Los Cabos: 300 Troops Deployed to Help Protect Tourists

Share The Article

LOS CABOS, Baja California Sur – In a direct response to an escalating crime rate reported since April, the Baja California Sur state government, in coordination with federal authorities, has announced the deployment of over 300 additional security personnel.

This contingent, including a significant number of military forces from the Army (SEDENA) and Navy (SEMAR), is being distributed across all five municipalities of the state to bolster public safety, with a keen focus on ensuring security in vital tourist areas like Los Cabos.

This deployment follows a spate of alarming security events in late April that highlighted escalating safety concerns. Detailing this period, an April 25, 2025, security alert from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico noted that Baja California Sur was facing what it termed an ’emerging security situation.‘ The Mission’s alert specified that its information on these unfolding events was drawn from local media and social media reports.

These reports detailed a shootout that erupted across several neighborhoods in Cabo San Lucas in the early hours of April 25. Further incidents included three buses being set on fire in La Paz and Los Cabos on April 24, the killing of a law enforcement officer alongside three other homicides on April 22, and the public posting of threats against officials by cartels. The U.S. Mission alert at the time advised of an expected increased security presence in response.

Confirming the state’s robust counter-measures, Saúl González Núñez, the Secretary General of the Government of Baja California Sur, detailed the reinforcement strategy following recent sessions of the state’s Security Roundtable.

“The Army (SEDENA) has provided an additional battalion, and the Navy is also increasing its personnel across the state. Naturally, we are allocating these forces based on the specific needs in each municipality,“ González Núñez stated.

He added, “In total, we’re looking at about 300 additional personnel from all participating agencies. This enables us to deploy our forces more effectively throughout the entire state.“

These reinforcements are not solely about increasing manpower. González Núñez explained that the agreement reached at the Security Roundtable involves a redoubled effort that also includes “the use of technology to strengthen intelligence efforts.” This dual approach aims to enhance both the visible security presence and the strategic capabilities of law enforcement.

The more than 300 additional personnel are drawn from various agencies, including the new SEDENA battalion, increased Navy forces, and existing state and municipal police. Their presence will be strategically redistributed across Baja California Sur’s five municipalities – La Paz, Los Cabos, Comondú, Loreto, and Mulegé – based on the specific crime rates and security needs identified in each area.

While the operation is statewide, the implications for Los Cabos are significant. As a world-renowned tourist destination, ensuring the safety of visitors and residents in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo is a top priority.

The coordinated response from all three levels of government – federal, state, and municipal – aims to contain the recent escalation of crime and restore a strong sense of security, which is crucial for the well-being of the community and the continued viability of the tourism sector. The visible presence of these additional forces is intended to act as a deterrent and provide reassurance that authorities are taking decisive action to safeguard the region.