Justice in Mexico – Department of Political Science & International Relations
Overview: This report focuses on the problems of organized crime and violence in Mexico, which have been of enormous concern to U.S. and Mexican authorities and the general public in both countries in recent decades. To better understand the ongoing challenges Mexico has experienced in recent years, this report examines the trends of violent criminal activities that are often associated with Mexican organized crime groups (OCGs). In particular, this report provides a detailed analysis of recent data on intentional homicides (homicidio doloso), intentional injuries (lesiones), extortion cases (extorsión), reported kidnapping (secuestro), and other violent crimes. The authors also compile various data and information about special victims of crimes in Mexico, including government officials, police, military personnel, and media workers. Along these lines, because of growing concerns about systemic violence against women in Mexico, this report also gives special attention to categories of crime specifically targeting women, including femicide (feminicidio) and sexual violence (violencia sexual).
This report builds on 10 years of previous studies generated by Justice in Mexico, a series that was previously titled Drug Violence in Mexico. In 2019, the title and scope of these reports was modified in an effort to gauge the broader impacts of organized crime and violence in Mexico. Accordingly, this report on Organized Crime and Violence in Mexico compiles the latest available information and relevant research on these topics, with an emphasis on data made available by Mexican authorities. Because the production of this report was delayed by interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the content focuses primarily on developments through 2019. However, where applicable, the authors discuss trends playing out as this report went to publication in mid-2020.
