Veracruz ex-mayors reportedly fugitives after losing immunity

Two former mayors in Veracruz, Mexico, are reportedly fugitives following the removal of their constitutional immunity. Ricardo Ahued Bardahuil, the Secretary of Government, stated that Raúl González Martínez, former mayor of Ixhuatlán del Sureste, and Bertín Bravo Montero, former mayor of Úrsulo Galván, may be evading authorities while preparing their legal defenses.

The Veracruz Congress stripped both officials of their immunity on August 5, allowing the State Attorney General's Office (FGE) to proceed with criminal investigations. González Martínez is being investigated for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of journalist Roxana Berenice Guzmán Ramírez in June 2026. He has denied all allegations.

Bravo Montero is under investigation regarding the disappearance of businessmen Héctor Ramos Sánchez and Ignacio López in May 2026. While both men have maintained their innocence, the removal of their legal immunity allows the FGE to pursue standard criminal procedures and determine their current legal status and location.