Notaries in Ciudad Juárez face intimidation threats from criminal groups

State prosecutors in Chihuahua warned that organized crime cells are targeting notaries public with fraud and intimidation. The groups use forged identities to obtain notarized powers that enable illegal property transfers, and have threatened federations of notaries with armed force.

A separate incident escalated the threat when a pig’s head and a message reading “Para todos los marranos licenciados” were left at Notary Public No. 9 in Ciudad Juárez. Director Leobardo Meza of the State Registry of Property and Notaries said the act is unrelated to notarial duties and affirmed institutional support, stating, “Los notarios cuentan con todo el apoyo por parte de la Dirección General. Brindaremos el respaldo institucional…”. The Fiscalía General del Estado opened an investigation, security forces cordoned the premises, and protection mechanisms for notaries have been heightened.

The prosecutor’s office highlighted that the perpetrators are high‑net‑worth individuals backed by armed civilians, underscoring the risk to legal professionals and the need for continued oversight and security.