Judicial Controversy in Michoacán: Judge Releases "La Güera," Alleged CJNG Operator, on a Technicality; Attorney General's Office Announces Action

A controversial court decision in Michoacán has once again brought the effectiveness of the Mexican justice system against organized crime into the spotlight. Judge Elizabeth Galicia ordered the release of Leslie "N," alias "La Güera," identified as an alleged operative of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), citing "inconsistencies" in the search procedure, prompting a strong response from the Attorney General's Office (FGR).

The Mexican justice system is facing renewed scrutiny following the release of Leslie "N," known as "La Güera," who was arrested on May 1, 2025, in Huandacareo, Michoacán, and is identified by authorities as an alleged key player in the operational structure of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel. Judge Elizabeth Galicia's decision not to prosecute her, citing technical failures during her arrest, has been described by the Attorney General's Office (FGR), headed by Alejandro Gertz Manero, as a "subterfuge" that evades justice.

According to reports, Judge Galicia based her ruling on "inconsistencies regarding the number of times the door was knocked before entering" during the search of the home where "La Güera" was located. For the Attorney General's Office, neither the drugs found, nor the attempted escape, nor the search warrant were sufficient for the judge, who prioritized a procedural detail over the strength of the accusations.

This episode has been described as a clear example of the "revolving door" phenomenon, where high-profile alleged criminals are released due to legal technicalities, despite the evidence against them.

The situation highlights a persistent tension in the Mexican judicial system: the delicate balance between unrestricted respect for due process and the imperative to effectively combat powerful criminal organizations. When procedural technicalities are perceived as obstacles that facilitate impunity, public trust in institutions is undermined and the perception of a selective or ineffective justice system is fueled. These types of rulings, far from being isolated, often intensify public debate about the urgent need for profound judicial reforms that strengthen both individual rights and the state's ability to punish crime.

The Attorney General's Office was quick to react, announcing that it will take legal action against Judge Elizabeth Galicia. While this measure seeks to set a precedent and demand accountability within the judicial system itself, the "damage," as some reports point out, "has already been done": the alleged criminal operator is free.

"For the Attorney General's Office, headed by Alejandro Gertz, this isn't justice; it's a subterfuge. The Prosecutor's Office is going after the judge, but the damage has been done; the revolving door is back in operation."—Political Fronts

The Attorney General's Office's decision to proceed against the judge could be interpreted in several ways. On the one hand, it could be interpreted as a legitimate attempt to ensure the proper application of the law and prevent questionable rulings from setting negative precedents. On the other hand, it could be seen in some quarters as a form of pressure on the independence of the judiciary, especially in a context where relations between the prosecutor's office and the judiciary have experienced friction in the past.

This confrontation could have a chilling effect on other judges when resolving sensitive cases involving organized crime, or it could encourage more rigorous scrutiny of ministerial actions to avoid procedural errors.

The case of "La Güera" highlights the complexity of administering justice in a country besieged by criminal violence. As cartels continue to challenge the state, the judicial system is embroiled in debates over form and substance, where "what is legal is not always just... and what is just is increasingly difficult to capture."

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