On March 25, 2025, Governor Libia Dennise García Muñoz Ledo convened a pivotal meeting with federal and state authorities at the XII Military Region in Irapuato, aimed at addressing the escalating crime rates in Guanajuato. This meeting resulted in the formation of two new special groups dedicated to combating crime in the state, reflecting a coordinated effort between various government layers.
During the meeting, Governor García emphasized the commitment to restoring peace in Guanajuato, stating, "Today we agreed not only to continue working in coordination, as we have been doing, but also to establish the presence of two special working groups in security matters, with the aim of recovering peace in Guanajuato." The establishment of these groups is seen as a crucial step in tackling the state's significant crime challenges.
One of the special groups will be led by the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), focusing on the judicial processing of criminal cases due to the federal nature of many crimes. This is intended to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement operations, resulting in more arrest warrants and convictions against those perpetuating violence in the region. Governor García noted, "The group led by the SSPC will be responsible for the ministerialization of criminal cases, ensuring that our operations yield tangible results in terms of arrests and convictions."
The other group, under the direction of the Secretariat of National Defense, will coordinate special operations, particularly in municipalities identified as priority areas. This will involve collaboration with the Operational Intelligence Group of the State, aiming to utilize intelligence and operational strategies to counteract criminal activities effectively.
General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Secretary of National Defense, acknowledged the collaborative efforts already yielding positive outcomes, stating, "I want to recognize the coordination work that has been carried out in Guanajuato, which has resulted in the reduction of high-impact crimes. In the last six days, we have seen a significant decrease in homicides, which is a crucial achievement for all involved."
Omar García Harfuch, the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, also highlighted that the formation of these specialized groups aims to enhance investigative efforts. He remarked, "The SSPC has been increasingly coordinating operations with the National Defense Secretariat and various security cabinet institutions, aiming to focus on investigative tasks and intelligence in conjunction with the state’s security and peace initiatives."
This meeting and the subsequent agreements come at a critical time for Guanajuato, which has been grappling with rampant violence. By the end of 2024, the state recorded a staggering 3,772 homicides, with 2,553 classified as intentional. In the first two months of 2025 alone, there have been 782 homicides, 545 of which are being investigated as intentional. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for effective security measures.
Héctor Rodríguez, president of Coparmex, characterized the visit of Secretary García Harfuch as “very positive,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration among all government levels to tackle insecurity. He stated, "It is positive that he comes to Guanajuato to discuss strategies with our governor and all forces from the three levels of government. This clearly shows the federal president's interest in making things happen and addressing insecurity, particularly in Guanajuato."
Rodríguez insisted that the public is less concerned about political affiliations and more focused on the tangible results that emerge from such meetings. He expressed confidence in the leadership of the governor and the commitment of authorities to improve security in the state, stating, "The business sector has demanded conclusive results in terms of security because violence cannot threaten the safety of Guanajuato’s citizens."
He also highlighted that the recent detentions of significant criminal figures are a positive indication of progress, noting, "The federal government has recognized that results are beginning to manifest, and we trust in our authorities to advance this security issue."
Governor García concluded the meeting by expressing satisfaction with the outcomes and the collaborative spirit demonstrated during discussions. She remarked, "These first months have been very important, and we have made significant progress. This motivates us to keep moving forward. We are on the right track and will continue working for the safety of our families."
In addition to the governor, several key figures were present at the meeting, including Jorge Jiménez Lona, Secretary of Government of Guanajuato; Mauro González Martínez, Secretary of Security and Peace of Guanajuato; Gerardo Vázquez Alatriste, General Prosecutor of Guanajuato; and General Vicente Pérez López, Commander of the XII Military Region, among others.
The establishment of these new security groups represents a concerted effort to combat organized crime and restore safety in Guanajuato, a state that has faced significant challenges in recent years. As the state government continues to push for cooperative strategies, the hope is that these measures will lead to a marked improvement in public safety and a reduction in criminal activity.
