FGR Investigates Governor Samuel García's Brother for Tax Evasion and Money Laundering
A landmark ruling by a Federal Tribunal in Chihuahua now mandates that local health facilities must provide voluntary abortion services up to 12.6 weeks of gestation
Ángel Charles, El Norte.- Samuel Orlando García Villarreal, the half-brother of Nuevo León Governor Samuel García, is under investigation by the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO) for alleged tax fraud and money laundering. The Federal Prosecutor's Office has requested judicial authorization to access confidential banking information, including tax declarations and digital fiscal receipts from 2018 and 2019. This inquiry follows two complaints filed by the Federal Tax Prosecutor's Office due to García Villarreal’s failure to meet annual tax declaration obligations, resulting in an estimated fiscal loss of over 3 million pesos. Additionally, he is being investigated for operations with illicitly sourced funds, marking a significant scrutiny of the financial dealings linked to the governor's family.
Federal Court Mandates Chihuahua Health Secretary to Ensure Access to Abortion Services
Oscar Rosales, Raichali.- A landmark ruling by a Federal Tribunal in Chihuahua now mandates that local health facilities must provide voluntary abortion services up to 12.6 weeks of gestation, reinforcing the constitutional right to bodily autonomy. This ruling follows the collective lawsuits initiated by advocacy groups like Marea Verde Chihuahua, challenging the state's refusal to provide these services, thus violating Article 4 of the Mexican Constitution. Although the state Congress is not required to amend the penal code, this decision underscores the necessity for health services to align with federal standards, highlighting significant strides towards reproductive rights, including recognition for trans and non-binary individuals.
Indigenous Leader Claims Deception in Candidacy Registration for Sierra Tarahumara Election
Jaime Armendáriz, Raichali.- Paulino Chaparro Ruiz, an indigenous governor from the community of Tonachi in Sierra Tarahumara, Chihuahua, has accused two Morena party candidates of tricking him into signing documents that falsely identified them as indigenous to qualify for a local electoral district reserved for native community members. Despite the State Electoral Tribunal's focus on intercultural relevance, it dismissed the complaint for being filed late without addressing the substance of the allegations. This decision highlights ongoing issues of accessibility and fairness in electoral processes affecting indigenous communities, further complicating the relationship between native populations and governmental structures.
Campaign Advisor Cristian Iván Vázquez Assassinated During Morning Exercise in Tecate
Redacción Zeta.- Cristian Iván Vázquez, the public relations coordinator for Dario Benítez's mayoral re-election campaign in Tecate, was fatally shot while exercising at the Unidad Eufrasio Santana sports track. The incident occurred around 11:00 AM on May 27, 2024. Vázquez, a notable figure in local politics and former independent councilor in Ensenada, had also founded youth organizations like Pluma Joven. At the scene, authorities found a firearm and at least seven shell casings. The murder has sparked a strong response from Mayor Benítez and calls for justice from regional leaders, highlighting ongoing concerns about violence against political activists in Baja California.
California Proposes Budget Cuts That Threaten Support for Elderly, Disabled Undocumented Migrants
Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times.- In a controversial move, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed to eliminate undocumented immigrants from the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, which provides essential aid to the elderly, blind, or disabled. This cut is part of an effort to address the state's $44.9-billion budget deficit and would save approximately $95 million. However, this proposal has sparked outrage among advocacy groups, arguing it will leave vulnerable populations without critical support and could increase institutional care costs. Critics, like Ronald Coleman Baeza, have likened the move to tactics used by the Trump administration, emphasizing the potential for increased poverty and healthcare expenses. Nearly 3,000 immigrants currently benefit from IHSS, with this cut potentially affecting their ability to receive care at home and forcing them into more costly nursing facilities.
Assassins Linked to CJNG and CAF Detained for Murder of Tijuana Police Chief
Investigaciones ZETA.- Following the targeted assassination of Julio César Silva Herrera, the chief of the Central District for the Municipal Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection in Tijuana, rapid police actions led to the capture of several suspects linked to the CJNG and CAF criminal alliance. Silva was killed on May 14 in Villas del Real, and within 28 hours, the first suspect was arrested. The subsequent investigations unveiled a network involving multiple individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds. The intensive manhunt utilized video surveillance and informant testimonies, culminating in the detention of seven individuals by May 21. During a press conference, the State Prosecutor detailed the efforts that combined physical evidence from multiple raids and strategic operations across Tijuana, piecing together the involvement of each suspect in the crime. This major breakthrough illustrates the ongoing challenges and complexities in combating organized crime in the region.
Violent Clashes Between Sub-Cells of Los Oaxacos and Los Arzate Disrupt San Quintín
Investigaciones ZETA.- Recent skirmishes between criminal factions in San Quintín, namely the sub-cells of Los Oaxacos and Los Arzate, have escalated to unprecedented levels of high-impact crime and prompted significant responses from state special forces. The clashes began with gunfire on April 30 and have since resulted in numerous casualties and disappearances, with local authorities finding numerous shell casings and blood stains at the scenes of attacks. These violent incidents are part of a larger power struggle within the Sinaloa Cartel involving trafficking routes and local collaboration. In response, the State Prosecutor's Office has launched specialized operations to address the surge in violence. However, their efforts have yet to stem the tide of criminal activity in the region.