Mexico City, Mexico – In a troubling trend, the Alto al Secuestro organization has reported a significant increase in kidnapping incidents across Mexico. During June 2024, a total of 90 kidnappings were documented, marking a 36.3% rise from the 66 cases reported in May. This surge highlights a growing concern about the safety and security within the nation.
The national kidnapping report reveals that since December 2018, there have been 6,598 kidnappings recorded throughout the country. The report emphasizes the urgent need for effective measures to combat this pervasive issue.
Among the states with the highest incidence of kidnappings in June 2024, Mexico City topped the list with 12 cases. Following closely were the State of Mexico and Veracruz, each reporting 9 kidnappings. Chihuahua recorded 8 incidents, while Michoacán and Puebla each had 6. Tabasco and Quintana Roo reported 4 cases each. On average, there were 5.4 kidnapping victims daily during this period.
In terms of incidence rate per 100,000 inhabitants, Quintana Roo, Chihuahua, Tabasco, Morelos, and Mexico City were identified as the most affected regions. This alarming rate underscores the need for heightened vigilance and stronger preventive measures in these states.
The month of June also saw two mass kidnappings, with 19 victims involved. These incidents occurred in Guerrero and the State of Mexico, further amplifying the gravity of the kidnapping crisis. Alto al Secuestro, led by Isabel Miranda de Wallace, has been at the forefront of documenting and advocating for actions against kidnappings.
Conversely, several states reported no new kidnapping investigation files in June 2024. These states included Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Coahuila, Colima, Durango, Nayarit, Querétaro, Tamaulipas, and Yucatán. While this may suggest lower activity in these regions, continuous monitoring remains essential to ensure these areas remain safe.
July has emerged as the month with the highest number of kidnapping reports in 2024 so far. The year started with 66 kidnappings in January, followed by 71 in February, 84 in March, 88 in April, and again 66 in May. The upward trajectory indicates an urgent need for effective strategies to curb this escalating threat.
