Background on Grecia Quiroz and Her Role
Grecia Quiroz serves as the mayor of Uruapan, a municipality in the Mexican state of Michoacán. Known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, Uruapan has faced significant challenges related to organized crime and violence. As the local leader, Quiroz has been vocal about her concerns and actively seeks solutions to improve the safety of her constituents.
Quiroz’s Initial Support and Demands for Targeted Security Measures
During a press conference following her meeting with Mexico’s Secretary of Defense, Ricardo Trevilla, and the head of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, Quiroz expressed her initial support for the federal security operations in Michoacán. However, she emphasized that these efforts must focus on areas where criminal groups operate rather than just central parts of Uruapan.
Quiroz stated, “I’m giving you my vote of confidence so that you can work as you should, go after the hills where the criminals are known to hide… It does us no good if they just patrol around here.”
Quiroz’s Municipal Security Plan
The mayor announced that a specific security plan for Uruapan will be presented in 15 days, complementing the federal deployment outlined in Plan Michoacán. Quiroz acknowledged that citizens are “very hurt and angry,” and stressed the importance of sustained security efforts rather than short-term operations.
“I told them it’s useless to come for a few months trying to hide something, only to leave after a few months and leave us vulnerable again,” she said after meeting with federal authorities.
Federal Security Updates and Quiroz’s Commitment
According to a statement from the Security Cabinet, Secretary García Harfuch informed Quiroz that a constant deployment of armed forces will continue across the state. He also expressed gratitude for the local authorities’ trust.
Security officials reported that between Wednesday and yesterday, six individuals were apprehended, and long guns, over 200 bullets, tactical gear, five kilograms of methamphetamine, and 398 stolen computers were seized as part of Operation Paricutín.
Addressing Information Leaks
Michoacán’s Secretary of Public Security, Juan Carlos Oseguera Cortés, mentioned that Harfuch acknowledged no leaks of information regarding the operations and confirmed additional security equipment would be sent to local authorities.
“We are fully supported by the Federal Government… All operations have gone well, and there have been no information leaks,” Oseguera Cortés stated.
Quiroz’s Continued Service
When questioned by local reporters about resigning following the chaos during protests over the assassination of Uruapan’s mayor, Quiroz firmly declared, “For the third time: yes, I continue.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Grecia Quiroz? Grecia Quiroz is the mayor of Uruapan, a municipality in Michoacán, Mexico.
- What are her concerns regarding security operations? Quiroz demands that security efforts target areas where criminal groups operate, not just central parts of Uruapan.
- What is her plan for local security? Quiroz plans to present a specific security plan for Uruapan within 15 days, complementing federal efforts.
- What has been the outcome of recent security operations? Six individuals have been arrested, and various illegal items, including weapons and drugs, have been confiscated.
- Has there been any information leaks regarding security operations? According to Oseguera Cortés, there have been no information leaks.
- Will Quiroz continue her position as mayor? Despite recent unrest, Quiroz has confirmed she will remain Uruapan’s mayor.