Mexico's homicide rate drops to decade low, Sheinbaum credits security strategy

President Claudia Sheinbaum lauded Mexico's security cabinet, highlighting the significant reduction in high-impact crimes and attributing the success to a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the root causes of crime and law enforcement efforts. She expressed particular satisfaction with the decrease in homicides, noting that on June 16, the country recorded 27 intentional homicides, the lowest number in more than 13 years.

"It is very important work that the cabinet does, from addressing the causes to apprehending criminals. And that has achieved a decrease of almost 50% in homicides," Sheinbaum stated during a press conference on Wednesday. She even mentioned applauding the security cabinet for the low homicide figures, emphasizing that such a low number had not been seen in Mexico for at least 13 to 14 years.

The president detailed that the strategy involves "Attending to the Causes" programs, such as "Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro" (Youth Building the Future), "Ferias del Bienestar" (Welfare Fairs), community work, and the revitalization of public spaces. She explained that outreach teams visit homes in high-incidence areas, connecting at-risk youth with educational opportunities.

She further credited the reduction in crime to the strengthening of the National Guard, enhanced intelligence and investigation capabilities using unified platforms, and improved coordination with state and federal prosecutors. She emphasized the "social intelligence" gathered from public input and the "permanent coordination" among the Defense Ministry, Navy, and Security agencies. She pointed to a 46% decrease in the daily average of intentional homicides between September 2024 and May 2026, translating to 39 fewer lives lost daily, a historic achievement she challenged other countries to match under similar circumstances.