Over 200 ranches, two mines recovered from criminal control in Caborca, Sonora; homicides drop to 5 in 2026

Authorities in Caborca, Sonora, have reclaimed over 200 ranches and two mines that were under the control of criminal groups, according to Governor Alfonso Durazo Montaño. He stated that these areas, once dominated by organized crime for years, are now among the safest in the state.

Durazo detailed that the operation involved arrests, seizures of weapons, and collaboration among security forces from federal, state, and local governments. He noted that ranchers had been unable to access their properties for up to a decade, but all have now been recovered. This territorial recovery has also enabled the resumption of agricultural and livestock activities that were previously hampered by criminal presence.

The governor highlighted a dramatic reduction in violence, citing that Caborca recorded 153 homicides in 2022. This figure fell to 23 in 2023 and 113 in 2024, with a sustained decrease to 41 in 2025 and only 5 homicides in the current year. While acknowledging that the goal is zero homicides, Durazo emphasized that Caborca now has one of the lowest crime rates in the state.

Municipal President Abraham Mier corroborated the improved security, stating that residents and producers can now access rural zones that were previously off-limits. He shared a personal anecdote of being unable to visit one of his own ranches for years due to insecurity. Mier credited the success to the coordinated efforts of security institutions and territorial control actions.

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Incluso relató que él mismo pasó entre cinco y seis años sin poder acudir a uno de sus ranchos debido a la inseguridad.