Baja California’s Public Security Secretariat (SSCBC) has provisionally closed a private security company in Tijuana after inspectors found the firm operating with unregistered employees, unlisted weapons, and no authorization for key services. The closure, announced on April 1, followed a complaint filed on social media.
Social Media Complaint Triggered Investigation
SSCBC investigators launched an inspection after a citizen flagged the company through social media. The probe confirmed that three of the firm’s operatives had begun working on March 26 without completing their registration in the state’s official licensing portal.
Inspectors also discovered that the weapons carried by those operatives were not listed in the company’s authorized inventory. Under Baja California law, every firearm used by a private security firm must be registered with state authorities and matched to the company’s permit.
Missing Permits for Protection and Transport
Beyond the staffing and weapons violations, the firm lacked authorization to provide personal protection and transport services, two specialized categories that require separate permits from the SSCBC. The provisional closure means the company cannot operate until it resolves all regulatory issues.
The agency did not publicly name the firm. The closure is classified as provisional, meaning the company could theoretically reopen if it brings its licensing, weapons registry, and personnel records into compliance.
Broader Crackdown on Private Security in Baja California
This is not an isolated action. In early March, the SSCBC suspended three other private security companies in Tijuana: Foda K9 Formación Orientación y Desarrollo, K9 33 Inspección Service, and Durang Freith. All three were operating canine security services without proper permits. One of those cases was referred to a judge, according to Semanario ZETA.
According to official state data, 318 private security companies are currently registered in Baja California’s state registry. Tijuana accounts for 187 of those firms, making it by far the largest market. Mexicali has 93 registered companies, Ensenada has 27, and Tecate, Rosarito, and San Quintín have five, five, and one, respectively.
For expats and residents who hire private security guards or live in gated communities with armed guards, the enforcement wave is a reminder to verify that any company providing those services holds a valid state registration. The SSCBC publishes an updated registry on its website at seguridadbc.gob.mx.
The story was first reported by The Baja Post.