Sourced fact
The News
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a 51% decrease in lethal crimes since taking office in October 2024, but these statistics have not convinced all experts. Mexico Evalua, a research organization, reported that kidnappings and enforced disappearances rose by 127% over the past decade. According to their report, the number of missing persons in the country reached 135,271 by June 2026, up from approximately 115,000 at the start of Sheinbaum's term. Edgard Cortez, coordinator of a project at the Mexican Institute of Human Rights and Democracy, pointed out that the government lacks political will to address this issue.
However, Sheinbaum's tenure saw improvements in other areas. Eduardo Bohórquez, director of Transparencia Mexicana, highlighted that the government launched "Operation Enjambre" which led to the arrest of over 100 public officials involved in organized crime. Nevertheless, Bohórquez believes these efforts were not comprehensive enough, as no current or former Morena party officials were arrested for corruption or involvement in organized crime.
Regarding foreign policy, dealing with U.S. pressure has become a priority for Sheinbaum. U.S. President Donald Trump accused Mexico of not doing enough to combat criminal groups. Despite this, Sheinbaum declared her opposition to any U.S. military intervention in Mexican territory, emphasizing the need for cooperation without subordination. The close cooperation between the two countries led to an 84% drop in recorded migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border between 2024 and 2025.
Additionally, Sheinbaum aims to make progress in human rights and social justice. She announced plans to draft a new law against femicide, reflecting her efforts to unify local and international laws on this issue. However, Cortez believes these efforts may be limited in effectiveness due to implementation challenges. He also noted that the government still faces challenges in governance and transparency, as it abolished the National Agency for Transparency and Access to Information, leading to the fragmentation of responsibilities among several government bodies.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, President Sheinbaum faces multiple challenges related to security, migration, and corruption. While there has been progress in reducing lethal crime rates, high levels of kidnappings and enforced disappearances persist, indicating the need for more effective measures.
In a broader context, Sheinbaum faces increasing pressure from the U.S., particularly regarding migration and trade. This places her in a difficult position between maintaining national sovereignty and achieving economic cooperation with her largest trading partner.
It is also worth noting that Sheinbaum has worked to improve economic and social conditions, such as raising the minimum wage and enhancing government support for the elderly and people with disabilities. However, concerns remain about transparency and accountability in the Mexican government.
