A family from San Lucas el Grande, San Salvador El Verde, has publicly denounced what they describe as a looting carried out by Puebla’s State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) during a raid on their sawmill, El Ciprés. The incident took place in the early hours of March 27, 2026, when more than ten armed officers arrived at around 2:00 a.m.

Flor Ruiz and her mother, who live on the same property as the sawmill, recounted how the officers forcibly entered their home and neighboring house, where another family member lives with his wife and four children. The family says they were denied access to the search warrant, and their father, who was off-site at the time, was not allowed to see any legal documents or receive explanations.

The family took refuge on their rooftop until 7 a.m., after which they discovered extensive disarray inside their home. Cameras had been disabled, and valuables including jewelry and cash were missing. “When I went to my room, I saw clothes scattered, drawers open. My savings and wallets with money were gone. My jewelry boxes were emptied. My daughter’s handbags and all her jewelry were stolen,” the mother explained.

The situation escalated when Flor’s brother was detained without clear reasons, while his wife and children were locked inside a car and threatened with firearms. Additionally, all family vehicles, including trucks used for the business, were removed without explanation, despite one of the drivers being present during the raid.

The legal basis for the raid was an order signed by Arturo Barranco Montoya, a regional control judge currently under investigation by the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) for undisclosed reasons. The warrant cited concerns raised by neighbors about minors working at the sawmill and the presence of vehicles with tinted windows and out-of-state plates, suggesting possible human trafficking for labor exploitation.

However, the family points out inconsistencies in the official report: denial of minors’ presence, failure to document seized vehicles and other items, omission of military involvement despite photographic evidence, and underreporting the number of officers involved. “This is the kind of public servants who abuse their authority, and judges who approve raids without sufficient evidence, relying only on two testimonies without analyzing videos or other proof,” the family stated.

Through social media, they have called on the public for support to bring attention to their case, seek justice, and resume their livelihood amid these alleged irregularities. Their story highlights ongoing challenges in balancing law enforcement actions with respect for due process and human rights in Puebla.