Government establishes relations with US security institutions

Guanajuato’s governor, Libia Dennise García Muñoz Ledo, has established direct ties with U.S. security institutions during a visit to the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC). The meeting took place in El Paso, Texas, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and information exchange between Mexican and American authorities. The governor emphasized that the state's security strategy extends beyond local and national levels, incorporating collaboration with specialized U.S. intelligence agencies. The visit occurred one day after meetings between the governor and Mexico’s Secretary of Public Security and Protection (SSPC), Omar García Harfuch. Within less than 48 hours, the governor engaged in high-level discussions with both federal Mexican officials and U.S. institutions. These interactions aim to bolster Guanajuato’s relationship with the federal government while opening new avenues for cooperation with American entities, particularly focusing on intelligence sharing, information exchange, and police professionalization. During the visit to EPIC, topics directly related to Guanajuato were discussed, including road safety, the movement of freight transport across the Mexico-U.S. border, information exchange, identification of potential illegal activities, and training for the state’s public security forces. The governor highlighted that this collaboration occurs amid notable progress. The daily average of homicide victims in Guanajuato dropped from 12.7 in February 2025 to 3.1 in July 2026, a reduction of 76%. She stated that the focus remains clear: intelligence, coordination, and cooperation to achieve better results and enhance security for residents. The governor explained that the connection with EPIC aligns with the pillars of the state’s strategy known as CONFIA, intelligence, regionalization, technology, and institutional coordination. This strategy aims to anticipate risks, identify criminal patterns, and improve operational capacity. The emphasis on intelligence underscores the importance of real-time data and cross-border collaboration in addressing security challenges. The visit to EPIC followed a broader initiative to strengthen institutional coordination between Guanajuato and federal authorities. By engaging with U.S. intelligence centers, the state seeks to leverage advanced technologies and methodologies used in crime prevention and response. This includes improving surveillance systems, enhancing forensic capabilities, and fostering joint operations against organized crime and drug trafficking networks. Officials from EPIC noted that the collaboration with Guanajuato represents a strategic move to address shared security concerns along the U.S.-Mexico border. They pointed out that the region faces complex threats, including transnational organized crime, cybercrime, and human smuggling. Strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms will enable more effective monitoring and intervention, reducing the risk of cross-border criminal activity. The governor expressed confidence that these partnerships would lead to sustained improvements in public safety. She reiterated that the goal is not just to reduce violence but to create a secure environment where communities can thrive. The success of previous initiatives, such as the sharp decline in homicides, serves as evidence that coordinated efforts yield tangible outcomes. Looking ahead, the governor and her team plan to expand these collaborations through regular exchanges, joint training programs, and the adoption of best practices from U.S. law enforcement. The long-term objective is to build a resilient security framework that adapts to evolving threats and ensures the well-being of citizens.