Rosa Icela Rodríguez Velázquez, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, announced that during President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's administration, the number of homicide victims in Mexico has decreased by 19 percent. She shared this update during the morning press conference, during which she presented the biweekly security report.
We want to report on the number of homicide victims through August. How are we closing out the month? Compared to 2018, this represents a 19 percent reduction since the start of this administration, as of the end of last month,” Rodríguez Velázquez said.
The Secretary indicated that detailed crime statistics will be released on September 17 once state prosecutors provide “exact and precise numbers for the closure of all crimes occurring in the country.” She emphasized that the security cabinet continues to focus on crime prevention efforts.
SSPC addresses the root causes of violence
Rodríguez Velázquez highlighted that the current administration prioritizes addressing the root causes of violence to reduce the social foundation for criminal activities and prevent the recruitment of children and youth by criminal organizations.
During the morning press conference, she outlined ongoing Violence and Crime Prevention Unit efforts and peace-building initiatives. Notable actions in recent years include Peace Fairs, voluntary disarmament, Peace Builders, networks for violence and addiction prevention in schools, and the Tianguis del Bienestar.
As part of the Voluntary Disarmament program, the public is encouraged to surrender firearms in exchange for cash. To date, 963 handguns, 601 rifles, 3,186 magazines, 194 detonators, 246 grenades, 1,908 explosive capsules, 85,125 cartridges, 15 dynamite cartridges, and one mortar projectile have been voluntarily turned in and destroyed.
Through the Violence and Addiction Prevention Networks Strategy, initiated in 2021, efforts aim to reduce various forms of violence among youth and prevent drug abuse. This includes raising awareness, identifying risks, and creating support networks. So far, 1,226 awareness talks and 327 violence prevention sessions have been conducted in primary, secondary, and higher education schools across 350 municipalities in all 32 states, reaching over 264,000 students.
The government values youth and integrates them into prevention strategies through the Youth Peace Builders program. Participants receive monthly scholarships and job training to provide them with dignified development opportunities.
Finally, regarding the Tianguis del Bienestar, which began in August 2021 and targets areas with high marginalization and poverty, Rodríguez Velázquez noted that 5,758 locations, including agencies, ejidos, rancherías, and communities in 245 municipalities across eight states, have been visited. Over 12.7 million newly seized or confiscated goods have been distributed free of charge to 596,480 families, resulting in savings of 737.5 million pesos previously spent on storage and warehousing.