Veracruz Mayor requests curfew to combat rising crime

The Mayor of Arraiján, Stefany Peñalba, has formally requested the implementation of a curfew in the Veracruz district to combat an alarming escalation of insecurity. The request, submitted to the National Police, cites frequent shootings, robberies, and threats to public safety as primary justifications for the urgent measure.

Public Security Minister Frank Alexis Ábrego stated that the decision to implement a curfew rests with local governments, though he noted such a measure would significantly assist the National Police. He emphasized that while the police must comply with local mandates, the authority to adopt these measures belongs to local administrations.

The region has recently seen increased conflict between approximately ten criminal groups competing for control over micro-trafficking operations. In response to recent violence and social media reports of gunfire, the National Police have conducted operations resulting in arrests, the recovery of firearms, and the seizure of illicit substances. Police have also established checkpoints at major access points to reinforce security in the area.