Jalisco Governor Admits Excessive Force, Orders Release of 39 Detainees

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro acknowledged on Monday that police used excessive force and made unjust arrests during an October 11 protest demanding clean water in the Guadalajara metropolitan area. He announced the immediate release of all 39 people detained during the demonstration, admitting the detentions were unfair. Lemus stated he reviewed dozens of videos of the operation outside the official residence, Casa Jalisco, and found "grave deficiencies" where the operation spun out of control. He ordered an internal investigation to determine the responsibility of the state police officers involved and pledged to involve the state human rights commission. Protesters had been met with high-pressure water cannons and tear gas by riot police. While the government initially reported 28 officers injured, two seriously, families and demonstrators alleged arbitrary detentions, torture, and due process violations. Among those held were a food delivery driver caring for a mother with cancer, a filmmaker, a grandfather, and a student. Morena Jalisco leader Erika Perez distanced her party from banners displayed at the march.