Understand the context of crime & safety in Mexico. Read our collection covering security news, regional variations, common scams, and essential precautions.
United States
Trump praised Mexico's anti-drug/migration efforts, yet new tariffs loom (Apr 2). Ambassador nominee Johnson noted cooperation. Mexico's President Sheinbaum countered tariff justification with data showing reduced fentanyl flow. Mixed signals create uncertainty.
Crime
Ex-Gulf Cartel leader Mario Ramírez Treviño ("El Pelón") died in US prison March 13, before sentencing. Captured in 2013 & extradited, he became a US witness against rivals like "El Menchito." His cause of death wasn't stated.
Aguascalientes
A guard claimed his lover killed herself after he found texts. He admitted butchering her, hiding remains in a drum. After confessing in a note and calling 911, he shot himself as cops arrived. Police investigate if he murdered her first.
Tijuana
David "N", driving a Tesla Cybertruck, fled police, hit 7 cars, ignored orders, and reversed into a patrol unit, injuring 2 people. He is now in preventive detention facing multiple charges.
Nuevo Leon
Chicken chain El Pollo Loco in Nuevo Leon is under attack! Five locations torched, 1 guard injured. Authorities investigate, downplaying extortion links.
Guanajuato
Mexican "Big Mama," alleged cartel-linked truck thief, busted with 4 others after offering bribe to cops. Accused of running major auto theft ring and paying CJNG for protection. Ex-cop among those arrested.
State of Mexico
Mexico's morgues overflow with 5,348 unidentified corpses, a crisis fueled by drug violence and bureaucratic failures. Families struggle to identify loved ones in the macabre backlog. National database and DNA collection urged.
Crime
CJNG "kill ranch" exposed in Mexico. Recruits allegedly tortured, murdered if they resisted training. 1 Arrested recruiter confessed. Human remains found. Mothers of the disappeared discovered the site.
Crime
"El Lastra," CJNG recruiter, busted for luring teens with fake jobs and torturing resisters at a "training" ranch. Accused of drug crimes, gun possession and student kidnappings.
Aguascalientes
Five alleged narco sicarios, including two women, were arrested in Pabellón de Arteaga after cops found three bodies hidden on the property. The suspects were allegedly found with drugs and weapons.
Mexico City
Mexican cartel "Commander" "El Lastra" nabbed in Mexico City after vanishing in 2020. Accused of recruiting for CJNG, linked to Izaguirre ranch. Partner also arrested.
Tulum
Tulum's security chief assassinated in cartel-linked attack. Violence escalates in Mexican tourist hotspot. Days prior, prosecutor's office also targeted.