Introduction
The National Urban Public Security Survey (ENSU) released by Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) on the previous Friday has once again exposed a stark contrast between the country portrayed in official security reports and the reality experienced by millions of urban residents.
Key Findings
- Perception of Safety: In 2025, 63.8% of Mexicans felt their living areas were not safe, up from 61.7% in 2024.
- Fear of Crime: 72.3% of urban residents expressed fear when using ATMs or public transportation, indicating a persistent sense of insecurity in everyday situations.
- Economic Impact: 32.3% of urban households experienced some form of crime in the second half of 2025, compared to 29.8% in 2024, highlighting the ongoing economic strain caused by crime.
- Extortion Growth: Extortion affected 14.1% of urban households in 2025, up from 11.4% the previous year, showcasing a significant rise in this often underreported crime.
- Declining Trust in Institutions: The ratings for the Navy, Army, and National Guard all dropped between late 2024 and 2025, while local government effectiveness ratings fell from 32.6% to 29.9%.
Context and Implications
The Mexican government has long relied on a single indicator—the decrease in deliberate homicides and high-impact crimes—to bolster its credibility. While these statistics reflect genuine progress in combating crime, they fail to capture the lived experiences of urban residents. People’s daily encounters with potential danger, such as using ATMs or public transportation, shape their perception of safety.
The ENSU report sheds light on the economic consequences of crime, which affect families’ finances, time, and mental well-being. The rising extortion rates exemplify the disconnect between official statistics and the reality faced by many. Victims’ reluctance to report crimes often stems from a lack of trust in law enforcement, time constraints, or fear of drawing attention to themselves.
Moreover, the declining public trust in security institutions—Navy, Army, National Guard, and local governments—indicates a growing gap between the government’s narrative and citizens’ experiences. For urban security to improve, the Gabinete de Seguridad must prioritize and incorporate the ENSU findings into their evaluations and messaging.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What does the ENSU reveal about urban safety in Mexico?
A: The survey indicates that while official reports show progress in reducing deliberate homicides and high-impact crimes, many urban residents perceive their living areas as unsafe. This discrepancy highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of urban security that includes everyday experiences and economic impacts. - Q: How does crime affect urban residents’ daily lives?
A: Crime affects urban residents’ daily routines, causing fear when using ATMs or public transportation. It also has economic consequences, with 32.3% of urban households experiencing some form of crime in the second half of 2025. - Q: Why is extortion a significant concern?
A: Extortion has risen to affect 14.1% of urban households, demonstrating a substantial increase in this often underreported crime. This growth underscores the gap between official statistics and the reality faced by many. - Q: How has public trust in security institutions changed?
A: Trust in the Navy, Army, National Guard, and local governments has declined between late 2024 and 2025, reflecting a growing disconnect between the government’s narrative and citizens’ experiences.
With these INEGI findings, it’s clear that the Mexican government must realign its security messaging and evaluations with the realities faced by urban residents. Only then can meaningful progress be made in improving public safety and trust in security institutions.
