Background on the Mayor and His Party
Ernesto Cruz Díaz, the mayor of Cintalapa and a member of Mexico’s left-wing political party, Morena, was arrested on suspicion of engaging in abusive exercise of authority, abuse of power, and corrupt activities. This event has sparked an investigation into potential connections between local officials, police forces, and criminal activities.
Arrests of Police Officers and Investigation Details
During the weekend, 156 municipal police officers from Cintalapa, Jiquipilas, and Ocozocoautla were arrested as part of various investigations into crimes ranging from corruption, abuse of authority, and misappropriation of public funds to hawking and improper use of official uniforms and insignia.
The Chiapas State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) reported that 11 officers have been judicially charged and linked to proceedings for the unlawful use of decorations, uniforms, and insignia. The remaining officers were released under legal reserve, meaning they could be called back as the investigation progresses.
Mayor’s Alleged Involvement with Criminal Groups
On January 6, it was announced that Mayor Cruz Díaz was detained for his probable involvement in abusive exercise of authority, abuse of power, and corrupt acts. Authorities are also investigating a possible link between the mayor and criminal groups operating in a strategic area connecting Chiapas and Oaxaca.
Security Expert’s Perspective on Ingobernability
Alberto Guerrero, a security consultant and expert, views the arrests as part of a structural ingobernability problem, criminal infiltration, and institutional weakness in Chiapas.
In an interview, Guerrero explained that Chiapas faces particularly complex challenges due to its extensive border, challenging geography, and the growing presence of criminal groups such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Sinaloa Cartel cells, which have successfully infiltrated strategic municipalities.
He pointed out that municipalities like Cintalapa, Jiquipilas, and Ocozocoautla have long-standing serious recruitment issues for the police force, lack of oversight, and suspicions surrounding local authorities, making a thorough but well-investigated cleansing essential.
Guerrero emphasized that one of the main factors behind the security crisis is the inadequate training of municipal police officers, with an initial training period of only 972 hours under the national model, which proves insufficient when confronting criminal complexities.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Ernesto Cruz Díaz? He is the mayor of Cintalapa, Chiapas, and a member of Mexico’s Morena party.
- What crimes is he suspected of? He is accused of abusive exercise of authority, abuse of power, and corrupt activities.
- How many police officers were arrested? A total of 156 municipal police officers from Cintalapa, Jiquipilas, and Ocozocoautla were detained.
- What are the allegations against the mayor regarding criminal groups? Authorities suspect a possible connection between the mayor and criminal organizations operating in a crucial area linking Chiapas and Oaxaca.
- What challenges does Chiapas face regarding security? The state confronts complex issues stemming from its extensive border, challenging geography, and the increasing presence of criminal groups like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Sinaloa Cartel cells.
- Why is there a security crisis in Chiapas? One major factor is the insufficient training of municipal police officers, with only 972 hours of initial training under the national model.
