Coordinated Operation Dismantles Private Security Group Training
A joint operation by Mexican security forces resulted in the arrest of 38 individuals linked to the La Luz del Mundo church. The intervention was carried out on a rural property in the municipality of Vista Hermosa, Michoacán, a mountain area near the border with the state of Jalisco. Elements of the Mexican Army, along with members of the National Guard and state corporations, interrupted the activities that the group was carrying out there.
The action was developed after intelligence and surveillance work that reported suspicious activities in the area. Upon arriving at the site, the authorities confirmed the presence of the group, whose characteristics and actions immediately raised alerts among the security forces deployed.
Seizure of Equipment and Relevant Evidence
During the search of the place, the uniformed officers proceeded to seize various material of a tactical and potentially dangerous nature. Among the seized objects is a short firearm, caliber 9 millimeters, with all its legal characteristics to be confirmed. In addition, 19 replicas of assault rifles were found, artifacts that, although not functional, have a high symbolic and training value.
The arsenal also included military-type knives, various types of knives and an explosive device simulator, equipment used for deactivation practices or instruction in handling risk situations. The tactical equipment found consisted of vests, backpacks and other specialized instruments, complemented by radio communication equipment that suggested a coordinated operation. The detainees also had a transport vehicle, a Mercedes Benz passenger truck, presumably used for their transportation.
Identification and Statements of the “Jahzer” Group
The detained individuals identified themselves to the authorities as members of the “Jahzer” group. According to their own statements, this group functions as a security guard or escort at the service of the religious congregation led by Naasón Joaquín García, who is currently facing legal proceedings abroad. All those arrested were wearing black uniforms of a tactical nature, similar to those used by private security forces or intervention groups.
The declared purpose of their tactical instruction activities was, in the words of the detainees themselves, to protect temples, religious leaders and massive events organized by the church. They stated that their training was oriented exclusively to protection and custody tasks within the framework of self-defense and private security. However, the nature of the equipment and the training techniques observed have led the authorities to open an exhaustive line of investigation to verify the veracity of these arguments and rule out criminal purposes or threats to public safety.
The Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) of Michoacán was in charge of offering the official details of the operation. In its statement, the state agency detailed: “At the scene, the presence of 38 men was confirmed carrying out operational tactical training and carrying a 9 millimeter caliber pistol, 19 replicas of firearms, as well as knives, pocket knives, tactical and radio communication equipment; in addition, a Mercedes Benz passenger truck was located.” This official report highlights the facts verified on the spot by the security forces.
The case has generated significant interest due to the profile of the religious organization involved and the particular circumstances of the arrest. The actions of security groups linked to religious entities represent a gray area in Mexican legislation, which strictly regulates private security activities. The authorities are investigating whether the “Jahzer” group operated within legal limits or whether its actions constituted a form of criminal association or illegal possession of material reserved for the armed forces. The fact that a US citizen is among those detained adds an additional layer of complexity to the case, which will likely require collaboration between agencies from both countries.
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