Mexico Homicides Drop 34% in Historic Safety Turnaround

For the first time since 2016, Mexican families are experiencing a January where violence doesn't dominate the headlines.

The country reported an average of 50.9 homicides per day in January 2026, down 34% from the same month last year. That's 36 fewer daily deaths than September 2024, marking the lowest rate in 17 months.

President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration credits a new approach to security that prioritizes intelligence gathering, criminal investigation, and coordinated operations between federal forces. The strategy represents a shift from previous years, with law enforcement taking more proactive measures against organized crime.

The results extend beyond raw numbers. Since October 2024, authorities have arrested more than 43,000 people for serious crimes, seized 327 tons of drugs, confiscated nearly 23,000 firearms, and shut down over 2,000 methamphetamine labs.

Some states saw dramatic turnarounds. Zacatecas, which faced severe violence in recent years, recorded just three homicides in January, an 88% drop from the previous year. San Luis Potosí saw murders fall 84%, while Quintana Roo dropped 73%.

Even states with higher crime rates improved significantly. Guanajuato, the country's most violent state, still reduced homicides by 62%. Baja California dropped 29%, and Sinaloa fell 28%.

Twenty-six of Mexico's 32 states reported fewer murders compared to January 2025. Mexico City ranked 13th nationally with 64 homicides, while peaceful Yucatán matched Zacatecas with just three.

Security Minister Omar García Harfuch points to stronger coordination between the National Guard, army, navy, and local authorities as key to weakening criminal networks. The government has also emphasized addressing root causes of crime alongside enforcement efforts.

The Ripple Effect

These changes mean real families in real communities are experiencing something they haven't felt in years: safety. Parents in Zacatecas can send their children to school without the same fears. Business owners in Guanajuato are reopening shops. Tourists are returning to Quintana Roo with confidence.

The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico called Sheinbaum's approach a "bold change" in September, praising high-profile arrests and operations. While challenges remain and skeptics question some data accuracy, the consistent downward trend across multiple states suggests genuine progress.

For millions of Mexicans who have lived through years of cartel violence and territorial conflicts, these numbers represent more than statistics—they represent hope that their communities can heal.