Introduction
Mexico has witnessed a surge in political violence, with at least 12 politicians and judicial figures killed since the beginning of June 2025. This escalation follows five political murders in May, confirming the most violent spike of the year.
Key Incidents
- Lilia Gema García Soto: On June 17, Lilia Gema García Soto, a member of Morena and the mayor of San Mateo Piñas, Oaxaca, was assassinated inside the municipal palace.
- Martha Laura Mendoza: The same day, Martha Laura Mendoza, another Morena member and mayor of Tepalcatepec, Michoacán, was shot alongside her spouse near their home. Her 17-year-old son was injured in the attack.
- Other Victims: The list of political killings includes:
- Alejandro Arcos Catalán, mayor of Chilpancingo, Guerrero (Morena)
- Edmundo Román Pinzón, magistrate, Guerrero
- Salvador Villalva Flores, elected mayor of Copala, Guerrero (Morena)
- Simón Lugo, councilman, PRD, Guerrero
- Francisco Tapia, general secretary of Chilpancingo, Morena
- Miguel Ángel Reyes Zavala and Armando Pérez Luna, precandidates for the mayorship of Maravatío, Michoacán (Morena and PAN)
- Salvador Bastida García, mayor of Tacámbaro, Morena-PT-PVEM
- Cosme López, Morena operative
- Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, Morena candidate in Texistepec, Veracruz
- Eduardo Chávez Manzanares, mayor of Linares, Nuevo León
- Ximena Guzmán and José Muñoz, secretary and advisor, respectively, to Clara Brugada, head of government in Mexico City
- Román Ruiz Bohórquez, mayor of Candelaria Loxicha, Oaxaca
- Fernando Granados, former mayor of Jerécuaro, PAN
- Director of Tlayacapan, Morelos (unidentified)
Geographical and Partisan Scope
The violence transcends geographical boundaries and political affiliations, affecting various states such as Guerrero, Michoacán, Jalisco, the State of Mexico, Veracruz, and the Federal District.
Impunity and Lack of Progress
With few exceptions, such as two detentions in the case of magistrate Román’s murder, there have been no significant advancements in investigations. Most cases lack suspects, and impunity remains the norm.
Expert Recommendations
Security experts propose urgent measures, including risk maps, protocols, specialized prosecution, intelligence, and financial control. However, without a firm political commitment to thoroughly investigate each case, the risks for public servants, especially at the municipal level, will persist. If this trend continues, Mexico’s already fragile democracy may be irreparably damaged.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation regarding political violence in Mexico? Political violence has escalated, with 12 politicians and judicial figures killed since the beginning of June 2025, following five murders in May.
- Who are some of the victims? Victims include Lilia Gema García Soto, Martha Laura Mendoza, Alejandro Arcos Catalán, Edmundo Román Pinzón, Salvador Villalva Flores, Simón Lugo, Francisco Tapia, Miguel Ángel Reyes Zavala, Armando Pérez Luna, Salvador Bastida García, Cosme López, Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, Eduardo Chávez Manzanares, Ximena Guzmán, José Muñoz, Román Ruiz Bohórquez, Fernando Granados, and an unidentified director from Morelos.
- What states have been affected by this violence? The violence has impacted multiple states, including Guerrero, Michoacán, Jalisco, the State of Mexico, Veracruz, and the Federal District.
- Why is there a lack of progress in investigations? There have been few arrests, and most cases lack suspects, resulting in widespread impunity.
- What measures are proposed to address this issue? Experts recommend implementing risk maps, protocols, specialized prosecution, intelligence, and financial control. However, without a strong political commitment to thorough investigations, the risks for public servants will persist.
