Mexico Reports 46% Drop in Homicides Under Sheinbaum
Mexico reported a 46% decline in intentional homicides between September 2024 and May 2026, alongside reductions in kidnappings, violent robberies and other major crimes.
Official data show Mexico recorded its lowest homicide rate in 12 years as authorities reported significant declines in several major crimes. Photo: @GobiernoMX
June 17, 2026 Hour: 4:00 am
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Official figures show May 2026 recorded the country’s lowest homicide rate in 12 years.
Mexico has recorded a 46% reduction in intentional homicides since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office, according to official security data released Tuesday, with May 2026 registering the lowest monthly homicide rate in more than a decade.
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During her regular morning press conference, authorities from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SNSP) reported that the national daily average of homicide victims fell from 86.9 in September 2024 to 47.3 in May 2026.
Marcela Figueroa Franco, head of the SNSP, said the decline amounts to 39 fewer homicides per day nationwide compared with the beginning of the current administration’s security strategy.
Text Reads: A 46% reduction in intentional homicides in 20 months of government. My appreciation to the Security Cabinet. Honesty yields results.
The latest figures also show reductions in several other high-impact crimes over the same period. Kidnappings decreased by 32.1%, while violent vehicle theft fell by 23.4%.
Crime indicators decline across most states
According to SNSP data, 28 of Mexico’s 32 states recorded downward trends in crime indicators. Among the largest decreases were San Luis Potosí, where homicide rates fell by 81%, Zacatecas with a 63% reduction, and Quintana Roo with a decline of 60.8%.
Sheinbaum attributed the results to coordination among federal security institutions and the deployment of 120,000 National Guard personnel under the command of General Briseño. She also highlighted the work of Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla, Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Navy authorities and Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch.
A comparison between the first five months of 2025 and the same period in 2026 shows additional declines in several categories of crime. Kidnappings dropped by 32.1%, violent robberies targeting transport operators by 25.7%, violent vehicle theft by 23.4%, violent robbery overall by 16.5%, violent business robbery by 13.8%, violent robbery against pedestrians by 9.3%, femicides by 9.1%, intentional firearm-related injuries by 7.9%, and extortion by 5.2%.
Text Reads: Between September 2024 and May 2026, intentional homicides in Mexico fell by 46 percent, which translates to 39 fewer cases per day.
Furthermore, last month saw the lowest homicide rate since 2015; these positive results continue to be achieved through the National Security Strategy.
Security cooperation and sovereignty concerns
The publication of the figures comes amid growing tensions between Mexico and the United States. Mexican authorities have questioned actions taken by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, including the revocation of visas for Mexican officials and the possibility of criminal accusations against governors and members of Sheinbaum’s administration.
Addressing allegations from Washington regarding alleged links between political figures and organized crime, Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said the Sinaloa Cartel remains under close state surveillance due to its influence and operational capacity. He added that security forces continue conducting independent operations against individuals identified as generators of violence.
Mexico’s government reiterated that cooperation within the Bilateral Implementation Group must be based on full respect for national sovereignty. The position was reaffirmed following discussions at the U.S. Embassy covering border security, migration and arms trafficking under principles of shared responsibility.
Authorities also reported that since October 2024, security forces have arrested 56,134 individuals linked to criminal activity, including 57 classified as high-priority targets.
The government said these actions form part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing violence through law enforcement operations, anti-corruption measures and policies designed to address the structural causes of crime.
Author: MK
Source: @GobiernoMX / Agencies
