On Friday night in Mexico City, a concert by the Basque musician Fermin Muguruza was abruptly stopped by the Army, National Guard, and police. The event, held at the iconic Multiforo Alicia, had sold out of tickets when approximately 200 security personnel surrounded the venue, forcing an interruption. Muguruza described the incident as a “police provocation” and urged the crowd to leave peacefully to avoid violence, warning that authorities were prepared to use force.

Despite the heavy-handed response, no official explanation has been provided, leaving many puzzled. Mexico City’s head of government, Clara Brugada, along with federal Secretary of Government Rosa Icela Rodríguez, have distanced themselves from the decision and called for an investigation to hold those responsible accountable. Some police commanders have already been removed from their positions.

Just an hour into the performance, which marked Muguruza’s return to the stage after five years, the unprecedented security operation unfolded at the venue’s new location in Santa María de la Ribera. The venue manager, Nacho Pineda, expressed bewilderment at the military presence, noting it was the first time such an extreme measure had been taken against them. Both Pineda and Muguruza encouraged attendees to remain calm, emphasizing the importance of avoiding arrests or injuries.

The official reasoning behind the deployment of 200 uniformed individuals to halt a contracultural concert remains unclear. Cuauhtémoc’s mayor, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, claimed she wasn’t informed and had no control over the military’s actions. Similarly, Clara Brugada has denounced the operation, asserting her administration did not condone the actions leading to the event's cancellation. Security Secretary Pablo Vázquez stated an internal investigation is underway, with responsible commanders already relieved of their duties.

The federal government, represented by Claudia Sheinbaum, has also expressed dissatisfaction. Rosa Icela Rodríguez deemed the disbandment “unjustifiable,” stressing that the Mexican government does not endorse such actions and will investigate the operation’s origins. She also questioned who requested the presence of police and military forces at a cultural venue.

An unofficial narrative suggests that during a routine night patrol, police alongside the Army and National Guard noticed a crowd outside the concert. Upon requesting documentation from the venue manager, they reportedly found missing permits, prompting the shutdown. However, Clara Brugada has not mentioned any administrative shortcomings and defended Multiforo Alicia as a crucial cultural hub.

Muguruza, celebrating 40 years in music, reminisced about playing at Alicia shortly after his brother's death in 2019, marking an important tribute. He expressed confusion over the current situation but urged attendees to avoid harm. He invited them to a free concert in Ciudad Neza, hoping to continue his tour peacefully.