Mexico Continues to Lead the List of the World's Most Violent Cities in 2025

 

A study published by the Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice reveals that Mexico continues to lead the ranking of the world's most violent cities. Seven of the ten cities with the highest homicide rates per 100,000 inhabitants are in the country, highlighting the severe security crisis the nation faces.

Colima, Acapulco, and Tijuana in the top spots

According to the report, Colima remains the most violent city in the world, followed by Acapulco and Tijuana. These three cities have alarming homicide rates, mainly driven by the presence of organized crime, cartel disputes, and the weakness of security institutions.

Other Mexican cities such as Ciudad Juárez, Celaya, Uruapan, and Zamora also appear in the global ranking. All of them far exceed the global average of homicides, reflecting the state's lack of control over violence.

Factors driving violence in Mexico

Public security experts point out that the main factors behind this crisis include:

• Cartel disputes: The fight for control of strategic territories triggers constant clashes.
• Corruption and institutional weakness: The infiltration of organized crime into authorities prevents an effective response.
• High impunity: The homicide resolution rate in Mexico is less than 10%, which encourages the repetition of crimes.
• Lack of opportunities: Poverty and unemployment push many young people to join criminal organizations.

Impact on the population and the economy

Violence not only affects citizens' security but also has economic and social repercussions. The most violent cities experience a drastic drop in investment and tourism, generating million-dollar losses. Meanwhile, the population lives in constant fear, limiting their development opportunities.

Businesses face serious difficulties operating in these unsafe environments. Private security costs have skyrocketed, while extortion by organized crime is common practice. This situation leads to business flight, job reduction, and the migration of entire families in search of better living conditions.

What is the government doing to curb violence?

In response to this crisis, the federal government has implemented various security strategies:

• Increased presence of the National Guard and military forces.
• Crime prevention strategies focused on young people.
• Coordination with state and municipal governments to strengthen operations.
• Investment in technology and equipment for law enforcement.

However, security experts warn that these measures have been insufficient. Despite the deployment of the National Guard, homicides haven't decreased significantly, showing that violence remains a structural problem requiring long-term solutions.

Impunity: the biggest obstacle in the fight against crime

One of the main challenges in Mexico is impunity. According to Human Rights Watch data, 90% of homicides in the country remain unsolved, meaning the vast majority of perpetrators never face justice.

This lack of punishment encourages the repetition of crimes and strengthens criminal groups, which operate with total certainty that they won't be punished. Specialists insist that the key to reducing violence is to strengthen the justice system, ensure effective processes, and apply exemplary sanctions to those responsible.

Conclusion

The fact that Mexico hosts seven of the world's ten most violent cities is undeniable proof of the failure of current security policies. Despite government announcements, the reality is that homicides remain at alarming levels, while impunity and corruption continue to reign.

If the government doesn't take strong and effective measures, violence will continue to escalate, affecting not only citizens' security but also the country's economic development. A real change in the security strategy is urgently needed to regain control of the territory and ensure the population's protection.