Cancún mayor debunks homicide claims as violence drops 45%

Cancún, Mexico — Benito Juárez Municipal President Ana Paty Peralta has publicly refuted claims by councilman Jesús Pool Moo that Cancún records between five and six homicides daily. The mayor dismissed these statements as entirely false, asserting they distort public perception and damage the tourist destination’s international reputation.

Official Data Shows Steady Decline in Homicides

During an interview, Peralta presented official statistics demonstrating a sustained reduction in intentional homicides across the municipality. From January to July 2025, Cancún recorded 115 murders, a significant drop compared to 186 in the same period of 2024, 229 in 2023, and 212 in 2022. This reflects a 45.77% decrease over three years, which Peralta attributed to effective security strategies.

“Claiming there are five homicides a day is completely false,” Peralta stated emphatically.

Collaboration with Authorities and Focus on Prevention

The mayor emphasized her administration’s close coordination with the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) and multiple security agencies to address violence at its roots. Beyond law enforcement operations, efforts include tackling social factors contributing to crime. Peralta highlighted concerns over youth involvement with criminal groups, calling for targeted prevention policies.

Rise in Extortion and Robberies Linked to Increased Reporting

While acknowledging a recent uptick in extortion and commercial robberies, Peralta clarified that the trend stems from greater public willingness to report crimes. “People are no longer staying silent; they now approach authorities with confidence that their cases will be addressed,” she said.

Commitment to Sustained Security Efforts

Concluding her remarks, Peralta reaffirmed her commitment to Cancún’s safety, vowing continued efforts against crime. “We will keep working every day until our citizens can live in peace,” she declared.