Women, the most affected by preventive detention in Mexico

The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) executed an arrest warrant against Ernesto N, former governor of Baja California, for his alleged participation in large-scale fuel smuggling. The arrest was carried out in Ensenada by elements of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC).

As reported by the FGR on social networks:

“As a result of a highly complex investigation related to large fuel smuggling operations, carried out by a company founded by a former governor of Baja California, requested and obtained an arrest warrant for the possible commission of the crimes of organized crime and smuggling against Ernesto N, which was completed this afternoon in Ensenada, Baja California, by elements of the SSPC.”

High impact research

The investigations focused on a company linked to the former president, accused of moving fuel illegally. The FGR described the case as part of a broader strategy against organized crime in the region.

Hydrocarbon smuggling has been a persistent problem in Baja California. The arrest of a high-profile political figure could set a precedent in the fight against these illicit networks. So far, Ernesto N’s defense has not issued public statements.

The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) revealed that in 2025, 157,457 people were admitted to penitentiary and specialized centers. The figure represents an increase of 19.2% compared to 2024, when 132,118 admissions were registered.

What does the prison census say?

Of the total, 155,579 are adults and 1,878 are adolescents. At the federal level, 2,693 people entered; in state and specialized centers, 154,764. Baja California tops the list with 21,062 admissions, followed by the State of Mexico with 18,589.

The population deprived of liberty is made up of 90.8% men and 9.2% women. Edomex and Hidalgo concentrate the highest percentages of incarcerated women: 11.9% and 11.8%, respectively. In contrast, the federal centers and Coahuila report the highest proportion of men: 98.6% and 94.2%.

A relevant fact: 76.2% of the people detained had no criminal record. Only 21.3% had any prior registration. Among women, only 12.7% had a history; in men, 22.1%.

At the end of 2025, Inegi counted 231,436 people in prison. However, only 33,714 had a sentence, equivalent to 42.2% of the total prison population.

Adjustment in the FGR

The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) removed Óscar Langlet González from his position, who was working as a special prosecutor investigating crimes committed by public servants and against the administration of justice. Ministerial sources confirmed the decision.

This is the second relevant adjustment during the administration of prosecutor Ernestina Godoy Ramos. Previously, Ulises Lara López had left the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Investigation of Relevant Matters for “personal reasons.”

Langlet González was considered one of the closest collaborators of the previous head of the FGR, Alejandro Gertz Manero, now Mexico’s ambassador to the United Kingdom. Its departure marks a new stage in the internal structures of the organism.

So far, the FGR has not issued an official statement on the specific reasons for the dismissal or who will assume the position on an interim basis. More details about this restructuring are expected to be released in the coming days.