Mexico's Interior Ministry responds to security concerns in Guerrero

Human rights organizations have denounced a lack of security in Guerrero, Mexico, which they claim is preventing access to communities seeking refuge. The groups, including the Civil Observation Mission Sixth, reported that authorities denied them security escorts to reach Alcozacán in Chilapa, where residents from various communities are sheltering.

These organizations accused federal, state, and municipal authorities of breaking their word to provide security. They stated that Jesús Plácido, a promoter for CIPOG-EZ, was informed that no state security escort would accompany them to Tlapa, where they were to meet with the Tlachinollan Human Rights Center. Similar notifications were allegedly given to the center and beneficiaries of the Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders and Journalists.

The federal government, through the Ministry of the Interior, responded by asserting that authorities have maintained a permanent and coordinated presence since violence erupted in Xicotlán and Tula. They claim to be providing security and institutional attention to safeguard the population. The ministry stated that community leaders had requested escorts, but representatives of the mission and organizations later rejected this assistance and asked for the institutional presence to be withdrawn.

Furthermore, the government alleged that the organizations did not provide the required information to the Guerrero Peace Table regarding routes, schedules, and transfer points needed to activate operational mechanisms. Despite this, the federal government maintained that 1,200 elements from the Army, National Guard, and state police were present in the area and along the corridor connecting Alcozacán and Tula, ensuring accompaniment and protection without incident. They also reported 12 inter-institutional bases of operation and open communication channels for support.

The Ministry of the Interior detailed that the Civil Observation Mission Sixth, comprising about 20 people, arrived in Alcozacán on May 22, 2026, at 16:35 hours. They claim federal and state security was present throughout the corridor, and no incidents occurred.