President Claudia Sheinbaum has defended the decision by the Morelos state prosecutor’s office to release criminal leader José David ‘N’, alias ‘El Güero Gym,’ stating that the move was made primarily to “save lives.”

The president clarified that the release followed the criminal’s capture in the municipality of Totolapan. “These are decisions taken to save lives […] they are difficult decisions, but above all, you have to save the lives of the people,” Sheinbaum stated, clarifying that the operation was conducted by the Morelos state prosecutor’s office.

Interior Secretary Omar García Harfuch provided further context, explaining that authorities encountered the criminal leader in flagrante (in the act) during a routine diligence to recover real estate properties.

“It was not a specific operation to apprehend this individual,” García Harfuch explained. “They were performing a diligence for property recovery, saw this subject in flagrante, and detained him. Because it was not a targeted operation to capture this specific person, the level of force was not sufficient.”

Hostage Swap and Local Violence

The release was part of a high-stakes negotiation. Authorities confirmed that ‘El Güero Gym’ was released in exchange for three police officers who were being held hostage by the criminal group. The state prosecutor’s office reported that the officers were released at approximately 7:35 PM on Monday following the delivery of the detenido.

The capture of the leader triggered immediate unrest across several regions. Residents in Totolapan, Tlayacapan, Yautepec, and Atlatlahuacan reported clashes, road blockades, and the burning of tires and vehicles.

The prosecutor’s office stated that the release was a priority to protect the lives of the public, noting that many civilians were present in the streets at the time of the capture. One police officer was transported to a hospital with a gunshot wound but is currently reported to be in stable condition.

Future Captures Promised

Despite his release, authorities emphasized that the criminal leader will not remain free. García Harfuch stated that the state intends to capture him at a later date, similar to a previous operation in La Esperanza, Puebla, where criminals held police hostage before authorities successfully apprehended the target through coordinated planning.

‘El Güero Gym’ is identified as a leader of the “Pueblos Unidos” criminal organization, which is known for involvement in extortion, vehicle theft, homicide, and drug trafficking.