On April 22, 2025, the delegate of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) in Tamaulipas, José Luis Aranza Aguilar, found himself at the center of a controversial incident that raised significant questions about police conduct in Ciudad Victoria. Reports initially claimed that Aranza Aguilar was detained by state police while allegedly carrying a firearm and three million pesos in cash. However, subsequent statements from the government of Tamaulipas and the IMSS vehemently denied these allegations.
The incident unfolded at 11:50 AM when elements of the State Guard identified a white RAM four-door truck, registered in the State of Mexico, that matched the description of a vehicle reported by C4, a surveillance system. The vehicle was stopped on Francisco I. Madero street, between Benito Juárez and Ignacio Zaragoza, for a routine inspection. According to the spokesperson for the Tamaulipas government, the inspection was conducted with the consent of the vehicle's occupants, which included Aranza Aguilar and his driver, Jesús Adrián Sánchez Maldonado.
Despite initial reports circulating on social media and local news suggesting that the officials were found with a firearm and large sums of money, the state spokesperson later clarified that "no indication constituting a crime was found" during the inspection. Consequently, both Aranza Aguilar and Sánchez Maldonado were allowed to continue their journey without further incident.
The IMSS subsequently confirmed that Aranza Aguilar was momentarily detained by state police but released after no weapons, money, or any other criminal indications were discovered. The IMSS issued a statement highlighting that Aranza Aguilar has over 33 years of experience in the institution and has held various leadership positions. His current role, as the head of the Decentralized Administrative Operation Body (OOAD) in Tamaulipas, was attained through an open competition held on January 15, 2020.
In the wake of the incident, President Claudia Sheinbaum called for both state and federal prosecutors to investigate the circumstances surrounding Aranza Aguilar's detention. She noted that the IMSS worker claimed that police attempted to plant a weapon on him, as he was not carrying anything at the time of the inspection. Sheinbaum emphasized that if police misconduct is confirmed, those responsible must be held accountable.
During a press conference, the director of the IMSS, Zoé Robledo, reiterated that the vehicle Aranza Aguilar was driving belonged to the IMSS delegation and clarified that the state secretary of security confirmed there were no criminal acts committed during the encounter. He dismissed the notion that the vehicle was involved in any criminal activity, including the alleged presence of weapons exclusive to the military or large amounts of cash.
Robledo explained that the stop was initiated following an anonymous tip, which raised concerns about the legitimacy of the police actions. He stated, "We have a clear conviction to fight against organized crime and corruption, especially regarding supply issues." The IMSS also underscored its commitment to investigate potential acts of corruption within its ranks, particularly concerning the supply of medical supplies.
As the story gained traction, images and videos of the incident circulated widely, showing Aranza Aguilar and his companion being subdued and handcuffed by state police officers in a public setting. This visual evidence has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from various sectors of society.
The Tamaulipas government has yet to provide a full explanation regarding the origin of the initial claims about the presence of a firearm and cash. The lack of clarity surrounding the use of handcuffs and the physical restraint of the occupants has only fueled public skepticism about the actions of the state police.
In a recent interview, journalist Carlos Manuel Juárez, who first reported on the incident, claimed that the allegations of money and firearms originated from the state police themselves, further complicating the narrative surrounding the event.
As the investigation unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the authorities will address the serious allegations of police misconduct and potential corruption within the ranks of law enforcement. The outcome of this case may not only affect Aranza Aguilar's career but also the public's trust in the police and government institutions in Tamaulipas.
In conclusion, the incident involving José Luis Aranza Aguilar has highlighted significant issues regarding police accountability and the handling of public officials in Mexico. As investigations progress, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the mounting pressure for transparency and justice.
