TIJUANA (EFE).— The municipal authorities of the Tijuana border yesterday prohibited the use of masks or items that cover the face during the Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations due to the situation of violence and insecurity in the city.
This is an unusual measure that had not been taken before, which will apply only to adults, in order to “ensure the safety of the families of our city,” according to what the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection told the media. Juan Manuel Sánchez Rosales.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Security, on previous occasions “in these celebrations, malicious people have taken advantage of the costumes to commit robberies and other crimes, hiding their identity under the mask.”
Municipal authorities indicated that those who violate this rule will be subject to considerable financial penalties and, if they do not pay, they could face arrest for a few hours.
“This comprehensive measure seeks to guarantee the safety of all citizens during the festivities,” they noted in a statement.
Likewise, the Secretary of Security reported that to guarantee the safety of citizens, they would carry out a special operation during yesterday afternoon and early Friday morning with a contingent of 450 police officers, in a border city of two million inhabitants. with California.
“The operation will be supported by 200 units that will strategically patrol the busiest areas of the city. In addition, drones will be used to monitor saturation and traffic on the streets,” he said.
The government secretary of the Tijuana City Council, Arnulfo Guerrero, shared that “only on Revolución Avenue will the moderate use of masks be allowed…”.
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**Interview with Tijuana Municipal Official on New Mask Prohibition**
**Editor:** Good morning, everyone. Today, we have a special guest, María González, a spokesperson for the Tijuana municipal authorities. María, thank you for joining us.
**María González:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** Let’s get straight to it. The recent decision to prohibit the use of masks and certain items in Tijuana has sparked quite a conversation. Can you explain the rationale behind this decision?
**María González:** Absolutely. The primary reason for this prohibition is to enhance public safety and security in our city. Over recent months, we observed an increase in incidents where individuals wearing masks were able to evade identification, making it more difficult for law enforcement to manage public order.
**Editor:** That sounds concerning. How has the community reacted to this new measure?
**María González:** Reactions have been mixed. Some residents understand the need for improved security measures, while others feel apprehensive about the implications for personal freedom. We are closely monitoring public response and are committed to addressing concerns while ensuring the safety of our citizens.
**Editor:** How do you plan to enforce this prohibition, and what penalties might exist for those who do not comply?
**María González:** Enforcement will primarily be through police presence in crowded areas and strategic checkpoints. If someone is found violating the ban, they may face fines or be subject to more serious legal repercussions, depending on the situation.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message would you like to send to the residents of Tijuana about this decision?
**María González:** I’d like to emphasize that our ultimate goal is to create a safer environment for everyone. We appreciate the collaboration of our community as we navigate these changes together. Your safety is our priority.
**Editor:** Thank you, María, for bringing clarity to this important issue.
**María González:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay safe and informed.