Mexicali News, 1185 Oak Road, El Centro, CA (2026)

08/22/2026

Mexican trucking group urges U.S. border officials to clarify visa revocations

MEXICALI, Mexico — Mexican commercial trucking leaders are demanding clarity from U.S. Customs and Border Protection after estimating that roughly 25,000 U.S. visas have been revoked from cross-border truck drivers, threatening supply chains and driver livelihoods.

During a news conference, representatives from the National Chamber of Freight Transport (Canacar) expressed growing concern over what they describe as opaque and inconsistent enforcement practices by U.S. border authorities.

Ismael Reyes de la Rosa, Canacar’s delegate in Mexicali, and Alfonso Esquer Millán, vice president of Canacar’s Northwest region, reported that drivers are losing their visas without clear documentation detailing alleged infractions. In some cases, officials reportedly covered onboard truck cameras during inspections.

The association believes the crackdown stems from an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which directed federal agencies to step up enforcement against illegal cabotage — the unauthorized transport of goods between two domestic points within the United States by a foreign carrier.

However, industry leaders argue that field agents are misinterpreting federal rules regarding standard international trips made under B1 visas.

“While a Mexican operator with a B1 visa is on an international trip, there is no problem, whether loaded or empty,” Esquer said. “Cabotage means moving cargo between two points within the U.S. We know that is prohibited, and we are not doing that.”

Esquer noted that agents disagree on basic protocols, such as whether a Mexican truck must return empty to Mexico after dropping off cargo or if it can pick up an export load within the U.S. before returning south. Neither scenario constitutes cabotage, according to the group.

Efforts by Canacar to address these discrepancies directly with CBP have stalled, as the agency recently declined requests for a working meeting via email.

The visa revocations are compounding strain on the export and manufacturing sectors while stripping Mexican drivers of their primary source of income. To resolve the impasse, Canacar plans to coordinate with Mexico’s Business Coordinating Council and government officials to seek formal dialogue with U.S. authorities.

08/21/2026

Baja California Awards $380,000 in Financial Bonuses to Firefighters

MEXICALI, Mexico — Baja California state officials are distributing 7.7 million pesos ($380,000 USD) in financial incentives to more than 1,500 firefighters across all seven of the state’s municipalities to recognize their daily life-saving service.

Gov. Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda announced the funding bonus, which awards 1,539 firefighters across the state for their dedication to protecting local communities and homes.

"We will continue making every effort so that your work, commitment, and dedication to our citizens are reflected in your salaries and benefits," Avila Olmeda said. "What you do comes down to true vocation and service, and you are an inspiration to many."

The monetary awards are part of a broader state initiative launched in 2022 aimed at supporting emergency personnel who respond to fires and crises throughout Baja California. With this latest round of funding, the state has provided more than 35.5 million pesos ($1.75 million USD) total in direct firefighter incentives over the last few years.

State officials noted they plan to coordinate with municipal governments to extend similar financial benefits and support to volunteer firefighters, alongside ongoing efforts to improve long-term compensation and workplace benefits across all regional fire departments.

08/21/2026

Mexicali Police arrest man following alleged attempted attack on woman

MEXICALI, Mexico — Local police arrested a 51-year-old man Wednesday night after he allegedly assaulted a woman and threatened to kill her during a dispute over rent in the Carranza neighborhood, authorities said.

Officers with the Municipal Public Security Directorate responded to a 911 call dispatched through the C5 emergency center and arrived at the intersection of 83rd and F avenues. Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and placed the victim in protective custody.

The 27-year-old victim told police that the suspect arrived at her location to confront her regarding rental matters. The argument quickly turned violent when the man began striking her on the body and face, grabbing her by the neck and hair, and threatening to end her life. She managed to break free and seek help, prompting the emergency call.

Police arrested the suspect, identified by authorities as Rodrigo “N,” 51. He was transferred to the González Ortega police sub-station and turned over to prosecutorial authorities on charges of attempted femicide.

The victim was also transported to the sub-station to receive medical evaluation.

08/21/2026

Baja California officials face backlash over lack of heat plan ahead of school year

MEXICALI, Mexico — Despite a brutal summer heatwave that has claimed dozens of lives in the region, Baja California education officials admit they have no contingency plan in place for students returning to classrooms this month.

Alejandro Rosales, the state’s Undersecretary of Education, confirmed that officials have not established specific emergency protocols to address the extreme weather predicted for the area. Despite the soaring temperatures, Rosales insisted there are no plans to delay the scheduled start of the school year on Aug. 31.

“We are in normal conditions and ready to start the school year,” Rosales said.

The lack of a heat mitigation strategy comes amid a severe public health crisis in the state capital. Heat-related illness has caused at least 35 deaths across Baja California this summer, with 32 of those fatalities occurring in Mexicali, where summer temperatures routinely exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

The academic rollout is already underway:

Aug. 19: Sector heads, inspectors, supervisors, and administrative staff returned to campuses.

Aug. 20: School principals rejoined staff on site.

Aug. 24–28: Teachers return for technical council sessions and final classroom preparations.

Aug. 31: All students are expected back in classrooms.

Along with extreme weather, the department is managing minor property damage across the district. Rosales reported 12 incidents of vandalism during the summer break—10 in Mexicali and two in Playas de Rosarito—including broken fences, graffiti, and stolen air conditioner parts.

“These are minimal incidents that will be resolved by August 31,” Rosales noted, adding that stolen air conditioning components are currently being replaced. He credited enhanced coordination with municipal police for keeping school property damage lower than in previous years.

08/21/2026

Mexicali business robberies surge 42 percent in first seven months of 2026

MEXICALI, Mexico — Commercial robberies in Mexicali jumped 42 percent during the first seven months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to newly released figures from the Baja California State Attorney General’s Office.

Local authorities registered 953 business robberies between January and July, up from 671 reported during those same months in 2025, La Voz newspaper reported.

The vast majority of this year's incidents involved physical force or weapons. Official data shows that 628 of the 953 break-ins were committed with violence, while the remaining 325 occurred without violence.

The sharp spike has raised alarm among local business leaders, who point to broader economic pressures in the border city as a key driver behind the crime wave.

Teresa Babún Villarreal, president of the Mexicali chapter of the National Chamber of the Industry of Transformation (CANACINTRA), attributed the rising statistics to a persistent lack of job opportunities in the local community.

Babún Villarreal noted that high unemployment often pushes individuals toward criminal activity as a desperate measure to secure basic necessities, particularly food.

08/21/2026

Mexicali Police Department honors veteran officer Daniel Torres Orozco after 28 years of service

MEXICALI, Mexico — Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow officers, veteran police agent Daniel Torres Orozco was remembered Thursday morning during a memorial service at the Mexicali Municipal Police Headquarters.

Torres Orozco passed away Monday, Aug. 17, following health complications. He served 28 years on the force, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service both on the streets and in the classroom.

The solemn ceremony began at 11 a.m. in the central command parking lot, where colleagues reflected on Torres Orozco’s nearly three decades of uniform service. Beyond his traditional law enforcement duties, Torres Orozco was a familiar face to local residents through his work at the department's driving school, where he taught road safety and mentored new drivers.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the quiet parking lot filled with the sound of blaring patrol car sirens for a final, tradition-honored roll call.

Family members and fellow officers embraced and wiped away tears as his name was called one last time, paying tribute to an officer who devoted most of his life to protecting and educating the Mexicali community.

08/21/2026

Mexico seizes 4 million fentanyl pills in border raid tied to ‘Los Rusos’ cell

MEXICALI, Mexico — Mexican security forces, working in coordination with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, seized 120 kilograms of fentanyl pills—representing more than 4 million potentially lethal doses—during a raid in the border city of Mexicali.

The announcement was made by Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Civilian Protection, via a statement shared on social media.

According to García Harfuch, the operation targeted a property linked to "Los Rusos," an armed faction affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel operating extensively along the U.S.–Mexico border. In addition to the massive load of synthetic opioids, law enforcement personnel confiscated a firearm and multiple vehicles at the scene.

Key Details of the Operation

Joint Intelligence: The bust stemmed from direct information sharing between the DEA and Mexican federal intelligence agencies.

Interagency Ex*****on: Participating authorities included Mexico's Attorney General's Office (FGR), the Departmentt of National Defense (Defensa), the Navy (SEMAR), the Departmentt of Security and Protection (SSPC), and local Baja California state police.

Seized Assets: Authorities secured 120 kilograms (roughly 264 pounds) of fentanyl pills, equivalent to over 4 million individual doses, along with vehicles and a firearm.

García Harfuch emphasized that international cross-border cooperation combined with local operational capability remains essential to dismantling criminal supply chains and targeting the logistics infrastructure of organized crime. Mexicali, situated directly across the border from Calexico, California, serves as a primary transit corridor for illicit narcotics bound for American markets.

08/21/2026

Congressman leads early Morena primary polling for 2027 Mexicali Mayoral race

MEXICALI, Mexico — Armando Samaniego has taken a clear early lead in the race to secure the Ruling Morena party’s nomination for mayor of Mexicali ahead of Mexico’s 2027 municipal elections, according to a poll released Wednesday by Statistical Research Corporation (SRC).

The survey, conducted on Aug. 18, 2026, asked local voters which candidate they would support to represent the left-wing Morena party for the municipal presidency. Samaniego captured 27.2% of voter preference, establishing a double-digit advantage over his closest contender, Netzahualcóyotl Jáuregui, who stood at 16.9%.

Despite Samaniego's strong showing, the electorate remains largely undecided or leaning away from the listed contenders. A combined 33.2% of respondents indicated they either were unsure (17.9%) or preferred another candidate entirely (15.3%).

Morena Primary Polling Breakdown:

Armando Samaniego: 27.2%

Netzahualcóyotl Jáuregui: 16.9%

Michel Sánchez: 6.7%

Michelle Tejeda: 6.2%

Jaime Cantón: 5.4%

Alejandra Ang: 4.4%

Other Candidate: 15.3%

Undecided (“Don’t Know”): 17.9%

The lower tier of potential candidates reflects a tightly grouped field, led by Michel Sánchez at 6.7%, followed closely by Michelle Tejeda at 6.2%, Jaime Cantón at 5.4%, and Alejandra Ang at 4.4%.

The telephone survey polled 1,000 local residents in Mexicali and maintains a 95% confidence level with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, according to SRC. Published via Polls.mx, the early data underscores Morena's dominant position in Baja California politics while highlighting a fluid nomination process as candidates position themselves for the 2027 race.

08/21/2026

Baja California launches emergency financial support for Mexicali Valley wheat growers

MEXICALI, Mexico — Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda signed an agreement establishing the Emergency Program for Crystalline Wheat Income, offering direct financial aid to local wheat farmers facing challenging agricultural conditions in the Mexicali Valley.

The newly established relief initiative will provide 1,500 pesos per hectare (approximately $80 to $85 USD) to eligible crystalline wheat producers across the region. Unlike previous relief efforts that calculated funding based on crop yield per ton, this program distributes funds broadly on a per-hectare basis to better soften the economic impact of declining overall crop yields, the state said in a statement.

“With this support, we are backing those who work our land and helping ensure that agricultural activity remains sustainable and generates well-being for rural families,” Gov. Avila Olmeda said during the signing ceremony.

Following the agreement, state agricultural officials will immediately begin processing farmer files to ensure funds are disbursed as quickly as possible, according to Mónica Vargas Núñez, secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER).

Local industry representatives welcomed the administration's proactive step and early payout plan. Horacio Gómez Carranza, representing the State Council of Wheat Producers, praised the ongoing dialogue between government officials and farmers, noting that early intervention is critical for maintaining long-term farming operations across the Valley, the state said.

The Mexicali Valley remains one of the region's key agricultural hubs, sharing a border and crucial water resources with California's Imperial Valley. Local producers have faced increasing pressures in recent years due to climate impacts, shifting market prices, and fluctuating crop yields.

08/20/2026

Mexicali Police launch heat relief drive as summer temperatures surge past 109 degrees

MEXICALI, Mexico — Local authorities have launched a targeted heat relief initiative across central Mexicali to distribute water and electrolyte drinks to vulnerable residents and commuters as extreme summer temperatures surge past 109 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Mexicali Municipal Public Security Department (DSPM) rolled out the first phase of “Operation Hydration” in high-traffic areas of the city's downtown core. Officers focused distribution efforts on unhoused individuals, pedestrians walking to their destinations, and residents waiting at public transit stops.

The operation follows a local corporate donation from a private company, which provided 100 cases of bottled water and 50 cases of electrolyte drinks. The supplies are being staged out of the Municipal Police's Northeast Sub-command center to hydrate both on-duty officers and members of the public during the ongoing heatwave.

Police officials plan to continue the relief drives over the coming days as extreme weather forecasts persist across the region.

Local health officials warn that high temperatures have already proven fatal this season, with Mexicali recording more than 30 heat-related deaths to date.

DSPM officials urge the public to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak heat hours, and take active precautions to protect elderly residents and pets.

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