The appointment of Julián Leyzaola Pérez as head of Mexicali’s police department has been well received by citizens and security experts alike. Given his strong stance against corruption and his proven success in combating organized crime, many consider this one of the most significant decisions the local government has made in terms of public safety.
Who is Julián Leyzaola?
A retired lieutenant colonel with extensive experience in public security, Leyzaola first made a name for himself as Tijuana’s Secretary of Public Security (2008-2011). There, he implemented hardline policies to reclaim control crime-ridden areas.
During his tenure in Tijuana, official figures showed a 70% reduction in criminal activity, largely due to his efforts to purge untrustworthy officers and replace them with military-trained personnel.
He later brought the same approach to Ciudad Juárez, where he achieved an 85% reduction in crime, helping the city move away from its notorious reputation as the world’s most violent.
A Reputation for Integrity
One of the defining traits of Leyzaola’s career is his unyielding integrity, which has earned him the trust of both the public and institutions committed to improving security in Mexicali.
While serving in Tijuana, he reportedly turned down weekly bribes of up to $80,000 from the Sinaloa Cartel, led at the time by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. This act of defiance made him a target of multiple assassination attempts.
Leading Security Efforts in Mexicali
Shortly after his appointment was confirmed by Mexicali’s City Council, Leyzaola met with police commanders to outline his vision. He called for a stronger relationship between law enforcement and the community, emphasizing the need for teamwork and a renewed commitment to public service.
He also announced that he would not implement immediate personnel changes, opting instead to give the current force a vote of confidence.
Leyzaola’s return to public service has been widely praised as a bold and strategic move. His record of tangible results and steadfast stance against crime send a clear message: the safety of Mexicali’s residents is a top priority.
Meeting with Governor Marina del Pilar
Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila met with Leyzaola to discuss security strategies. She described him as an experienced leader who had successfully reduced crime in some of the country’s most dangerous cities.
“At a time when Tijuana was in crisis, he managed to cut violence” she stated, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state.
