Jaqueline Malinali Gálvez Ruiz, sister of the former presidential candidate Xóchitl Gálvez, was sentenced to 89 years in prison on March 14, 2025, for her involvement with the kidnapping gang "Los Tolmex." This significant ruling by Judge Mariana Vieryra Valdés marked the conclusion of more than a decade of legal proceedings surrounding Jaqueline, who had been detained since July 20, 2012, when federal authorities arrested her following a major operation targeting her criminal group.
The judge affirmed Jaqueline's participation not only in organized crime but also for the kidnapping of two victims and possession of ammunition classified for military use. The terms of her sentence include not only the lengthy jail time but also a hefty fine amounting to over 700,000 pesos, which translates to 12,437 days of penalty. The exact details of the kidnappings revealed disturbing practices; victims were reportedly held inside metal cages at safe houses.
During her legal battle, Jaqueline, who was referred to by her nicknames "Mali" or "Madrina," faced grave accusations stemming from her role within "Los Telmex," a gang notorious for its criminal activities concentrated primarily within Mexico City and the surrounding State of Mexico. They reportedly collaborated with other criminal organizations, referred to as "Los Perros" and "Los Cancunes."
The high-profile case gained widespread attention, particularly due to the political profile of Xóchitl Gálvez, who has made no secret of her familial connection to Jaqueline. Throughout her presidential campaign, she addressed the matter openly, highlighting the emotional toll of having her sister imprisoned and awaiting judgment all these years. Xóchitl stated emphatically, "It's not easy for me to talk about, but I know about prisons from the inside. I visited her every week at Santa Martha Acatitla and at a high-security prison. I understand how tough it is."
Despite the difficult personal ramifications, Xóchitl made it clear she did not intend to leverage her political status to influence the outcome of Jaqueline's case. "I don’t know if she’s guilty or innocent. She claims she’s innocent, and I believe her because she’s my sister. But it’s for the judge to determine her fate, and if she’s guilty, she will pay for it, there’s no doubt about it," Xóchitl explained during her candidacy.
Jaqueline's case is particularly illustrative of the larger issues of law and order within Mexico, where drug cartels and organized crime continue to pose significant challenges to governance and safety. The emotional juxtaposition of Xóchitl Gálvez's political aspirations against the backdrop of her sister's crimes has captured both public sympathy and criticism. It raises questions about the intersection of personal and public life amid complex legal proceedings.
The judicial proceedings found Jaqueline using the influence of her sister's name to attract potential victims, as seen by the cases of Marcela N. and her driver Rodolfo, who were kidnapped on May 22, 2012, under the pretense of being invited to meet with Jaqueline. They were eventually rescued by federal forces nearly a month later, highlighting the risks victims face at the hands of such organized criminal networks.
This sentencing serves as one among many instances drawing public attention to the challenges authorities face when confronting organized crime within Mexico. The details of the operations carried out by "Los Tolmex," said to involve keeping victims caged—a particularly shocking practice—have prompted discussions around law enforcement strategies and the effectiveness of judicial measures.
Following the verdict, there may be broader ramifications for Xóchitl Gálvez, both personally and politically. While Jaqueline's lengthy sentence will undoubtedly weigh heavily on her, it also poses questions about the extent to which familial ties may influence public perception of political figures embroiled in crime-related controversies.
The public's response has reflected mixed sentiments; some express empathy for Xóchitl’s plight, recognizing the struggle between supporting family and standing up for justice. Others are less forgiving, arguing for the need for accountability regardless of familial bonds. This debate underlines the complicated nature of crime, responsibility, and familial loyalty within Mexican society.
Moving forward, the case will likely continue to generate discussions about the state of criminal justice and the political ramifications for Xóchitl Gálvez, who has charted her course through these issues with transparency and emotional honesty. Her pledge to refrain from seeking any special treatment due to her political position sets her apart as she navigates the treacherous waters of public life and personal tragedy, leaving the final determinations of guilt and innocence to the Mexican judicial system.