Introduction to the Violent Situation in Mexico
In 2025, Mexico faced a harrowing reality with at least 4,783 extreme crimes and 6,707 victims of violence, according to the report “Galería del horror: atrocidades y eventos de alto impacto registrados en medios periodísticos” by Causa en Común.
Key Findings from the Report
- An average of 13 atrocities and 18 victims per day were recorded by the media, highlighting the persistent and normalized extreme violence across various regions.
- 1,255 documented cases of torture-related murders, 608 extreme violence murders of women, 456 cases of mutilation, dismemberment, or destruction of corpses, and 386 massacres were reported.
- 301 clandestine graves were discovered, estimated to be over 400 illegal burial sites, averaging 25 cases per month. These figures also include 336 acts of violence against authority, 282 high-impact violence days, and killings of children, journalists, human rights defenders, and vulnerable groups.
States with the Highest Number of Atrocities
Although violent atrocities were reported across the country, Sinaloa led with a minimum of 641 cases, followed by Guanajuato (477), Guerrero (384), Chihuahua (367), and Michoacán (321).
- Other entities with high levels of extreme violence included Puebla (149 atrocities), Jalisco (144), Baja California (124), Morelos (100), and Chihuahua, where torture murders, clandestine graves, massacres, and cases of slavery and trafficking were documented.
States with the Highest Concentration of Victims
Guanajuato had the highest concentration of victims with 255, followed by Jalisco (229) and Sinaloa (205). However, the report notes that the actual number of victims in states like Jalisco might be higher due to numerous undocumented human remains found in clandestine graves.
September had the highest number of victims at 794, followed by July with 766 and January with 683.
Defining Atrocities
Causa en Común defines an atrocity as “the intentional use of physical force to cause death, severe injury, or extreme mistreatment; to cause the death of a large number of people; to cause the death of particularly vulnerable or politically significant individuals; and/or to instill terror.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the total number of extreme crimes and victims in Mexico for 2025? At least 4,783 extreme crimes and 6,707 victims of violence were recorded.
- Which states experienced the most atrocities? Sinaloa led with 641 cases, followed by Guanajuato (477), Guerrero (384), Chihuahua (367), and Michoacán (321).
- Which states had the highest number of victims? Guanajuato had 255, Jalisco 229, and Sinaloa 205.
- What does Causa en Común consider an atrocity? An atrocity is defined as the intentional use of physical force to cause death, severe injury, or extreme mistreatment; to cause the death of a large number of people; to cause the death of particularly vulnerable or politically significant individuals; and/or to instill terror.
