The General Prosecutor’s Office of Justice of the State of Sonora ( FGJES ) has lodged accusations against two municipal police officers from Hermosillo for their potential role in the unlawful detention of multiple individuals who were subsequently abandoned in the municipality of Navojoa during the Fiestas del Pitic in late May. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding police conduct at a time when local festivals are typically a celebration of community and culture.
According to authorities, during the festival, several attendees were detained by municipal police officers. In at least three instances, these individuals were transported in buses near Navojoa and then left there. Such actions have sparked outrage among community members and prompted a deeper investigation by the local authorities.
The issue was brought to light by several direct complaints made to the State Commission on Human Rights ( CEDH ). Following an investigation, initial judicial capture warrants were issued for the police officers, identified as Ricardo “N” and Pedro Javier “N.” These warrants were executed on June 10. Both men are accused of abuse of authority and illegal deprivation of liberty.
The accused have been presented before a judge where the charges were formally declared. Their defense has requested an extension of the constitutional period of 144 hours to determine their legal situation. As it stands, both individuals have been taken to a Social Reintegration Center ( CEFERESO ) while awaiting the outcome of their case.
The local Public Prosecutor’s Office has indicated that investigations are ongoing, and they plan to provide further information in the coming days. This commitment to transparency is crucial, especially given the public concern regarding police practices and accountability.
According to the head of the General Prosecutor’s Office of Justice of the State of Sonora, Gustavo Rómulo Salas Chávez, many of those detained claimed to be workers such as bricklayers , watchmen , and day laborers . They were taken by municipal police officers during the festival. Salas expressed, “At least in three cases, we know there are more individuals; all were taken in buses to near the city of Navojoa, where they were left.”
One particular complaint was made during the event when a man climbed onto the podium to express that he had been arbitrarily detained by municipal police officers. This incident escalated into an investigation into the matter. Salas noted, “This individual who climbed the platform also claimed he was beaten and placed into the custody of immigration authorities, even though the authority that arrested him lacked the power to do so, ultimately ending up in a government shelter.”
The troubling events observed during the Fiestas del Pitic highlight significant concerns regarding police behavior, and they underscore the need for systemic changes within the police force to ensure accountability and build trust within the community. The ongoing investigations will be critical in determining the future of the officers involved and in addressing the divisive issue of police conduct in Mexico.