Baja California Attorney General Dr. Ma. Elena Andrade Ramírez traveled to San Felipe on April 2 to personally launch a multi-agency security operation protecting residents and tourists during Semana Santa. The operation puts 1,234 officers from the State Investigation Agency (Agencia Estatal de Investigación, or AEI) on the ground in the coastal town, backed by 840 operational units.
The deployment is part of a broader statewide Holy Week security effort that began March 23 and runs through April 5. Authorities expect more than 100,000 tourists to visit Baja California during the holiday period, with San Felipe being one of the most popular beach destinations for visitors from Mexicali and across the U.S. border.
Multi-Agency Force on the Ground
The San Felipe operation coordinates personnel from five agencies: the AEI, the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), the Mexican Army (SEDENA), the Baja California State Security force, and the San Felipe Municipal Police. Equipment includes all-terrain vehicles, Black Mamba tactical units, and citizen patrol vehicles stationed at high-traffic tourist areas.
San Felipe sits on the Sea of Cortez about 120 miles south of the U.S. border. It draws thousands of American and Canadian visitors each Holy Week, filling its beachfront RV parks, hotels, and malecón restaurants. The town’s small permanent population swells dramatically during the holiday.
Direct Reporting Channel for Visitors
Officials at the launch event distributed information about Fiscalía Enlace Contigo, a program run by the state attorney general’s office (FGE) that gives residents and visitors a direct channel to report crimes or request help from law enforcement. The program is designed to make it easier for people unfamiliar with local agencies to reach the right authorities quickly.
The statewide operation covers all five of Baja California’s municipalities. Officers are maintaining a permanent presence at major tourist destinations and along highways to assist travelers and respond to emergencies throughout the two-week period.
San Felipe has seen increased security attention in recent years as visitor numbers have grown. The town’s mayor, José Luis Dagnino, has faced his own headlines, including a public announcement last year that his U.S. tourist visa had been revoked.
This story was first reported by Jornada BC.