Former Mexicali Security Chief Arrested Amid Investigation Into Disappearances and Organized Crime

-Editorial 

Pedro Ariel Mendivil, former director of the Mexicali Municipal Public Safety Department, was arrested Tuesday in a coordinated operation by Mexican federal and state authorities investigating allegations of disappearance of persons, vehicle theft, criminal association and other possible offenses.

The operation was carried out by Mexico’s Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), with support from the Mexican Navy (Semar), the Secretariat of National Defense (Defensa) and the Baja California Attorney General’s Office’s State Investigation Agency.

Baja California Attorney General María Elena Andrade Ramírez said authorities also executed arrest warrants against former police commander Luis Alfonso Jacobo Alviso and several active members of the Mexicali Municipal Public Safety Department (DSPM).

“This was a coordinated effort between state and federal authorities to combat generators of violence and police officials who, through action or omission, are believed to have participated in criminal activities,” Andrade said.

She said the investigation was conducted under legal standards and due process protections, emphasizing that courts will determine the legal responsibility of those involved.

“This was a formal, objective investigation carried out under the principle of legality, in accordance with the law and always respecting due process,” Andrade said.

According to the attorney general’s office, Mendivil and the other suspects are being investigated for their alleged involvement in the disappearance of persons, vehicle theft, criminal association and other possible crimes.

“The investigation file remains open, and in strict adherence to due process, it will be the judicial authority that determines the legal situation of the individuals involved,” Andrade said.

Authorities said the operation stemmed from a broader investigation launched in January 2023 into the disappearance of two young men who lived in the United States and frequently traveled to Mexicali.

Andrade said the two men visited the city to spend time with relatives in the Mexicali Valley and visit entertainment areas.

“This is an investigation of more than three years that began in January 2023,” Andrade said. “The facts involve the disappearance of two young people who lived in the United States and who regularly came to Mexicali.”

She said investigators collected evidence that was presented to judicial authorities, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants.

“The evidence provided by the Attorney General’s Office allowed us to request the corresponding arrest warrants, which were granted by the judiciary,” Andrade said.

Andrade said Tuesday’s arrests followed previous operations targeting municipal police personnel suspected of involvement in serious crimes.

She said an operation in September 2025 resulted in the arrest of five municipal police officers. A second operation in March 2026 led to the detention of five additional officers, including commanders and other personnel with leadership roles.

A third operation in July 2026 resulted in the arrest of three individuals, including two high-ranking police officials, she said.

“In total, these interventions between 2025 and 2026 have resulted in 13 police officers and commanders being detained,” Andrade said.

The attorney general also referenced a previous intervention in the southern Mexicali Valley, where state security forces temporarily took over security operations while municipal officers underwent confidence evaluations.

Before his arrest, Mendivil released a video statement saying he was innocent and would surrender voluntarily.

“I consider myself an innocent man, a man who has nothing to hide and nothing to fear,” Mendivil said. “Innocent people do not flee, they do not hide, they do not escape. They face the truth and justice.”

Mendivil, a former public official and attorney, said he had dedicated more than two decades to public service and denied any wrongdoing.

“My reason for living has always been to represent others with ethics, integrity and professionalism,” he said.

He questioned the motives behind the investigation, alleging that political disputes influenced the timing of his arrest. Mendivil said he believed the case was linked to disagreements with state and municipal officials over security policies.

“I believe this is politically motivated,” Mendivil said. “There were people who did not like my way of working, my refusal to be submissive and my decision to do what I believed was correct.”

He said he would cooperate with the legal process and expressed confidence that the truth would eventually emerge.

“I believe in justice, I believe in the law, and I believe that the truth will eventually be demonstrated,” Mendivil said.

He asked the public not to make conclusions before the judicial process is completed.

“I ask people not to make premature judgments or sentence me on social media,” he said. “Let us wait and allow the facts to be known.”