BajaNomad

More problems at San Ignacio Checkoint

mojo_norte - 10-4-2018 at 06:10 PM

From Talk Baja :

Be very diligent at the San Ignacio military checkpoint. My brother just went through there and they stole $500 US dollars from him. It's a pair of them, one in front, the other in the rear of the vehicle.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TalkBaja/permalink/236036373...

basautter - 10-4-2018 at 06:40 PM

Can you provide some details so the rest of us don't fall for this? I am always uncomfortable when the Federales are pawing through my stuff, although I have not been robbed yet....

SFandH - 10-4-2018 at 07:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by basautter  
Can you provide some details so the rest of us don't fall for this? I am always uncomfortable when the Federales are pawing through my stuff, although I have not been robbed yet....


Click the above facebook link although it doesn't say much more than the money was taken from the vehicle. Also, I think "Federales" usually refers to federal police. The checkpoints are manned by the military.

There have been several reports of theft at the San Ignacio checkpoint. Keep your money, ID, phone, etc. in your pockets.

billklaser - 10-4-2018 at 07:38 PM

I always keep my $ on my person, don't leave any cash laying around!

bajagregg - 10-4-2018 at 08:23 PM

This check point has been a problem for a while now. Stand up for yourself and keep your money on your person.

Lee - 10-4-2018 at 08:53 PM

Not just money but anything of value that can be pocketed. If you need a backpack to store this stuff, get one and exit your vehicle with the pack.

weebray - 10-5-2018 at 10:31 AM

I am personally quite upfront with them that only one door will be open at a time and I will show them anything they want to see. They are not allowed to root around in our stuff.

SFandH - 10-5-2018 at 11:14 AM

I'll be going through this checkpoint soon and am considering putting a set mousetrap under a 50 peso bill somewhere - just for laughs.

I appreciate the heads-up. Our wallets, pockets, and purse will be loaded with valuables and documents and our eyes on the guys as they do the inspection.

David K - 10-5-2018 at 11:50 AM

Make sure your floormats are clean. In 2015, the officer at San Ignacio reached down, pulled up some piece of plant debris from the floor, apparently off my shoes, smelled it and claimed it was marijuana! He then whipped out a cigarette lighter and lit it, again assisting it was marijuana. My wife was getting pretty angry and I repeated that we don't smoke anything. After a search, they let us go. It would have spoiled any newbie from returning to Mexico, imo.

Pescador - 10-5-2018 at 11:55 AM

I always unlock one door, let them go through everything, while I observe, then we go to the next door. The guy that likes to ask for your name and info can just wait till the inspector guy is done. I am always very friendly and speak the language so I normally get a different response than those who look like a "deer in the headlights". This checkpoint has had some serious problems reported that started with a friend from Chivato who saw one of the guys try to plant a package of Marijuana under his seat. I used to know most of the guys here because I have quite a few friends from the 16A military base at San Lucas Cove, but control has changed to a group out of Hermosillo and that was when the bad reports started. It is good that here and Talk Baja on Facebook have made people aware so that they can exercise extra caution.

bajaguy - 10-5-2018 at 12:02 PM

Have you had any dealings or talked to the first sergeant/sargento primero or the commander/comandante (officer) of the checkpoint?.....years ago I befriended the Lieutenant and first sergeant of that checkpoint.....very nice guys.

I make it a point to address the military by their rank at the checkpoints and at this point have never had any problems
Quote: Originally posted by Pescador  
I always unlock one door, let them go through everything, while I observe, then we go to the next door. The guy that likes to ask for your name and info can just wait till the inspector guy is done. I am always very friendly and speak the language so I normally get a different response than those who look like a "deer in the headlights". This checkpoint has had some serious problems reported that started with a friend from Chivato who saw one of the guys try to plant a package of Marijuana under his seat. I used to know most of the guys here because I have quite a few friends from the 16A military base at San Lucas Cove, but control has changed to a group out of Hermosillo and that was when the bad reports started. It is good that here and Talk Baja on Facebook have made people aware so that they can exercise extra caution.

Pescador - 10-5-2018 at 01:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Have you had any dealings or talked to the first sergeant/sargento primero or the commander/comandante (officer) of the checkpoint?.....years ago I befriended the Lieutenant and first sergeant of that checkpoint.....very nice guys.

I make it a point to address the military by their rank at the checkpoints and at this point have never had any problems


Quote: Originally posted by Pescador  
I always unlock one door, let them go through everything, while I observe, then we go to the next door. The guy that likes to ask for your name and info can just wait till the inspector guy is done. I am always very friendly and speak the language so I normally get a different response than those who look like a "deer in the headlights". This checkpoint has had some serious problems reported that started with a friend from Chivato who saw one of the guys try to plant a package of Marijuana under his seat. I used to know most of the guys here because I have quite a few friends from the 16A military base at San Lucas Cove, but control has changed to a group out of Hermosillo and that was when the bad reports started. It is good that here and Talk Baja on Facebook have made people aware so that they can exercise extra caution.


Because I live in San Bruno, I knew the guys pretty well from San Lucas at 16A. But the new guys from Hermosillo are different and I have not had a chance to get to know any of them. The problems started getting reported when the change happened. Will get more information when I return.

Pescador - 10-9-2018 at 09:56 AM

I just got updated information and the 16A division from San Lucas Cove is in fact in charge of the San Ignacio Checkpoint. All Complaints should go to the commandante 16/a. ZONA MILITAR.
CUARTEL GENERAL 16/a. Z.M. (SARABIA, GTO.).
01800-8311473
denuncia.16zm@mail.sedena.gob.mx

BajaKeela - 10-9-2018 at 01:26 PM

I appreciate this info as I am travelling through there at the end of Oct ..Even though we are a group of three ..I am a single woman and need to be aware . In the past my husband stayed with the truck and I let them in the 5th wheel. Never had an issue but I still don't want to be easy prey. A wealth of information on here as usual ...Been reading faithfully for years .Thanks to all of you who contribute.

Archie - 10-9-2018 at 05:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Pescador  
I used to know most of the guys here because I have quite a few friends from the 16A military base at San Lucas Cove, but control has changed to a group out of Hermosillo and that was when the bad reports started


I don't know about that, but in Baja California they are rotated every three months just to prevent the same thing you're saying, getting too familiar with locals.

I too noticed a change in the pattern... the last few times i crossed that checkpoint the gringos ahead of me were inspected thoroughly, even on the way down, when usually they're free to go after a few questions.

The unofficial word its that they've caught more than a few old folks carrying firearms and medicinal pot on the way south.

BajaBlanca - 10-9-2018 at 06:25 PM

I don't know if all of you read the trip report I did a couple months back, when they were going thru a bus with a fine toothed comb and we were stuck behind it, headed south.

After a good 15 minutes, I got out of the car, went to the military person there and asked if he could not start another lane. He said NO, they had orders to only have one lane. He said if I wanted, I could call the number on a sign, which I duly took a photo of.

At this point, the cars behind us (quite a few) start honking and they finish with the bus. We have nothing in the car as we were just going to San Ignacio, we were waved thru.

To make a long story short: not one time since have I seen a long line or a bus making others wait behind them!

kiwikitesufer - 10-10-2018 at 05:21 AM

Went through the checkpoint Sunday at lunch. Loaded with surf gear and household goods. There are ten checkpoints between San Diego and La Ventana. Waived through all except San Ingancio. Was made to get out of car. Three guys conducted search. They started looking under drivers seat, they asked if we had guns or drugs. Went through everything inside car. They looked through my wallet but took nothing. They opened car and made me remove every box. I was asked to
open every box. They looked at all the contents. They weren’t interested in surf gear. I also was asked to show the contents of my short pockets which was couple hundred in USD and some pesos. The search lasted ten minutes. It was professional and I thought fair as a quest in their country. Left with handshakes and smiles. Don’t bring anything into Mexico your not supposed to. Been treated worse returning from Canada at US border. Enjoy the drive south. Never seen Baja so green.

Pacifico - 10-10-2018 at 07:47 AM

Quote: Originally posted by weebray  
I am personally quite upfront with them that only one door will be open at a time and I will show them anything they want to see. They are not allowed to root around in our stuff.


I'm curious where you got your information that they can not root around in our stuff? I think they do have the right to look through whatever they want for guns or drugs...

ehall - 10-10-2018 at 02:19 PM

I have had them unzip and root around my backpack when I was wearing it.

billklaser - 10-10-2018 at 05:12 PM

I drive a F-350 with a longed and short camper shell. My truck is equipped for traveling in Baja, and as a result my camper shell bed has lots of stuff. Tools, supplies, extra this and that. I always keep my valuables on my person, and politely open the camper doors and let them have at it. They rarely look at much and send us on our way. Just went through San Ignacio couple weeks ago no big issue.

DouglasP - 10-11-2018 at 07:39 AM

Just went through yesterday, with much anticipation. Not so bad. Towing a 16' flatbed trailer with my tundra. The trailer is loaded with a bedroom set and taped with a heavy canvas tarp. Was asked to get out and my wife stayed inside. He poked through the pockets on the door, then asked if he could use the rock sliders to climb up into the cab. Gave him a thumbs up, he rooted around in the console, climbed back out. He then had me open the back door. No I have the seats out and this thing is packed with plastic totes and tool boxes. I was thinking, here we go, but he just looked around the outsides of the boxes. Found a bottle of water on the floor and asked if it was soda, said no, aqua. He chucked back on the floor, stepped back and closed the door and said vamos.

chumlee57 - 10-12-2018 at 07:50 PM

just made a bonzie trip this past week, passed the San Ignacio checkpoint twice. Going south they took my name, asked the year of the truck and asked if they could have a case of gatorade I had in the back seat, I said no, not the full case, as I needed some for the week. I cut the case in half and gave him 1/2 the case, I have no problem with this and I have always been a little gracious with the military guys in general. I speak pretty good spanish and definatly good enough to get my point across. Every other checkstop I got waived through after the typical few questions. I would never leave anything of value just laying around in the glove compartment or center console, keep all your personal stuff on you when you get out, if they want to look at it, no problem, I open things up and let them take a peek inside. All common sense stuff

mtgoat666 - 10-12-2018 at 08:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chumlee57  
just made a bonzie trip this past week, passed the San Ignacio checkpoint twice. Going south they took my name, asked the year of the truck and asked if they could have a case of gatorade I had in the back seat, I said no, not the full case, as I needed some for the week. I cut the case in half and gave him 1/2 the case, I have no problem with this and I have always been a little gracious with the military guys in general. I speak pretty good spanish and definatly good enough to get my point across. Every other checkstop I got waived through after the typical few questions. I would never leave anything of value just laying around in the glove compartment or center console, keep all your personal stuff on you when you get out, if they want to look at it, no problem, I open things up and let them take a peek inside. All common sense stuff


Don’t give anything to the mother flockers!
It is wrong that occupants of cars must keep valuables on themselves to protect themselves from flocking thieving military, uninformed thugs. The military guys deserve to burn in hell, and rewarding them with “free” drinks is rewarding their bad behaviour. They ask for something, tell them no.

mojo_norte - 10-12-2018 at 08:49 PM

Yes - I never give them anything . They're always asking for something - sunglasses batteries duct tape. giving in just escalates the problem. No different than the crooked cops trying to get money off of you.

pacificobob - 10-13-2018 at 07:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by mojo_norte  
No different than the crooked cops trying to get money off of you.
Aren't most of those soldiers just kids having to do their military service and shipped out there from places like Oaxaca and Chiapas? I can't imagine what life must be like for them stuck out in the desert far so from home. :(


i agree lencho. just kids a long way from where they come from.

mtgoat666 - 10-13-2018 at 08:05 AM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by mojo_norte  
No different than the crooked cops trying to get money off of you.
Aren't most of those soldiers just kids having to do their military service and shipped out there from places like Oaxaca and Chiapas? I can't imagine what life must be like for them stuck out in the desert far so from home. :(


Being a kid away from home in the military is a poor excuse for being a thief. Stop making excuses for these thieving bastards!

TMW - 10-13-2018 at 08:09 AM

Goat do you hate your mother too.

Pacifico - 10-13-2018 at 08:19 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by mojo_norte  
No different than the crooked cops trying to get money off of you.
Aren't most of those soldiers just kids having to do their military service and shipped out there from places like Oaxaca and Chiapas? I can't imagine what life must be like for them stuck out in the desert far so from home. :(


Being a kid away from home in the military is a poor excuse for being a thief. Stop making excuses for these thieving bastards!


They are not all thieves....

Sweetwater - 10-13-2018 at 08:23 AM

I have noticed that this checkpoint above San Ignacio is not manned by youth. I've been through it several dozen times and the staff has mostly been older military. I think there is a method to the fact that they make it a difficult situation for many. I remember the family of 4 locals with daughters in school uniforms getting a 10 minute search on a Sunday evening. If I had daughters and they were treated how I saw, there would be a price payed. This checkpoint has been abusive for a long time.

mtgoat666 - 10-13-2018 at 07:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
The military guys deserve to burn in hell, and rewarding them with “free” drinks is rewarding their bad behaviour.
Have you spent much time talking to Mexican soldier-children?

Those "mother-flockers" may be the only thing preventing unbridled attacks on sitting duck tourists like you along the Peninsula.

Personally I appreciate their presence and feel for the poor kids stuck out there in the middle of nowhere watching the paleface aliens pass through their posts talking unintelligible gibberish and flouting unimaginable wealth which must present horrible temptations to someone with dead batteries in his flashlight and 5 pesos to his name who comes from a one-room choza with no furniture but hammocks.

Sounds like San Ignacio has a local problem, but your grouping all military guys as thieving bastards just shows your lack of empathy, contextual understanding and humanity.

You disappoint me. :no:


Only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch. If the military had a culture of honor and lawfulness they would root out the thieves and throw them in the brig. But seems to be institutionalized criminal enterprise.

chumlee57 - 10-13-2018 at 08:18 PM

I must agree with sweetwater, this checkpiont has always beeen, shall we say 'different'. And it does seem to have a few more officers, than youngins. That said, geographically its a major north to south tipping point on the penninsula, so a bright and informed individual may conceed that it may be 'staged' to be a tough spot. I do not agree with any of the bullchit that has absolutly happened at this checkpoint over the last few years, although I have never experienced anything more than a weak shakedown for gatorade. Keep in mind, if one of these checkstops ***s w u and u know u are clean, don't get excited, especially if its a small bag of weed ( which is not illegal ), once again, if its not urs and u are in the right, look them directley in the eye and state that its a bullchit deal and you will be reporting this to the authorities ( everyone who passes this checkpoint should write down Pescadors contact info, out of San Lucas Cove area ) I have never heard goat or mojo norte ever have an original thing to say on this board, negitive, unhappy people are listened to and forgotten. It is definatly a fact, MOST of the military on the penninsula are helpful and put there to be just that. I'm not agreeing that any type of shakedown is legit, just saying for anyone on the fringes, don't be afraid of the military.

laventana - 10-14-2018 at 07:19 AM

I went through there about a month ago up to and returning from US. I will say I did not know of the issues and my look out out detector hit me there. Why, because the one soldier was trying to hard on several occasions to distract me because his english was good and the other one was searching. I kept my eyes on the searcher at all times and the guy with good english not searching kept trying to distract and I would not allow it. He also tried to get me to open the trunk while the guy was searching in my car which i said no and pointed to the guy and my eyes searching inferring i had to watch him. My hunch is this is a potential pair when on duty to watch out for theft. This has been one of the very few times in my 20 years of going back and forth up to two times a year I have felt this way.

As we know the few that there are bad guys do similar at gas stations, the distract game.

Warf - 10-14-2018 at 08:56 AM

Friends went through yesterday. Soldiers went through their camper and asked for wine, cheese from the fridge etc.
They politely refused all requests and were treated with hostility. Isn't there a phone number para denunciar?

Pescador - 10-14-2018 at 09:13 AM

If you are going South and have a problem, you should stop at the Military Base 16/A South of Santa Rosalia at San Lucas Cove and ask to report to the commandante. If you are going north, the Military group in charge is at Guerrero Negro on the side of the road by the big Mexico flag. Here is the contact information for Guerrero Negro.
40/a. ZONA MILITAR.
CUARTEL GENERAL 40/a. Z.M. (GUERRERO NEGRO, B.C.S.).
01615-1570610 01800-8309531
denuncia.40zm@mail.sedena.gob.mx

motoged - 10-14-2018 at 10:20 AM

Good question.

Hand -wringing has some value, but it would be interesting to see what might happen with an "official" follow-up to one or more complaints to the authorities.

gnukid - 10-15-2018 at 04:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by Pescador  
Here is the contact information for Guerrero Negro.
40/a. ZONA MILITAR.
CUARTEL GENERAL 40/a. Z.M. (GUERRERO NEGRO, B.C.S.).
01615-1570610 01800-8309531
denuncia.40zm@mail.sedena.gob.mx

There's a lot of complaining here about that retén and allegations that it's being permitted by the institution: Has anyone here actually reported abuses to the competent authorities?


Has anyone ever got a personal reply from these email boxes or seen any response to a denuncia to sedena? You receive a auto-reply saying this email reply and a case serves as a reference to your complaint and nothing happens.

[Edited on 10-15-2018 by gnukid]

gnukid - 10-15-2018 at 05:20 AM

Side note - there are two separate reports of Mexican military marines allegedly being drunk, getting into fights in public Domingo familiar and finally being arrested this Sunday, 10 in Cancun, and 1 in La Paz who got into a fight with a peaceful, calm member of the public and somehow also involved a municipal police who had his gun taken by the military allegedly.

It was only because the public recorded the bad behavior and reported it and persisted to charge the marines that the municipal police and military were required to intervene to put an end to the behavior.

http://regeneracion.mx/detienen-a-10-militares-borrachos-alt...

https://www.facebook.com/843404809110276/photos/a.8435989524...

https://www.facebook.com/843404809110276/videos/203939698286...

https://www.facebook.com/NoticiasLPZ/videos/1630432073729694...

These are examples of a trend in Mexico of Civic public participation in trying to maintain order, among disorder of marines and municipal police, pressing civic charges using video recording to charge marines and police for bad behavior in public.

All in all this is what keeping order looks like. Stand up for yourself and defend yourself against aggression of military and police.



[Edited on 10-15-2018 by gnukid]

Barry A. - 10-15-2018 at 09:27 AM

Quote: Originally posted by gnukid  
Side note - there are two separate reports of Mexican military marines allegedly being drunk, getting into fights in public Domingo familiar and finally being arrested this Sunday, 10 in Cancun, and 1 in La Paz who got into a fight with a peaceful, calm member of the public and somehow also involved a municipal police who had his gun taken by the military allegedly.

It was only because the public recorded the bad behavior and reported it and persisted to charge the marines that the municipal police and military were required to intervene to put an end to the behavior.

http://regeneracion.mx/detienen-a-10-militares-borrachos-alt...

https://www.facebook.com/843404809110276/photos/a.8435989524...

https://www.facebook.com/843404809110276/videos/203939698286...

https://www.facebook.com/NoticiasLPZ/videos/1630432073729694...

These are examples of a trend in Mexico of Civic public participation in trying to maintain order, among disorder of marines and municipal police, pressing civic charges using video recording to charge marines and police for bad behavior in public.

All in all this is what keeping order looks like. Stand up for yourself and defend yourself against aggression of military and police.



[Edited on 10-15-2018 by gnukid]


Gnukid--------with all due respect, what you appear to be saying in your last paragraph above is very dangerous advice. In any dealings with either Military or Police personnel, you are at a significant disadvantage as the "power" rests with the authorities, and not you. Challenging authority directly eyeball to eyeball often results in very bad consequences for yourself unless handled very delicately. Having said that, I totally agree that any problems with any authority-figures should be documented and reported aggressively AFTER the incident, and pursue it as best you are able with the relevant offices that are appropriate.

John Harper - 10-15-2018 at 10:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by gnukid  

All in all this is what keeping order looks like. Stand up for yourself and defend yourself against aggression of military and police.


So, you gonna tell someone with a loaded M4 how to behave?

John

gnukid - 10-15-2018 at 01:20 PM


To the point of this thread, my experience with this military stop is consistent with many others, they are demanding and inappropriately aggressive. I often give them something but realize gifts only makes the problem worse.

As to civilians standing up for themselves against corrupt military and police, do whatever you are comfortable with. Obviously many Nomads have no knowledge of the law, can't speak Spanish, can't work a camera or cell phone and are out of their element defending themselves.

There is a strong civic movement to know the law and stand up for yourself, while insisting military and police respect boundaries, don't touch you or threaten you or your personal property in anyway and they must behave in a professional respectful manner to ensure safety.

Many military and police have the lest education, often less than 6th grade, have little to no knowledge of the laws and are implicitly involved in corrupt behavior as evidenced by experience and video captures. Reporting it to the same entity will not help, you must file a denuncia in front of a separate judge or legal ombudsmen advocate and provide evidence through multiple captures of video.

Sunday, was a huge embarrassment for the Mexican Marines though not unlike many other days. There is no reason to give in to corruption, there is huge benefit to Mexican society to insist firmly and politely on justice and fairness and that's what is happening as a huge movement across Mexico known as Mexico civico justicia.

Mexico has a huge problem with corruption and it won't go away on it's own, this requires that each person be responsible to know the laws, follow them and insist the laws be followed by others including military and police who have a record of corruption. the population of Mexico has no more patience for the number of people going missing daily and suffering the costs of corruption run by Marines and Police.




4x4abc - 10-16-2018 at 10:23 PM

I know you don't like "Talk Baja" but here is a really incident of today in San Ignacio:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TalkBaja/permalink/237867704...

unbob - 10-17-2018 at 08:44 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
I know you don't like "Talk Baja" but here is a really incident of today in San Ignacio:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TalkBaja/permalink/237867704...
Thanks for the link Harald. I saw the FB post yesterday and was going to post it here today.

Evan's experience is by far the worst I've heard of yet - it seems to get just worse and worse there at the SI checkpoint.

I've met Evan and he seems to be a "normal' rational person - I say that given his almost unbelievable story of major trauma at SI checkpoint.

I'm planning to drive through there early next week with friends hauling tons of stuff down for their new casa. Needless to say we are concerned and frankly terrified of passing through the SI "gaunlet".

Meantime, we'll be monitoring this thread closely for any updates.

Good luck to all headed that way.

David K - 10-17-2018 at 08:56 AM

For what it's worth, my odd encounter at the San Ignacio checkpoint (claiming the plant debris on my floormat was marijuana) was in July 2015. It was the one and only time that they were hostile to our answers and actually seemed like an attempt to put something on us. Yes, it was traumatic and we think it would ruin any newbie from wanting to go back to Baja.

However, I crossed through that checkpoint 6 times last year (2017) and did not have one personal bad exchange. It does sound like it is maybe one officer who is the problem and causing this problem when he is on duty?

When the guy was hassling us and using his cigarette lighter to ignite the little plant debris off my floormat, the other soldiers looked embarrassed. For what it is worth, when this happened to us, Obama was president (there are a lot of posts trying to say this is in retaliation to Trump being a strong president).

Secretary of Tourism - Baja Sur

bajaguy - 10-17-2018 at 09:18 AM

Secretaría de Turismo de Baja California Sur
Departamento de Auxilio Turistico

Sr. Adolfo Gonzalez Garcia
Jefe del departamento de Auxilio Turistico

Phone: 01 (612) 124 - 0100 to 03
Fax: 01 (612) 124 - 0722

E-mail: turismo@gbcs.gob.mx

La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Km 51/2 Carretera al Norte Edificio Fidepa2
Apartado Postal # 419 CP. 23090

Secretary of Tourism - Mexico

bajaguy - 10-17-2018 at 09:19 AM

https://www.gob.mx/sectur/

Secretary of Defense (SEDENA)

bajaguy - 10-17-2018 at 09:52 AM

Teléfono: (01) 5521228800
Atención a la ciudadanía: (01) 55578971, (01) 55573707 y (01) 800 832 7542

Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional
atn.ciudadana@sedena.gob.mx

JoeJustJoe - 10-17-2018 at 10:13 AM

It sounds like a very weird story, but I do have a few questions.

Did the Mexican soldiers, also do a cavity search, because there are different degrees of intrusive searches?

Why was Evan, carrying $3000 dollars in Baja? It doesn't sound like a very smart thing to do.

How did the Mexican soldiers, know he didn't have a woman, since Evan, is hinting he is well endowed, and the soldiers are very impressed?

The last quote, really has me wondering about this story.

_____________
Highlights from Evan's incident report on Facebook, Talk Baja.

Evan wrote: " Another soldier then told my other friend (the man) to follow him to a side building where he demanded that he empty his pockets and then pull his shorts and underwear down, which he did. I was dumfounded and outraged. Never having seen this kind of severe search at a military check point."

_________________________

"The soldier told me to pull off to the side of the road and 2 soldiers and one federal policeman started taking everything out of my van and laying it in the dirt. One soldier found my cash and told me it looked suspicious to have that much money. It was about $3000 USD. I demanded that the soldier put my money back into the suitcase, and he finally did."
______

"The soldier then demanded I follow him to a side room and demanded that I empty my pockets and drop my shorts and underwear. Which I did out of fear. There were 5 other soldiers in the room standing around."
_________

"The last words from the soldier who demanded I drop my pants was “Why don’t you have a woman?”
_____

it’s just plain wrong and stupid. Is it really worth the humiliation and fear to see if I’m carrying something illegal under my shorts? How incredibly stupid. I have been on the fence for the last year about returning to baja, wanting to try someplace new. I think that this episode just helped me make up my mind. Next winter I will take my USD elsewhere.

unbob - 10-17-2018 at 10:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JoeJustJoe  
Why was Evan, carrying $3000 dollars in Baja? It doesn't sound like a very smart thing to do.
Evan had the USD to pay his rent in Baja. For some reason, he removed this text from his original post: "My mexican landlord prefers to be paid in USD."

I also carry USD to pay my casita rent - Mexicans obviously prefer to be paid in USD.

Yes, I can get USD at a bank or possibly an ATM in Mexico but that can be a hassle and the exchange rate can be poor - I'd rather not deal with it.

JoeJustJoe - 10-18-2018 at 07:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by unbob  
[Evan had the USD to pay his rent in Baja. For some reason, he removed this text from his original post: "My mexican landlord prefers to be paid in USD."

I also carry USD to pay my casita rent - Mexicans obviously prefer to be paid in USD.

Yes, I can get USD at a bank or possibly an ATM in Mexico but that can be a hassle and the exchange rate can be poor - I'd rather not deal with it.


I realize some Mexican landlords, require rent payments in US Dollars, but the typical rent in Baja, is not $3000 dollars, it's about $300 to $400 dollars, on average depending on a few factors like location.

The currency exchanges at ATM's are very favorable, the only problem are sometimes the bank fees, but having something like a Charles Schwab, ATM card, you can get ATM rebates.

It's always very suspect when an OP starts editing his post.

4x4abc - 10-18-2018 at 11:51 AM

interesting how our friends over at Talk Baja deal with difficult posts - the post about military harassment has been removed. With it all the links about where to complain and where to find help
https://web.facebook.com/groups/TalkBaja/permalink/237867704...

unbob - 10-18-2018 at 11:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JoeJustJoe  
I realize some Mexican landlords, require rent payments in US Dollars, but the typical rent in Baja, is not $3000 dollars, it's about $300 to $400 dollars, on average depending on a few factors like location.

The currency exchanges at ATM's are very favorable, the only problem are sometimes the bank fees, but having something like a Charles Schwab, ATM card, you can get ATM rebates.

It's always very suspect when an OP starts editing his post.
Duh!! No not many pay $3,000usd per month for la renta. $3,000 is for the entire winter season 4-5 months. I do the same and need to carry even more.

Re the ATM - agreed when getting pesos. But getting USD I've only done it once (several years ago) and the rate and fees were awful.

I have a Schwab account so yes all fees are refunded at the end of each month.

JoeJustJoe - 10-18-2018 at 12:35 PM

Not according to Ron, over at "Talk Baja" Facebook, some members like 4x4abc, were accusing Ron, or some other moderator, of deleting Evan's post about him and his friends, being strip searched, and harassed by the Mexican military, at the check point.

But Ron, said, for whatever reason, Evan, the OP, deleted his own post, and that's the only reason why the post is not there anymore.

It looks like Talk Baja, members were talking to Evan, in private messages, and telling him to report the incident, but instead Evan just deleted his post.

And Ron, even asked some of those members who were talking to Evan, to ask him why he deleted his post, but so far no answer.

Later I will give my opinion why he deleted his post.

BTW not one member questioned any part of Evan's alleged incident, and in fact seem to believe it even more. One member was so outraged, they were to to report the alleged incident for Evan! ( you must report it yourself)
Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
interesting how our friends over at Talk Baja deal with difficult posts - the post about military harassment has been removed. With it all the links about where to complain and where to find help
https://web.facebook.com/groups/TalkBaja/permalink/237867704...


[Edited on 10-18-2018 by JoeJustJoe]

willardguy - 10-18-2018 at 06:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JoeJustJoe  
Not according to Ron, over at "Talk Baja" Facebook, some members like 4x4abc, were accusing Ron, or some other moderator, of deleting Evan's post about him and his friends, being strip searched, and harassed by the Mexican military, at the check point.

But Ron, said, for whatever reason, Evan, the OP, deleted his own post, and that's the only reason why the post is not there anymore.



Later I will give my opinion why he deleted his post.



[Edited on 10-18-2018 by JoeJustJoe]


get ready folks.........this is gonna be a blockbuster! :rolleyes:

JoeJustJoe - 10-18-2018 at 06:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  



get ready folks.........this is gonna be a blockbuster! :rolleyes:


Evan wrote: " "The last words from the soldier who demanded I drop my pants was “Why don’t you have a woman?” _____

Rule number #1.

Anytime some guy is telling or implying to other guys, and women, that he has a big penis, chances are he really suffers from a few shortcomings, and self esteem issues.

How is that for a big blockbuster, Willardguy?

JoeJustJoe - 10-18-2018 at 06:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by unbob  
Duh!! No not many pay $3,000usd per month for la renta. $3,000 is for the entire winter season 4-5 months. I do the same and need to carry even more.

Re the ATM - agreed when getting pesos. But getting USD I've only done it once (several years ago) and the rate and fees were awful.

I have a Schwab account so yes all fees are refunded at the end of each month.


Really, you pay four to five months in advance for a rental?

That's sometimes illegal in the US in some states, but I'm not sure in Mexico, but it's not something I would never do, because of all the possible problems you could encounter, especially since it's only a rental and due diligence is not something most renters would do.

JoeJustJoe - 10-18-2018 at 06:48 PM

It looks like 4x4abc, and possibly more members of other sites owe Ron, at "Talk Baja" an apology, for accusing Ron, or other "Talk Baja" moderators, of allegations of deleting Evan's post, about being allegedly harassed and made to pull down their pants at the San Ignacio checkpoint.

I agree with Ron, and Ron, should now say, because the OP Evan, pulled his post, that it should now be suspect of being not true, especially since the members were pressuring him to report it to authorities, but instead Evan, pulled the post, picked up his marbles and went home. ( nobody was asking Evan tough questions on TB)

Again, not everything you read on the internet is true, no matter how badly you want to believe it.

__________________________________________________________
From Ron at "Talk Baja:

This is getting old...

Another thread involving strong allegations made about alarming behavior by military personnel / police at the San Ignacio checkpoint has been deleted by the member who originally posted the allegations.

This is now the 3rd thread that has been pulled by the OP recently and I am getting tired of having to answer comments and PM's asking why "we deleted the thread" when in fact we did no such thing.

The only thread that we removed was a few months ago where someone posted a story they "had heard" that included no names. date or link to corroborate the story origin but at the same time we asked for those involved to come forward and share their story first hand.

They did exactly that a few days later only to later delete their thread. That was followed by another that did exactly the same thing and now this most recent thread of report of abuse at San Ignacio was pulled, apparently earlier today.

I have no idea why this is happening other than perhaps they might feel that they are being questioned too harshly. If that is the case, please let me know.

What really pi**es me off is that as soon as that happens, some member here goes running to other groups and pages claiming that the Talk Baja admins don't want to hear any negative news and are deleting the threads.

That is simply not true and I am really getting tired of answering these questions over and over.

If you personally have been on the receiving end of abuse at the hands of the authorities here anywhere on the peninsula, please give a complete and factual report here but leave the thread up.

If you feel that someone is being harsh with their questions or comments, please let me know and I will take appropriate action but please leave your report up for everyone to be able to have a chance to learn from what you went through and also learn how to deal with it and respond.

I and others here are sharing these threads with the authorities here to help get action but when you delete your post, the story and allegations disappear and it makes it harder to get their attention again later.

Thank you

[Edited on 10-19-2018 by JoeJustJoe]

mtgoat666 - 10-18-2018 at 09:14 PM

You are a fool to file a complaint against the military, it is a total waste of your time. It is obvious that the command does not care, as the military thieving has been going on at checkpoints for years.
I suspect that assignment to checkpoints is a reward to soldiers, as it is basically a kick back job with a key perk: license to steal with no risk of punishment :(

willardguy - 10-18-2018 at 09:19 PM

:lol: the dynamic duo.......

JoeJustJoe - 10-19-2018 at 08:50 AM

More fallout yesterday, from Evan's post, on "Talk Baja" where Evan the OP, alleged an incredible story at the San Ignacio Checkpoint, where Evan, reported, the Mexican military, stops him and his group, searched the vehicles, and then, made Evan,'s friend pull down his pants and underwear, and the Mexican military, about 5 guys, made Evan, also pull down his pants and underwear, and one of the Mexicans made a comment to Evan, asking ...WHY HE WASN'T MARRIED?

My question remains is how did the Mexican military know the OP Evan was not married?

Well, I'm shocked, just shocked, that Ron, is saying the original post from the OP is perhaps exaggerated or completely fabricated!

I thought I was the only one who thought like that, because nobody on "Talk Baja" is questioning the truthfulness of the post, now the OP has pulled it.

I always laugh how members want to personally report second hand stories to the authorities, like Ralph, in the post below. It's the job of the OP to report their own incidents to the authorities, if their story is true. It's not the job of members to go down to the check points, waving a copy of a second hand report, and then make outrageous allegations, unless they want to be laughed at.

Somehow I doubt Ron, will re-post the story from Evan, although I'm sure he can, because other members copied the story, and even I copied the highlights and the first name Evan, and with just the first name, Ron, could probably trace the guy down on his Facebook site, and asked him why he pulled the story.

So far this makes two recent alleged incidents at the check point, on Talk Baja, where some member reported some over-the-top story, and then pulled their post and disappeared.

Not everything you read on the internet is true, no matter how badly you want to believe it.
________________________________
From Talk Baja

Ron wrote: There were plenty of members who shared similar stories which corroborated the OP. When you simply delete your thread and run, it appears that perhaps your allegations were exaggerated or even completely fabricated. It certainly does nothing to support their credibility. Also all of the good comments, advice and information gets deleted as well.
___________

Ron wrote: If you have screen captures showing the actual thread with the member who originally posted the story, send it to me and I will repost it.
_________

Ralph wrote: Kathleen Flick I took that original thread to Guerrero Negro in print. But when they could not find it, I lost all credibility...It was like it did not exist as far they were concerned. I am with Ron on this one. If people can legitimately complain, they can certainly ignore any comments they do not like.

unbob - 10-19-2018 at 09:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JoeJustJoe  
Really, you pay four to five months in advance for a rental?
No, of course not!

I take down all the cash needed to pay 5 months rent - and then pay monthly from my cash "hoard".

I do not want to deal with obtaining usd in Mexico and get burned on exchange rates and/or fees.

billklaser - 10-20-2018 at 03:57 PM

Just went through the San Ignacio check point yesterday south bound to Loreto. Usually in our experience the inspection is quick and non invasive. This time the military guys were exceptionally friendly, respectful and polite. They did not inspect the cab of my truck but only wanted to see in the bed. I have a camper shell on the truck bed, with lots of stuff in it. He looked at a few items and sent us on our way. Again very polite. We stayed the night at Rice & Beans, and the owner informed us that there have been lots of complaints about this check point. He said he and other business folks in the area have been talking to the Tourism Bureau and Military. He believes there have been changes made. Time will tell if the situation improves.