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-Editorial
Mexicali, BC – In response to the rising wave of violence in Baja California, the State Technical Council (CTE), composed of CCEs from across the state, organized a “Vigil for Safety” in the five municipalities: Mexicali, Tijuana, Tecate, Rosarito, and Ensenada. The initiative was sparked by the recent tragic murders of Minerva Pérez Castro, president of Canainpesca in Baja California, and Paola Andrea Bañuelos, a victim of femicide in Mexicali.
In Ensenada, the vigil drew hundreds of citizens and business representatives from various chambers, who demanded justice for Minerva Pérez Castro’s murder. The Civic Plaza of the Homeland hosted a photo of the business leader, and after a moment of silence, attendees placed candles in a gesture of mourning and respect.
In Tijuana, the “Vigil for Safety” brought together civil society groups, neighborhood committees, and the business sector. The vigil in Tijuana stood out for the presence of numerous community organizations that united their voices to demand increased security and justice. Attendees lit candles and shared testimonies about the impact of violence on their lives, underscoring the urgent need for concrete actions to protect citizens.
In Mexicali, the business sector and various civil organizations raised their voices to demand an end to insecurity. During the demonstration at the Benito Juárez monument, called “Vigil for Safety,” photographs and wreaths were placed in honor of Minerva Pérez Castro and Paola Andrea Bañuelos. Business leaders such as Roxana Ramos Rodríguez (Canirac Mexicali) and Eduardo Salazar Ley (CMIC Mexicali) called for greater coordination among the three levels of government to tackle violence and protect the community. Luis Manuel Elizondo Lomelí, state coordinator of the CTE, highlighted that the vigil aims to honor the victims of violence and make an urgent call for peace and security in the region.
José Ángel Saizar Prado, president of the Citizens’ Public Safety Committee of Mexicali, emphasized the lack of government coordination and resources for crime prevention. He criticized the reduction in the state budget allocated for prevention, stressing the need for investigative and municipal police.
In Tecate and Playas de Rosarito, the vigils also saw notable community and business sector participation, with people raising their voices against violence and demanding justice for recent victims. Both locations held symbolic ceremonies where candles were lit and emotional speeches were made, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective action to combat insecurity.
The vigil was a clear call to authorities to implement effective strategies to ensure safety and tranquility in Baja California, reflecting the frustration and outrage of a community demanding justice and protection.
