Virgen de Guadalupe 2026 security operation for pilgrims in Mexico City, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico City, Mexico): More than 30 institutions from the federal and Mexico City governments will take part in the Operativo Basílica 2026, an operation designed to guarantee the security, mobility and medical care of the 13 million pilgrims expected at the Basilica of Guadalupe during the December 12 festivities.
Gustavo A. Madero mayor Janecarlo Lozano led the first interinstitutional coordination meeting, where authorities began defining strategies for surveillance, civil protection, urban services and emergency response for one of the country’s most important religious gatherings.
The plan involves the Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC), the National Guard, the Secretariat of National Defense, the Navy, C5, Civil Protection, the Heroic Fire Department, the Rescue and Emergency Medical Squad (ERUM) and the Mexican Red Cross, among other agencies. Authorities will establish coordination mechanisms to respond to emergencies, prevent accidents and facilitate the movement of millions of visitors arriving in Gustavo A.
Madero from across Mexico and abroad.
The operation will include security and surveillance measures, guidance for pilgrims, pre-hospital care, cleaning, waste collection and regulation of commerce around the religious site. The Metro, Metrobús, LOCATEL, the Mexico City Attorney General’s Office and several urban services and mobility units will also participate.
“Our responsibility begins at the planning stage and continues until the pilgrims return home. We want them to find guidance when they need it, attention when they require it and dignified treatment at all times,” Janecarlo Lozano said.
Authorities have not yet announced the final number of personnel to be deployed during the Guadalupe festivities. The 2025 operation mobilized 10,600 municipal workers, 250 auxiliary police officers and 110 patrol vehicles.
Those figures refer to last year’s deployment and will serve as a reference for planning security and assistance measures for 2026.
The Gustavo A. Madero borough said coordination meetings will continue to define the responsibilities of each agency and ensure an immediate response to possible contingencies.
Authorities will also work with the Basilica of Guadalupe’s officials to organize religious activities and visitor access.
The goal is to receive the 13 million pilgrims expected on December 12 through an operation that maintains safety and order both inside the religious site and in the surrounding neighborhoods, where much of the activity during the Guadalupe celebrations is concentrated.
