Mexico’s Deadly Year: Gun Violence and Organized Crime Reach New Heights

In 2019, Mexico experienced some of the deadliest months on record, with unprecedented levels of gun-related homicides claiming thousands of innocent lives.

A Staggering Increase in Gun Violence

According to official statistics, over 29,000 intentional homicides were recorded in 2019, a 10% increase from the previous year. The majority of these deaths were attributed to organized crime groups, who have become increasingly brazen in their attacks on civilians and law enforcement officials.

A Rise in Kidnappings, Extortion, and Robbery

In addition to the surge in gun violence, Mexico also saw a significant rise in kidnappings, extortion, and robbery. The National System of Public Security (SNSP) reported:

• Over 12,000 intentional injuries
• Nearly 260,000 cases of robbery during the first five months of 2020 alone

Regional Hotspots of Violence

The situation is particularly dire in certain regions, such as the border states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Sonora, where violence has become a daily reality. In some areas, entire communities are living in fear, with many residents fleeing their homes to seek safety elsewhere.

Glimmers of Hope

Despite these alarming statistics, there are glimmers of hope:

• The Mexican government has taken steps to address the crisis, including appointing a new Attorney General, Julio Scherer, who has pledged to prioritize prosecution and reform of the country’s criminal justice system.
• The United States has increased its support for Mexico’s efforts to combat organized crime through the Merida Initiative, a cooperative agreement aimed at reducing drug trafficking and transnational crime.

Experts Warn: More Needs to be Done

However, many experts warn that more needs to be done to address the root causes of violence in Mexico:

• “We need to tackle poverty, inequality, and corruption if we’re going to make a meaningful impact on this crisis,” said one analyst.
• “Just throwing money at the problem isn’t enough – we need sustained effort and commitment from all levels of government.”

A Long and Difficult Road Ahead

As 2020 comes to a close, it remains to be seen whether Mexico’s efforts will bear fruit. One thing is certain: the country faces a long and difficult road ahead in its fight against violence and organized crime.