Complaint Filed Against “Patrulla Espiritual” Following Intervention Involving Trans Woman in Tijuana

-Editorial 

A criminal complaint alleging unlawful deprivation of liberty has been filed against the group known as “Patrulla Espiritual” following an intervention involving a transgender woman in Tijuana, Baja California, according to statements made during Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda’s morning press conference.

The case has drawn widespread public attention in recent days after videos circulated on social media showing members of the organization intervening with a transgender woman at a rehabilitation facility in Tijuana. The videos sparked criticism from LGBTQ+ organizations, journalists, human rights advocates, and members of the public, who questioned the legality and treatment shown in the recordings.

During the press conference, Baja California Attorney General Ana María Andrade Ramírez confirmed that prosecutors have opened an investigation after receiving a complaint alleging unlawful deprivation of liberty and any additional crimes that may arise from the investigation.

“There is a complaint filed for unlawful deprivation of liberty and whatever results from the investigation,” Andrade said during the briefing. She added that investigators are requesting information from multiple authorities currently involved in the case, including the Baja California State Human Rights Commission and state health officials.

Andrade said the complaint was submitted by the representative of a collective organization, though she declined to publicly identify the group. She also said family members of the transgender woman are expected to participate in the investigation process.

The attorney general said prosecutors are reviewing whether additional complaints have previously been filed against “Patrulla Espiritual” or other rehabilitation-related organizations operating in Baja California.

The controversy centers on allegations against “Patrulla Espiritual,” a group led by Jesús Ignacio Osuna Torres, also known as “El Chiquilín.” In a public statement, Comité Orgullo Mexicali accused the organization of committing human rights violations and engaging in practices resembling conversion therapy, commonly referred to in Mexico as ECOSIG.

The organization alleged that members of the group subjected the transgender woman to humiliation and attempted to suppress her gender identity through forced appearance changes and public exposure on social media platforms. Comité Orgullo Mexicali described the actions as psychological violence and called for criminal sanctions against those involved.

The group further alleged that “Patrulla Espiritual” conducts forced removals of individuals experiencing addiction or mental health crises without legal authority or regulatory oversight. The organization demanded investigations into whether the group receives institutional support or public funding.

During the same press conference, Baja California State Human Rights Commission President Jorge Álvaro Ochoa Orduño said the commission opened an investigation both on its own initiative and in response to complaints filed by advocacy groups.

Ochoa said the commission issued precautionary measures directed to Baja California’s Health Secretariat in an effort to protect the physical integrity and human rights of the transgender woman involved in the case.

He explained that personnel from the human rights commission visited the rehabilitation center and interviewed the woman directly. According to Ochoa, she told officials that she was physically well and being treated respectfully.

“The important thing right now is that the person is well,” Ochoa said during the briefing.

He added that commission staff members were still gathering information regarding the conditions inside the facility, including where the woman was being housed and whether protocols protecting her rights were being followed.

Ochoa also confirmed that another individual filed a separate complaint with the human rights commission approximately two weeks earlier alleging violence while staying at the same facility. He noted that while the commission can investigate possible human rights violations, criminal investigations fall under the jurisdiction of prosecutors.

The commission president emphasized that individuals struggling with substance abuse retain all constitutional and human rights protections regardless of addiction issues.

“The fact that a person is affected by substance use does not suspend their rights,” Ochoa said. “On the contrary, their rights must be protected, including freedom of movement and physical integrity.”

It was also noted that federal regulations governing rehabilitation centers in Mexico require facilities to comply with official health standards and treatment guidelines.

The controversy surrounding the case also prompted concern among members of the press. In a separate statement, the Red de Periodistas de Mexicali condemned threats made against journalists and communicators who reported on the incident involving the transgender woman.

The organization stated that regardless of political or ideological differences, no journalist should face death threats or intimidation for reporting on matters of public interest. The group called on authorities to investigate any threats directed at members of the media and urged the Baja California government to strengthen efforts to combat online harassment and violence.

During the governor’s press conference, officials confirmed that Baja California’s protection mechanism for journalists and human rights defenders had activated security measures in response to threats reported by at least one journalist connected to coverage of the case.

According to statements made during the briefing, the measures include a risk assessment, temporary security support for up to 30 days, installation of a panic button system, and follow-up monitoring by authorities. Officials also said Baja California’s cyber police unit would assist in investigating threats made through social media or digital platforms.