Violence Persists in Mexico Despite Federal Security Strategy, Crime Rises in 10 States

Mexico City, Mexico — Violence increased in several regions of Mexico during 2025 despite the federal government’s security strategy, which managed to reduce certain high-impact crimes across much of the country.

According to data compiled by the Executive Secretariat from investigation files, nearly one-third of the national territory reported an increase in criminal incidents.

Among the most concerning crimes, intentional homicide saw significant spikes in two states: Sinaloa and Baja California Sur. In Sinaloa, murders rose from 831 in 2024 to 1,421 in 2025, while in Baja California Sur they increased from 64 to 119.

Beyond homicides, the total crime registry — which includes extortion, robbery, injuries, drug dealing, femicides, kidnapping, rape, and domestic violence — showed increases in ten states: Guanajuato, Coahuila, San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Colima, Yucatán, and Sinaloa. In contrast, Campeche, Tlaxcala, Oaxaca, and Chiapas reported significant decreases. Nationally, total crimes barely declined, dropping from 2,092,164 cases in 2024 to 2,016,509 in 2025.

Despite federal efforts, extortion and drug dealing remain the most difficult crimes to control, with increases reported in several regions. In states like Michoacán and Sinaloa, authorities have deployed military-backed operations to curb violence linked to organized crime.

In Sinaloa, the dispute between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza, factions of the Pacific Cartel, has kept homicide rates and other violent crimes high. Along with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, these organizations have expanded their influence across different parts of the country, consolidating networks for drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and forced recruitment.

On February 6, naval authorities dismantled a 30-person cell linked to Los Salazar, the armed wing of Los Chapitos and the Beltrán Leyva organization, which operated in drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and other illicit activities related to organized crime.