The situation regarding the murder rates in Mexican cities is a serious and concerning issue. According to a report from the Citizens’ Council for Public Safety and Criminal Justice, eight Mexican cities rank among the world’s ten most violent cities, based on 2021 data. These cities include Zamora, Ciudad Obregón, Zacatecas, Tijuana, Celaya, Ciudad Juárez, Ensenada, and Uruapan.
Specifically, Zamora, located in the Mexican state of Michoacán, had the highest rate with over 196 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. This rate was the second highest recorded since the ranking began, only surpassed by Ciudad Juarez’s rate of 229.06 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2010. The data indicates that these rates are comparable to those recorded in cities such as Medellin and Cali during the peak of the Colombian government’s war with FARC terrorists in the 1980s and 1990s.
In addition, a separate source confirms that Tijuana, Mexico, was named the most violent city in the world for the second consecutive year, according to the same organization. Juarez, Mexico, ranked second on the list, known for its high number of murders each year. Uruapan, Mexico, which was previously known for its avocados, has seen a massive spike in murders, ranking third. Irapuato, Mexico, is listed as the fourth most violent city.
Further emphasizing the severity of the situation, another report from 2020 by the Citizens Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice (CCSPJP) stated that seven Mexican cities were among the world’s ten most violent in 2020. These cities included Celaya, Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Obregón, Irapuato, Ensenada, and Uruapan.
The report noted that it was the fourth consecutive year that a Mexican city had been ranked as the most violent in the world, with Tijuana topping the 2019 list. Moreover, Mexico has more cities among the 50 most violent in the world than any other country, followed by Brazil, Venezuela, and the United States.
These reports underscore the critical issue of violence in Mexico, particularly in these cities, and highlight the challenges faced in addressing this problem. The high murder rates reflect deeper issues of crime, law enforcement challenges, and societal problems that require urgent attention and comprehensive solutions.
The four Mexican cities with the highest murder rates, along with explanations, are:
- Zamora, Michoacán: Zamora had the highest murder rate with over 196 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants as of 2021. This rate was the second highest ever recorded in the ranking, indicating a severe level of violence in the city.
- Tijuana, Baja California: Known for its proximity to the United States border, Tijuana was ranked as the most violent city in the world for two consecutive years. It has a significant rate of murders, attributed partly to cartel activities.
- Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua: This city is famous for its high murder rate, influenced by cartel violence. It has historically had some of the highest homicide rates, including a record rate in 2010.
- Uruapan, Michoacán: Previously known for its avocado production, Uruapan has experienced a dramatic increase in violence, leading to it becoming one of the most violent cities in Mexico. This spike in murders is linked to the control of criminal groups in the region.
These cities’ high murder rates are reflective of broader issues of organized crime, gang violence, and challenges in law enforcement and public security in Mexico