Mexico Reports Lowest Homicide Rate in May Since 2015
Mexico's federal government announced a significant decline in homicides for May 2026, marking the lowest monthly rate since 2015 and since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office in October 2024. The average daily homicides in May stood at 47.3, a 27.6% decrease from May 2025. The period from January to May 2026 also registered a drop of 29.8% year-on-year, averaging 50.4 homicides per day.
Mexico's federal government reported a substantial reduction in the country's homicide rate during May 2026, reaching its lowest point in 11 years. Preliminary data presented at President Claudia Sheinbaum's Tuesday press conference indicated an average of 47.3 homicides per day, a 27.6% decrease compared to May 2025. This figure represents the lowest monthly rate recorded since Sheinbaum assumed office in October 2024 and the least violent May since 2015.
The downward trend extended across the first five months of 2026, with an average of 50.4 homicides per day from January to May. This period saw a 29.8% reduction year-on-year and was also the least violent January-May period since 2015. The National Public Security System chief, Marcela Figueroa, highlighted that the daily average in May 2026 was 46% lower than the 86.9 homicides per day reported in September 2024, the final month of the previous administration.
Homicides decreased in 28 of Mexico's 32 federal entities, with San Luis Potosí experiencing the most significant decline at 81%. Despite overall reductions, Guanajuato remained the state with the highest number of homicides, recording 668 between January and May, accounting for 8.8% of the national total. Baja California, Chihuahua, and Sinaloa followed in the violence ranking.
Since President Sheinbaum took office in October 2024, authorities have arrested over 56,000 individuals for high-impact crimes. During this period, more than 2,400 drug laboratories have been dismantled, 419 tonnes of narcotics seized, and nearly 30,000 firearms confiscated. Security Minister Omar García Harfuch reported that 1,468 alleged extortionists have been detained since the national anti-extortion strategy was launched in July of the previous year.
President Sheinbaum concluded the press conference by publicly commending her Security Cabinet for their efforts.
According to Mexico News Daily, the government emphasized these statistics to counter narratives suggesting a worsening security situation and to promote the perceived success of its security strategy.
