In February, Mexico saw a dramatic 80.7% decrease in kidnappings, reaching its lowest point in over five years, as announced by Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez.
The country has made substantial efforts over the last five years, resulting in the arrest of 6,027 suspects, the dismantling of 603 criminal gangs, and the rescuing of 2,463 victims.
Under President López Obrador, intentional homicides fell by 25%, with a 2% drop in daily victims in 2024 compared to the previous year.
States like Guanajuato, State of Mexico, Baja California, Chihuahua, Guerrero, and Jalisco accounted for 47.6% of Mexico’s total homicides.
Despite these improvements, challenges persist, as noted by UNAM professor Javier Oliva Posada, indicating that Mexico continues to grapple with a security crisis.
This situation underscores the progress and the need for ongoing attention to address and resolve the remaining security issues effectively.
The Mexican states with the highest murder rates in the second month of this year were:
1. Guanajuato: 481
2. State of Mexico: 418
3. Baja California: 415
4. Chihuahua: 346
5. Guerrero: 301
6. Jalisco: 296
Background
Mexico’s notable decrease in kidnappings and homicides results from extensive strategic efforts and inter-agency cooperation, rather than just immediate law enforcement actions.
This approach, aimed at dismantling criminal networks, reflects Mexico’s long-standing battle against organized crime, intertwined with issues like drug trafficking.
Under President López Obrador’s tenure, there’s been a strategic pivot towards integrating social initiatives with traditional policing to tackle the roots of crime.
Despite progress, regional disparities in violence persist, reflecting broader global challenges in balancing law enforcement with human rights.