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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum asked the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) on Wednesday for a thorough investigation into allegations of torture against youths detained during a protest for access to clean water in Guadalajara, in the western state of Jalisco, and demanded the identification and punishment of those responsible.
“How is it possible that in 2026 police are still torturing youths?” questioned the president during her morning press conference, in which she described the reports of police violence as unacceptable.
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The Mexican leader stated that she requested a report from the Secretary of the Interior, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, regarding what happened during last Sunday's demonstration, when state agents used high-pressure water jets and tear gas against participants.
“In addition to the use of water jets and tear gas, the issue of torture against youths is something that must disappear in our country. It cannot be that a law enforcement agency tortures anyone, let alone during an arrest,” she maintained.
The president insisted that the CNDH must interview the victims, clarify the circumstances of the arrests, and determine who ordered the police action.
“Who gave the order? Why? Let them interview the victims and let there be those responsible,” she demanded.
She also pointed out that the Governor of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus, must answer for what happened and considered that, given allegations of this nature, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) could also intervene.
Protest over contaminated water in Guadalajara
The statements come after the October 11 demonstration, when thousands of Guadalajara residents protested the poor quality of the water they receive in their homes.
The mobilization ended in clashes in front of the governor's official residence, where state police used tear gas and water jets to disperse the protesters.
The Jalisco Prosecutor's Office initially reported 39 people detained, although civil organizations reported a higher number of arrests, as well as physical assaults and potential acts of torture against some participants.
Amnesty International condemned the police action and called for an investigation into potential human rights violations, as well as for ensuring the integrity and due process of the detained individuals.
Governor Lemus later acknowledged that serious errors were committed during the operation and admitted to police excesses, announcing an internal investigation with the support of the State Human Rights Commission.
State authorities also reported the release of the 39 people detained after the protest.
Sheinbaum reiterated that security forces cannot resort to torture or repression against those exercising their right to demonstrate.
“We cannot allow, as those of us who come from fighting against repression, that there be law enforcement forces in Mexico that repress and torture,” she affirmed.
[Publicidad]