During her morning press conference, Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda presented the results of Baja California’s security strategy for the first quarter of 2025. Ranked second in the country for homicides two months ago, the state now sits at tenth thanks to efforts aimed at strengthening peace.
Ávila Olmeda highlighted that intentional homicides have decreased by 17% so far in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Over the first three years of her administration, this figure has dropped by more than 30%, together with consistent declines in other high-impact and property-related crimes.
“We have transformed the way security was previously handled. It has been a difficult challenge, but we have not let our guard down. We have been implementing a strategy focused on addressing the root causes of crime through well-being and a humanistic approach for the people,” she stated.
She highlighted that through Operation Northern Border, Baja California is supported by 1,754 National Guard members, with 1,085 deployed in Tijuana, 236 in Tecate, and 433 in Mexicali.
Additionally, she noted that in coordination with the Secretariat of Defense, the Navy, the Secretariat of Citizen Security, State Forces, the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), and the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE), the total security personnel deployed across all municipalities in Baja California is 14,449. This is further reinforced by intensified operations against criminal organizations.
The governor also explained that in 2025, authorities carried out 1,889 arrest warrants and investigation orders, a 36% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, 822 search warrants have taken place, marking a 29% rise from the previous year.
She highlighted ongoing efforts to establish a new culture of peace, including initiatives like the “Sí al Desarme, Sí a la Paz” (Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace) program, held from March 24 to March 27 in Mexicali. Citizens voluntarily turned in 175 firearms (97 handguns, 78 long guns), 248 magazines, and over 9,500 cartridges.
Furthermore, interventions in priority areas of Tijuana—such as Planicie, Camino Verde, and Altiplano—have increased by 115% (from March 18 to April 5) compared to the same period last year, benefiting over 21,700 people.
Laureano Carrillo, head of Baja California’s Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSCBC), noted that the state has dropped from second to tenth place in violent homicides nationwide thanks to interinstitutional efforts over the past two months.
He explained that since February 7, a single security comprehensive command has been implemented, with Operational Coordination Centers (CECOE) in Tijuana, Mexicali, and Ensenada, comprising of personnel from the Secretariat of Defense, National Guard, state and federal prosecutors, FESC, municipal police, and COEPRIS.
Authorities have also removed 764 unauthorized surveillance cameras in Tijuana, Mexicali, Tecate, and Ensenada through interinstitutional operations, with similar actions soon to take place in Rosarito.
Carrillo added that state and municipal police presence has increased across the state, with “Street-by-Street” patrols and expanded weekend operations, including drone surveillance in key areas with day and night schedules.
“In Tijuana and Mexicali, there is now a stronger daily presence of the authorities, with officers engaging citizens to understand their security concerns, allowing us to focus operations in high-crime areas,” the secretary explained.
Meanwhile, María Elena Andrade Ramírez, head of the State Attorney General’s Office, highlighted that CECOE implementation has led to strategies enhancing security and improving high-impact crime investigations.
She concluded by saying that a standout is the creation of the C5 Video Surveillance and Analysis Unit under the State Attorney’s Office, which has helped solve cases and dismantle criminal groups responsible for violent homicides across the state.
