Ernesto Ruffo Appel, a key figure in Mexico’s democratic transition and former governor of Baja California, was detained this Thursday around noon in Ensenada by federal agents executing an arrest warrant linked to an investigation by the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR). The charges involve alleged organized crime and fuel smuggling, commonly known as “huachicol fiscal.”

Shortly after his detention, Ruffo Appel contacted an employee, Lamberto Astorga, around 1 p.m., calmly informing him of the arrest and imminent transfer. “He is a very centered person; he didn’t seem worried,” Astorga recalled.

Following his capture, Ruffo Appel was transported by land to Tijuana under tight security, escorted by three units from the Secretaría de Marina. He arrived at the FGR facilities shortly after 4 p.m., where he was placed under the custody of the Federal Public Ministry. Alongside him, businessman Ricardo Thompson Navarro was also detained and brought to the same location.

Due to Ruffo Appel’s advanced age, authorities plan to conduct a medical evaluation while his legal situation is clarified. His medications, including blood pressure pills and an oxygen mask, were delivered to the FGR, though family members expressed concern over access and treatment.

One of Ruffo Appel’s daughters visited the federal building seeking to see her father and review the arrest warrant but was denied both. She described the treatment by the federal agent in charge as dismissive and troubling. “They told me no one could see him because he was in transit to Mexico City. I asked to see the arrest warrant, and they refused to show it. Given the way I was treated and the information I requested, which I believe was fair and clear, I’m worried,” Veronica Ruffo said.

Ernesto Ruffo Appel’s political career is notable: he was the first opposition governor to break the Institutional Revolutionary Party’s (PRI) six-decade dominance in 1989, representing the National Action Party (PAN). He also served as mayor of Ensenada, commissioner for Northern Border Affairs under President Vicente Fox, senator from 2012 to 2018, and federal deputy from 2018 to 2021.

Héctor Osuna Jaime, former senator and mayor of Tijuana, criticized the arrest, calling it a “clear violation” and “a staged spectacle” allegedly aimed at balancing political pressures faced by the ruling party Morena. “I believe Ernesto Ruffo does not deserve this; he deserves dignified treatment, and so does all of Mexico,” Osuna said.

Later Thursday night, a new security operation involving the State Citizen Security Force escorted Ruffo Appel and Thompson Navarro from the FGR building to Tijuana airport. Ruffo Appel was scheduled to board a flight to Toluca and then be transferred to the Altiplano Federal Social Readaptation Center (CEFERESO).

In a brief message, Ruffo Appel reassured his contacts: “Marcos, let Marcela know I’m fine. Gómez Mont is already waiting for me.”

This case highlights ongoing tensions in Mexico’s fight against organized crime and fuel theft, raising questions about due process and the treatment of political figures under investigation. For migrants and expatriates following Mexican politics, it underscores the complex intersection of justice, governance, and political rivalry in the country today.