MEXICALI BRIEFS: Baja California prepares for Spring Break

​STATE

Baja California prepares for Spring Break

Baja California is prepared to welcome local and national travelers looking to enjoy the Spring Break between April 14 and 25. Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda invited both visitors and locals to join authorities in taking necessary precautions for a safe and enjoyable vacation.

The governor noted that the Holy Week Vacation Operation, which began on Thursday, April 3, includes the deployment of 942 personnel and 244 vehicles throughout the state. Monitoring tours will take place in the main tourist areas, and six offices, five mobile modules, and one information center will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

She emphasized the availability of the 078 hotline for free roadside and tourist assistance provided by Ángeles Verdes, along with the number (664) 624-20-20 for support, complaint follow-up, and advice from the Baja California Tourism Secretariat.

The governor stressed the importance of inspecting vehicles before traveling, ensuring that the brakes, lights, and tires are in good working order. During the trip, it’s crucial to wear the seatbelt, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, and take breaks on long journeys.

Travelers are encouraged to stay hydrated and protect themselves from the sun, especially when heading to hot destinations. Using sunscreen and wearing appropriate clothing to prevent sunburn is recommended, along with bringing insect repellent for outdoor activities.

Regarding water activities, the governor highlighted the importance of never swimming alone, supervising children, and checking water conditions before entering. She also advised keeping personal belongings under close watch, especially in crowded areas.

Finally, the governor urged people to take precautions when leaving their homes during vacation, ensuring that everything is securely locked and avoiding sharing real-time location details on social media to prevent theft.

COURTS

Man sentenced to 20 years for homicide

A state judge sentenced a man to 20 years in prison for a September 2020 murder in rural Mexicali.

The State Attorney General’s Office said Juan Alejandro Clemente Santoscoy pleaded guilty to homicide. The sentence was issued after the defense attorney and prosecutors reached an agreement.

The agency said on September 23, 2020, the 20-year-old victim was found dead inside a blue plastic container near the Ejido Choropo area. The victim had knife wounds.

The agency said Clemente Santoscoy and another individual killed the victim and later fled. The murder was caused by issues between the convicted man and the victim.

The second suspect was found and arrested in the Colonia Plutarco Elías Calles area.

ASSEMBLY

Lawmaker proposes undercover operations to address public safety issues

To formally incorporate undercover operations as a means to combat organized crime and high-impact crimes, Assemblyman Jorge Ramos Hernández, of the Green Party, has introduced a bill aiming at adding Article 32 Bis to the Baja California State Citizen Security System Law.

This investigative technique allows agents to infiltrate criminal groups while concealing their identities in order to obtain crucial information about the members, structure, and modus operandi of these organizations, as well as to gather evidence related to criminal activities. The goal is to hold those responsible accountable for their actions, the lawmaker said.

Assemblyman Ramos explained that the Department of Public Safety, the Attorney General, and the Central and Regional Attorneys General may delegate the implementation of these operations under clear guidelines that ensure legality and confidentiality.

“To effectively combat organized crime, we must provide our police officers with modern tools that enable them to confront criminal activities at their roots through effective undercover operations, while guaranteeing the legal protection of both officers and citizens,” he stated.

Currently, the State Citizen Security System Law does not include this provision, which places law enforcement agencies at a disadvantage compared to criminal organizations that operate with advanced technology and discretion, the legislator continued.

Ramos emphasized that intelligence and technology are essential in addressing crimes such as drug trafficking, vehicle theft, corruption, criminal associations, embezzlement, kidnapping, homicide, and forced disappearances.

“Criminals must feel persecuted and live in fear of being captured, while citizens should no longer fear leaving their homes,” he asserted.

The bill is based on the guidelines outlined in the State Attorney General's Protocol for Controlled Deliveries and Covert Operations, which establishes fundamental principles such as legality, exceptionality, usefulness, relevance, confidentiality, and professionalism.

“It is our duty to legislate in a way that equips law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools so that citizens can live in greater safety. This proposal not only strengthens the law but also sends a clear message: the State will not back down in the face of crime,” the legislator said.

- Arturo Bojorquez, abojorquez@ivpressonline.com