Police Director in Texcaltitlán Takes His Own Life During Anti-Corruption Operation

In a shocking turn of events during *Operation Swarm*, Isidro Cortés Jiménez, director of Public Security of Texcaltitlán, State of Mexico, took his own life at the moment in which the authorities proceeded to arrest him. The event was recorded on video and has caused commotion due to the dissemination of the images.

The operation, led by the Attorney General's Office of the State of Mexico (FGJEM) with the support of the National Guard (GN), the National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA), the Navy Secretariat (SEMAR) and the State Security Secretariat (SSEM), aimed to arrest 14 public officials accused of collaborating with organized crime. So far, 7 of the arrest warrants have been served, including that of María Elena "N", mayor of Amanalco, who was arrested for alleged criminal acts.

The incident occurred while elements of the State of Mexico Prosecutor's Office were reading Cortés his rights in his office. According to official sources, upon realizing that he would be disarmed, the official took out his weapon and shot himself. The moment was recorded in a video released by journalist Carlos Jiménez, where an agent is heard exclaiming: "No way" after the shot. A female voice asks: "Did he shoot himself?" while another woman cries.

Cortés Jiménez had been singled out for alleged ties to La Familia Michoacana. In 2023, his administration came under scrutiny after a confrontation between Texcapilla residents and extortionists that left 14 dead. Residents denounced a lack of confidence in the municipal police, alleging links to criminal activities such as extortion and the collection of floor fees.

In previous interviews, Cortés denied any involvement, arguing that no formal complaints had been received. However, investigations by the FGJEM revealed alleged complicity with criminal groups, which led to the arrest warrant against him.

The scope of Operation Swarm

The operation seeks to dismantle corruption networks within the security institutions of the State of Mexico. Among the detained officials are Omar Leyva, deputy director of Citizen Security of Naucalpan, and the directors of Public Security of Tejupilco and Ixtapaluca.

The arrest of María Elena "N", mayor of Amanalco, was also part of this effort. According to the FGJEM, the mayor is under investigation for alleged criminal acts and will be brought before the judicial authority to determine her legal situation.