Unstoppable Violence in Michoacán: 31 Police Officers Killed, and Criticism of the Government Mounts

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

Attacks against police officers in Michoacán continue. Two more officers have been killed in recent days, bringing the total number of police deaths in the state so far this year to 31. An armed attack resulted in the deaths of two more police officers in Michoacán. This brings the total number of security personnel who have lost their lives to 31, making it the state with the second-highest number of police killings. 

According to statistics from the organization *Causa en Común*, this situation has alarmed the public, who see these homicides as a reflection of the insecurity prevailing in Michoacán under the administration of Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedoya. 

"People often say that Michoacán and Morelia are somewhat dangerous places. I don’t think this is an isolated incident—sadly, I believe it’s a national issue—but it certainly reflects the reality we all live in. If our officials—the very people meant to protect us—cannot even defend themselves, then it inevitably affects us, the ordinary citizens." 

Criminal groups have taken the lives of dozens of police officers in Michoacán through ambushes, attacks on operational bases, and assaults during security patrols—all while the Ramírez Bedoya administration fails to take any action. 

"You’re not safe anywhere here anymore—not at home, not on the street. You might leave the house, but you never know if you’ll make it back. We need more security for society, don't we? As for the governor? I’d ask him to support us, because life here has become extremely violent—there’s intense violence everywhere. It’s terrible for the public; we already lack security, and with officers being murdered, how are we supposed to go about our lives on the streets?" 

Organized crime has left a trail of murdered police officers across various municipalities—most recently in Jacona, where two officers lost their lives. In Nahuatzen, an armed attack claimed the lives of five officers. Other cities, such as Apatzingán, Morelia, Zamora, Buenavista, and Coahuayana, have also seen police officers killed. 

In the eyes of the public, the administration of Alfredo Ramírez Bedoya has failed to put an end to these killings—a situation that also puts the entire population at risk, as many believe these murders signify a state effectively governed by organized crime. 

“People live in fear and uncertainty, yet the governor does nothing; the government does nothing”.

Source: ADN Noticias