one of the main reasons for the violence against security forces. The criminal groups vying for control in the region include:
- Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
- Sinaloa Cartel
- Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel
These criminal organizations are not only fighting to control strategic drug trafficking routes but also seek to intimidate and destabilize security forces by directly targeting police officers.
The Impact of Violence on Public Security
The murder of the three custodian brothers has highlighted the lack of protection for officers when off-duty. In most cases, police officers are attacked while at home or during their regular commutes, prompting police unions to demand constant protection for officers, even on their days off.
This scenario is not new for Guanajuato. Although the region has shown a slight decrease in overall homicides, the number of police officer killings remains critical. The 2024 figures reaffirm the urgency for the government to implement more effective security measures.
Government Reactions and Prevention Measures
Libia Dennise García Muñoz Ledo, Governor of Guanajuato, has announced that new security strategies are being adopted. The government plans to strengthen protection for off-duty officers, especially in the areas where they live. Additionally, the governor highlighted the importance of ensuring that police officers can perform their duties without fear of reprisals in their private lives.
The state government has also committed to reinforcing collaboration with federal and municipal forces, and it is expected that there will be a greater presence of the military and the National Guard in critical areas of the state. However, this measure has been questioned by various sectors, as previous military deployments in the region have not succeeded in reducing the high levels of violence.
Civil Society and Victims’ Families Call for Justice
Human rights organizations and families of the slain police officers have demanded that the government create a special protection protocol. Civil society has warned about the lack of security guarantees for police officers, who face grave risks even outside their working hours.
“Police officers are not only in danger while patrolling but also in their homes and with their families,” said a spokesperson for Causa en Común, a civil association advocating for the rights of security forces. The families of the murdered custodians are demanding justice and effective protection for the colleagues of the victims to prevent such crimes from happening again.
The violence against police officers in Guanajuato has reached a critical point, with 50 officers killed in 2024 and a rise in attacks against custodians and off-duty police officers. The execution of the three custodian brothers has revealed the lack of protection for security officers and has placed strong public pressure on state and federal authorities.
While criminal organizations continue to challenge the control of security forces, the government faces a significant challenge in ensuring the safety of officers and their families. The coming days will be crucial for assessing the progress of the investigations and the measures implemented to prevent new tragedies.