Director of Public Security in Los Cabos Murdered Amid Growing Violence Near the California Border

A violent attack in Los Cabos, just south of the California border, left public security official Ángeles Ojeda de Jesús dead inside his home on Sunday morning. The 39-year-old administrator became the fourth government security figure killed in Baja California Sur in the past five months, underscoring a surge of cartel-linked violence that has shaken Mexico’s Pacific coast

According to the State Attorney General’s Office of Baja California Sur (PGJE), the shooting took place shortly before 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, at the victim’s home. Neighbors reported hearing gunfire, and when paramedics arrived, they found Ojeda with multiple wounds from a firearm. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and his death was declared at the scene. Police sealed off the area while forensic teams collected evidence.

“This cowardly attack will not go unpunished,” said Arnoldo Alberto Rentería Santana, Secretary General of the Municipality of Los Cabos, in a message shared on social media.

Ojeda is the latest victim of widespread violence against public officials in Mexico, as over 100 were killed in the first six months of 2025. Among previous victims in Baja California this year were Ulises Cota, Mario Quezada, and Nabor Sánchez. Authorities link these killings to escalating organized crime violence in the region.

The killing of a high-ranking municipal official has highlighted security concerns in Baja California Sur, a state often associated with tourism but not immune to organized crime and local violence.

The municipality, home to world-renowned resorts and a major flow of international visitors, has struggled in recent years to balance rapid development with public safety needs. Criminal groups, according to past state reports, have used the corridor that connects Los Cabos with La Paz for trafficking and operations.

In an official statement, the Municipal Government of Los Cabos mourned Ojeda de Jesús’ death, describing him as “an extraordinary human being and public servant.” The administration also expressed its support for state investigators: “We reaffirm our trust in the Attorney General’s Office to clarify this unfortunate incident.”

Originally from La Paz, Baja California Sur, Ojeda had served in various public security roles within the municipality, most recently as administrative director of the General Directorate of Public Security, Preventive Police, and Municipal Transit.

The Specialized Homicide Unit of the PGJE has taken charge of the case. Investigators carried out initial interviews with neighbors and possible witnesses in Villa Bonita, a residential neighborhood located in San José del Cabo.

Forensic experts collected ballistic evidence and documented the crime scene between streets Q and F, where the victim’s residence is located. So far, authorities have not reported any arrests or suspects, nor have they disclosed possible motives. Officials said all lines of investigation remain open.