Mexico Records Lower Murder Rate Two Years Into Claudia Sheinbaum Term
Two years into Claudia Sheinbaum's presidency, Mexico has seen falling homicides and expanded welfare, while violent crime and persistent corruption continue to challenge authorities.
President Claudia Sheinbaum marked two years in office on Thursday, pointing to a declining national homicide rate and broader social welfare programs across Mexico. The administration credited its security coordination and anti-poverty spending for the changes, though independent analysts and civil society groups warned that cartel violence and corruption remain entrenched.
Sheinbaum assumed the presidency on Oct. 1, 2024, following a decisive election victory. Her administration has focused on preserving and expanding social programs established under her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. These initiatives include new constitutional protections for welfare payments and targeted pension support for older women.
Federal security officials reported that average daily homicides fell from nearly 87 in September 2024 to under 45 by mid-2026. The executive secretariat of the National Public Security System attributed the reduction to targeted intelligence work and joint operations involving the military and the National Guard. The government also recorded declines in kidnappings and vehicle thefts across several states.
Despite the reported improvements, security analysts caution that criminal networks retain control over large swaths of the country. Extortion remains widespread, and advocacy organizations continue to register high numbers of missing people. Regional turf wars among cartels continue to generate violent clashes in states such as Sinaloa and Guanajuato.
The administration has also faced scrutiny over institutional integrity and the rule of law. Watchdogs noted that systemic corruption still hampers public offices and state security agencies. Critics have raised concerns about the growing role of the armed forces in civilian policing and infrastructure projects.
The federal government is scheduled to release its next comprehensive quarterly crime report later this month, while lawmakers prepare to debate the upcoming federal budget.
