Crime and security issues in San Luis Potosí

Authorities in San Luis Potosí have initiated various measures to address regional crime. The State Attorney General's Office (FGESLP) has been investigating cattle theft, particularly in the Huasteca region, and has coordinated with the Livestock Association to improve reporting. Simultaneously, the state launched a prevention campaign titled “Colgar es ganar ¡No te dejes engañar!” to combat telephone extortion and virtual kidnapping through educational initiatives and anonymous reporting lines.

Security concerns escalated as the Governor of San Luis Potosí alleged that investigations into violence in Tanquián de Escobedo suggest potential involvement of municipal police and city hall personnel in local criminal groups. The Governor noted that individuals from Veracruz may have arrived to seize control of the municipality. In response to these allegations, the Mayor of Tanquián de Escobedo stated he was attending a wake during the violence and noted that several vehicles, including those belonging to his family, were caught in the crossfire.

Governor Ricardo Gallardo Cardona has since confirmed broader investigations into mayors and municipal public security directors across the Huasteca Potosina region. These inquiries focus on officials accused of being “100% omissive,” allegedly facilitating the establishment of organized crime by failing to intervene or providing facilities for illicit activities. Authorities are also monitoring individuals from other cities who pose as entrepreneurs to integrate into the local economy while participating in criminal activities, a pattern linked to cargo transport robberies. Regarding enforcement, the Governor stated that approximately 450 high-profile individuals have been detained over the last three years, with about 180 transferred to federal penitentiaries in other states to avoid local facilities.