Recent events, including the aftermath of the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), have put Mexico City’s security protocols to the test. Amid threats against the judiciary, a burned car in the south, and reports of CJNG cells in the capital, Dr. Victor Sanchez, a security specialist, offered his insights in an interview with Infobae Mexico.
Mexico City’s Protective Conditions: A Double-Edged Sword?
Dr. Sanchez argues that the capital possesses unique characteristics that make large-scale violent acts by the CJNG more challenging to execute. These include its intricate urban structure and extensive security deployment, creating a complex environment for such operations. However, he cautions that these factors do not guarantee immunity from potential attacks.
Urban Complexity and Security Deployment: A Deterrent, But Not a Solution
According to Dr. Sanchez, Mexico City is the most difficult place to escape from after an attack, citing several key elements:
- Most Police Officers in the Country: The sheer number of law enforcement personnel creates a formidable presence.
- Most Surveillance Cameras: An extensive network of cameras covers all 16 boroughs, providing widespread monitoring.
- Highest Traffic Volume: The notorious traffic congestion complicates rapid movement and escape routes.
- Most Complicated Escape Routes: The city’s labyrinthine layout makes swift getaways exceptionally difficult.
These conditions are significant deterrents against widespread blockades and large-scale violent acts. However, Dr. Sanchez recalled past incidents, such as the one orchestrated by the Tláhuac Cartel on July 20, 2017, demonstrating that such events are not unprecedented.
Dr. Sanchez emphasized that these protective conditions do not render the city immune or prevent attacks that could endanger the population, especially given the CJNG’s presence across all 16 boroughs. Furthermore, a report by Dr. Sanchez, published in Animal Político, indicates that the CJNG operates in 77 municipalities in the State of Mexico, forming a “criminal siege” around the capital.
He also highlighted that attacks in Mexico City often target specific individuals, such as the assassination attempt on Omar García Harfuch on June 26, 2020, attributed to the CJNG. In such cases, assailants typically seek to leave the capital quickly, aware of the authorities’ capacity to track movements through video surveillance and police presence.
Official Discrepancies and Undeniable Presence
The recent bomb threat at the Torre Prisma, headquarters of the Federal Judiciary in San Ángel, Álvaro Obregón borough, on February 25, led to an evacuation. The alert was triggered by a 911 call from someone claiming to be a CJNG member, warning of an explosive device. While security forces found no threat, the incident underscored persistent concerns.
Hours after the incident, Pablo Vázquez Camacho, head of the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC), asserted that the CJNG does not operate in Mexico City and that there is no evidence of the organization’s presence in the capital’s boroughs or neighboring municipalities. However, this official stance contrasts with documented events.
In May 2025, Infobae Mexico reported the arrest of four alleged CJNG members following raids by the SSC in Coyoacán and Iztapalapa. Additionally, Insight Crime, a think tank specializing in security issues, has documented the CJNG’s presence in Mexico City, noting its alliance with La Anti Unión de Tepito.
The Evolving Threat: A Call for Vigilance
The ongoing debate surrounding the CJNG’s presence in Mexico City highlights a critical challenge for authorities. While the capital’s unique characteristics offer a degree of protection against certain types of cartel operations, the organization’s demonstrated ability to conduct targeted attacks and its reported presence across the metropolitan area suggest a persistent and evolving threat.
The discrepancy between official statements and expert analysis, coupled with concrete evidence of arrests and cartel alliances, underscores the need for continuous vigilance and adaptive security strategies. Mexico City’s resilience will depend not only on its physical defenses but also on its capacity to acknowledge and counteract the complex and often clandestine nature of organized crime.
The question remains: how will Mexico City navigate this delicate balance between maintaining public order and confronting an elusive, yet undeniably present, criminal force?
