Introduction to the Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE)
The Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE) is a Mexican independent, autonomous, and technical electoral body responsible for organizing elections and ensuring their transparency, equity, inclusion, and democratic quality. INE plays a crucial role in identifying missing persons through collaboration with other authorities.
Collaboration for Identification and Localization
INE has signed 34 specific agreements with state prosecutors and local search commissions since 2016 to establish coordination mechanisms and collaboration for the comparison and validation of biometric information, such as photos and fingerprints. This data is essential for identifying and eventually locating missing individuals.
Progress in Identification Efforts
As of March 2025, INE has received 88,405 requests, with 29,807 receiving responses containing at least one record in the Padrón for identification purposes. This accounts for 33.71% of all requests.
Through resolutions, INE has confirmed the identity of 77,140 individuals reported as missing.
Data Utilization for Localization
INE uses general data such as name, last name, date of birth, place of birth, and CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población) provided by participating institutions to search for individuals in forensic databases or unidentified persons in hospitals, health centers, or assistance centers.
Current Status of Missing Persons
As of December 31, 2024, the National Commission for the Search of Persons reported approximately 106,957 missing and unaccounted for individuals. By March 31, an additional 5,636 individuals were added, bringing the total to 112,570 missing and unaccounted for.
This represents a 5.24% increase in three months, with the Padrón Electoral now containing 101.53 million records.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE)? INE is an independent, autonomous, and technical electoral body in Mexico responsible for organizing elections and ensuring their transparency, equity, inclusion, and democratic quality.
- How does INE help locate missing persons? INE collaborates with state prosecutors and local search commissions to compare and validate biometric information, such as photos and fingerprints, essential for identifying and locating missing individuals.
- What data does INE use for identification? INE uses general data like name, last name, date of birth, place of birth, and CURP provided by participating institutions to search for individuals in forensic databases or unidentified persons in hospitals, health centers, or assistance centers.
- How many missing persons are currently unaccounted for in Mexico? As of March 31, 2025, there are 112,570 missing and unaccounted for individuals in Mexico.
