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

09/21/2026

Man charged with double homicide and arson after trapping victims in burning building

MEXICALI, Mexico — A man known by the moniker "El Cebollero" has been bound over for trial in Baja California in connection with a deadly February arson attack that left a man and a woman dead, state prosecutors announced.

Edwin Yovani "N," also identified by authorities by his alias, faces charges of homicide, femicide, and aggravated property damage by fire following his arrest earlier this month, La Voz newspaper reported.

According to investigators, the incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Feb. 10, 2026, at a residence near Teotihuacán Avenue and Pedro Moreno Street in the Primera Sección neighborhood.

Prosecutors allege that following a prior dispute with the residents, the suspect used a chain and padlock to secure the front door from the outside, trapping the man and woman inside. He then set the building on fire. Both victims died at the scene.

Detectives with the State Investigation Agency located and apprehended Edwin Yovani on Sept. 10 near the Braulio Maldonado Market after securing a warrant for his arrest.

During an initial court hearing, a control judge ordered the suspect held in pretrial detention and granted prosecutors a four-month period to conduct a complementary investigation before the trial proceeds.

09/21/2026

Three alleged Cartel operatives arrested after threatening state officers

MEXICALI, Mexico — State security officers arrested three suspected cartel operatives in Mexicali after the men threatened law enforcement and claimed ties to an organized crime group during a street-level drug and weapons exchange, authorities said.

Agents with the Force of State Citizen Security (FESC) intercepted the men at the intersection of Laguna Zempoala and Laguna Guzmán streets. Officers observed the suspects actively exchanging weapons and drugs between two vehicles: a 2019 Honda Fit and a white Nissan Maxima.

Upon being confronted by law enforcement, the suspects made threats against the officers, invoking their affiliation with a major criminal cartel.

Authorities identified one of the detainees as 18-year-old Karlo Germán, known by the alias "El Karlitos." According to law enforcement databases, Germán is linked to a criminal cell operating under a Sinaloa-based cartel. Background checks revealed he is also tied to a Mexicali property previously raided by authorities, where a stash of weaponry was uncovered.

The other two suspects were identified as Edwin Iván "N," 20, and Carlos Guillermo "N," 29, also known as "El Guille." All three men are native to Mexicali.

During the arrest, officers seized both vehicles along with a significant array of weapons and illicit substances, including:

One .40-caliber handgun and one 5.56x45mm rifle.

Six plastic magazines loaded with 12 rounds of .223-caliber ammunition, two metal magazines, and five additional magazines.

Just over one kilogram (approx. 2.2 pounds) of methamphetamine.

764 grams (approx. 1.7 pounds) of ma*****na.

The three men were taken into custody and handed over to federal prosecutors to face charges related to fi****ms possession, drug trafficking, and making threats against law enforcement.

09/21/2026

Man formally charged after filming victim to steal identity, rack up $35,000 in debt

A Mexican man is facing trial and pretrial detention after allegedly tricking a victim into recording a video that was later used to fraudulently secure loans and credit cards, resulting in nearly 647,000 pesos—roughly $35,000—in unauthorized debt.

Mexican prosecutors say the suspect, identified in accordance with local privacy laws as Antonio Martín “N,” targeted the victim on Dec. 23, 2022, at a residence on Parras Avenue in the Ex Ejido Coahuila neighborhood. Under the guise of helping a mutual relative with an administrative procedure, the suspect allegedly convinced the victim to state sensitive personal details on camera.

During the recorded interaction, the victim recited their full name, home address, and email address while verbally agreeing to electronic banking terms and conditions.

According to investigators, Antonio Martín “N” then used the unauthorized video recording and personal data to open two bank loans and secure two credit cards through a financial institution. He subsequently maxed out the credit products, leaving the victim responsible for the accrued debt.

A control judge officially bound the suspect over for trial on charges of identity theft and impersonation. Citing the severity of the fraud, the judge imposed preventive detention, ordering the suspect held in custody while prosecutors finalize their case over a designated three-month investigation period.

09/21/2026

Man arrested in Mexicali Valley shooting after intervening in domestic dispute

MEXICALI, Mexico — Municipal police arrested a 60-year-old man Sunday morning in the Mexicali Valley after a deadly shooting linked to a domestic violence intervention in the rural community of Ejido Hermosillo.

Local authorities from the Directorate of Municipal Public Safety (DSPM) responded to a C5 emergency dispatch reporting a victim lying on the street at the intersection of Miguel Hidalgo and Sonora streets. Upon arrival, officers found a 19-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the chest. Paramedics called to the scene confirmed the victim had died.

A 30-year-old friend of the victim told officers that the shooting stemmed from an incident outside a home at Carranza and Sonora avenues earlier that morning. According to the friend, the pair had stepped in to help a woman who was being assaulted by her partner at the residence.

When the young men returned to the house shortly after to retrieve a forgotten backpack, a relative of the alleged domestic abuser emerged and fired a gun, fatally striking the 19-year-old.

With permission from the suspect’s sister, responding officers entered the property and arrested Demetrio “N,” 60, on suspicion of homicide. Police seized a .38 Special revolver at the scene. Under Mexican legal guidelines, authorities released only the suspect's first name and initial pending formal charges.

09/21/2026

Two escaped kidnapping victims rescued in Mexicali; pair arrested at hotel

MEXICALI, Mexico — Two migrants from Oaxaca who were held captive for more than 10 days escaped their captors and flagged down a police patrol on Galicia Avenue in the Villas del Sol neighborhood, leading to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, local authorities said.

The victims, a man and a woman, told Mexicali Municipal Police officers that they slipped out of their room at the Hotel Las Flores while their guards were sleeping. The pair had traveled to the border city intending to cross illegally into the United States. However, after their families paid the requested ransom, the captors refused to release them, holding them in various houses and hotels across Mexicali for over a week and a half.

Upon receiving the victims' report, officers coordinated with state and federal agencies — including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Attorney General's Office, the State Force of Citizen Security, and the National Guard — to raid Room 50 of the hotel.

Inside, law enforcement arrested Gustavo “N,” 37, of Jalisco, and Viridiana “N,” 32, of the State of Mexico, after both were identified by the victims as their captors. Authorities also seized a white 2014 Nissan Versa at the scene.

Following the rescue, the female victim was taken to the Materno Infantil Hospital after experiencing abdominal pain. Medical staff evaluated her, ruled out a pregnancy, and confirmed that her condition was stable and not life-threatening.

Both suspects were taken into custody and turned over to state prosecutors to face kidnapping charges.

09/21/2026

More Than 2,000 Runners Turn Ensenada Pink for Inaugural Barbie Run
ENSENADA, Mexico — More than 2,000 runners flooded Costero Boulevard in a sea of pink Sunday morning for the inaugural Ensenada edition of the Barbie Run 2026.

Mayor Claudia Agatón kicked off the festivities at Playa Hermosa, a iconic coastal gathering spot for locals and tourists that served as both the start and finish line for the 3K, 5K, and 10K races along the Pacific waterfront.

Ensenada is one of seven Mexican cities selected to host a stop on the national Barbie Run circuit this year. Agatón highlighted the event as a testament to the city’s growing appeal for major sports and tourism promoters.

"This is the first edition of the Barbie Run in Ensenada, and beyond generating significant economic impact for the city, it promotes sports and physical activity through a fun theme that attracts people of all ages," Agatón said.

Agatón laced up her own running shoes to complete the 3K course. Following the races, she joined María Jesús Trujillo Hernández, director of the Municipal Institute of Sports and Recreation, to present medals and awards to the top finishers across all three distance categories.

09/20/2026

Baja California State Offices to Close Sept. 21 for State Workers’ Union Anniversary

MEXICALI, Mexico — Baja California state government offices will suspend operations on Monday, Sept. 21, in observance of the upcoming anniversary of the state's public employees' union.

David Cervantes Aguilar, the state’s Senior Official (Oficial Mayor), announced that the day off serves as an officially sanctioned swap for Tuesday, Sept. 22—the actual anniversary of the State, Municipal, and Decentralized Institutions Public Workers’ Union (SUTSPEMIDBC).

The scheduled closure applies to non-essential personnel across state executive offices and administrative branches. According to Cervantes Aguilar, the calendar adjustment is mandated by Baja California’s Civil Service Law and aligns with current collective bargaining agreements governing public employees.

Key administrative details for members of the public and cross-border residents who rely on state services:

Official Closure Date: Monday, Sept. 21

Reason for Closure: Swapped observance for Union Anniversary Day (Sept. 22)

Digital Services: Residents are advised to complete urgent paperwork online via the official portal at www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx.

Emergency Services: Essential operations, including state police, emergency medical response, and active security forces, will maintain routine coverage despite the administrative holiday.

Regular administrative operations across state offices in Mexicali, Tijuana, Ensenada, and surrounding municipalities will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

09/20/2026

Morena’s Ramírez Padilla pledges unity, fieldwork after surging in state rankings

MEXICALI, B.C. — Just one day after being named Morena’s coordinator for the Defense of Transformation and National Sovereignty in Baja California, former Sen. Julieta Ramírez Padilla outlined her immediate priorities: bridging internal primary divides and rebuilding party operations at the grassroots level.

The 31-year-old former lawmaker said in an interview with La Crónica that she plans to extend a “frank and sincere hand” to her primary opponents and their teams as the party prepares for the 2027 electoral cycle.

Ramírez highlighted key challenges facing Baja California, including infrastructure, public services, water access, and public safety. Addressing issues like homicides and extortion, she refrained from offering specific policy proposals, opting instead to establish roundtables with local sectors to draft a comprehensive security strategy.

Key takeaways from the interview

Internal unity: Ramírez emphasized healing primary fractures by recognizing the contributions of competing candidates and integrating their staff into future efforts.

Selection process: She confirmed that Morena selected her through a two-stage polling methodology—initial telephone surveys followed by door-to-door sampling evaluating factors like name recognition, party closeness, state knowledge, and perceived honesty.

Organizing strategy: Rebuilding party operations in local neighborhoods is her primary objective. She noted that as party members transitioned into government roles in recent years, local party structures were often left understaffed.

Economic & security approach: Acknowledging that over 60% of Baja California residents rely on self-employment or private sector jobs, Ramírez stressed collaborating with business leaders to protect employment while prioritizing public safety, energy, and water infrastructure.

Generational leadership: Pointing to her background as a federal deputy, senator, and campaign spokesperson for President Claudia Sheinbaum, Ramírez argued that youth represents the forefront of public life and expressed support for expanding public spaces, sports, and mental health resources for young people.

Ramírez concluded by calling on local youth to engage in public service beyond support roles, arguing that generational renewal is essential to ending corrupt political practices in the state.

09/19/2026

PAN opens internal race in Baja California with five potential gubernatorial hopefuls

MEXICALI, Mexico — Five candidates are vying for the Partido Acción Nacional nomination for governor of Baja California, alongside dozens running for local mayoral spots, state party leader Lizbeth Mata Lozano confirmed.

Mata Lozano (pictured) outlined the current lineup for the center-right party's internal process, which features a mix of veteran politicians, relative newcomers, and prominent political family members.

The current slate of gubernatorial hopefuls includes:

Héctor Osuna Jaime, a former mayor of Tijuana who previously ran under the Citizens' Movement (MC) banner.

Ignacio Anaya, a former candidate for the local Baja California Center Party (PBC).

Margarita Flores, widow of former Mexicali mayor Gustavo Sánchez.

Eva María Vásquez, a federal deputy.

Verónica Ruffo, daughter of former Baja California Governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel.

Verónica Ruffo’s entry comes amid controversy surrounding her father, who is currently imprisoned on charges related to organized crime and fuel tax fraud—allegations she and her supporters dispute.

“We have had dialogue with Verónica Ruffo, who has expressed an interest in leading this cause, primarily on behalf of her father, whom she considers a political prisoner,” Mata Lozano said.

The party leader also clarified recent shakeups in the field, confirming that Mario García Franco officially withdrew from the process despite previous public denials that he had registered. Former Mexicali mayor Jaime Díaz Ochoa also dropped out without communicating directly with state or municipal party leadership.

While official online registration has closed, Mata Lozano noted that the party remains open to adding more citizens and party members to the field.

Across the state, municipal races are drawing heavy interest, with 23 candidates registered for mayor in Mexicali, 22 in Tijuana, and six in Ensenada. Mata Lozano declined to release individual mayoral candidates' names, noting that local registration windows remain open.

Gender parity rules for municipal and gubernatorial slots have not yet been finalized. The national party executive committee will determine the gender designation for the governorship, while the state leadership will decide local municipal designations based on competitiveness polls scheduled for November. A public forum featuring the gubernatorial candidates is set for October.

In addition to internal preparations, PAN leadership is actively exploring potential coalitions for the upcoming election cycle. Conversations are ongoing with Citizens' Movement, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and the local Solidary Encounter Party (PESBC).

“Dialogue remains open,” Mata Lozano said, acknowledging that any local alliance must align with national party directives.

09/19/2026

Baja California Police Officer Facing Attempted Murder Charges After Firing 17 Shots at Partner’s Home

MEXICALI, Mexico — Baja California authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a state police officer accused of attempted murder after he allegedly opened fire on the home of his domestic partner, a fellow officer, and their young daughter.

Baja California Attorney General María Elena Andrade Ramírez classified the suspect, identified as Iván N. in accordance with Mexican privacy laws, as "armed and dangerous" during a press conference on the case.

The incident occurred Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Conjunto Urbano Universitario neighborhood of Mexicali. Emergency dispatchers received reports of rapid gunfire at the residence shared by the victim and the couple's child. Responding officers recovered 17 spent shell casings at the scene.

Investigators confirmed that the suspect used his official service weapon during the shooting.

Andrade Ramírez emphasized the public threat posed by the fleeing officer, citing his specialized knowledge of law enforcement protocols.

"He is a dangerous person, a lawbreaker, and a public threat because he knows how public safety institutions operate from the inside," Andrade Ramírez told reporters.

The Attorney General's Office has charged Iván N. with attempted femicide—a specific charge under Mexican law for violent attempted killings of women based on gender.

While Andrade Ramírez noted that investigators have made progress toward locating the suspect, she declined to share specific details regarding the search to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation.

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