Mexico: Record-breaking murder rates in Mexico

Event

Crime rates in Mexico remain concerning, and in 2019, the murder rate has reached a new record. In 2019 alone, over 17,000 murders were reported in the first half of the year, with 94 people murdered on average each day. The figure does not count drive-by shootings, kidnappings, extortion and other serious crimes. The country is on track to surpass the number of murders in 2018, also a record, of 29,111. Baja California and Chihuahua states have the highest homicide rate, two states in which drug cartels are active.

On Wednesday, September 18, Mexican authorities announced they had found 29 bodies wrapped in 100 plastic bags in unmarked graves in the state of Jalisco. They also indicated that the body count may increase as police continue investigating the area.

Advice

Individuals in Mexico are advised to remain vigilant for criminal behavior and avoid conspicuous displays of wealth, refrain from calling attention to themselves and engaging with strangers, report suspicious objects and behavior to the police, follow instructions issued by local authorities, and avoid all gatherings as a precaution.