Mexico continues to lead the list of the world's most violent cities in 2025.

Mexico tops the list of the most violent cities in the world, according to a study by the Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. Seven of the ten cities with the highest homicide rates per 100,000 inhabitants are in the country, reflecting the severe security crisis the nation faces.

Colima, Acapulco, and Tijuana in the top spots

Colima remains the most violent city in the world, followed by Acapulco and Tijuana. Organized crime, cartel disputes, and lack of security have driven up homicides in these three cities.

Other Mexican cities such as Ciudad Juárez, Celaya, Uruapan, and Zamora also appear in the global ranking. All far exceed the global average of homicides, highlighting 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 strategic territories leads to 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 consequences. 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 insecure environments. Private security costs have skyrocketed, while extortion by organized crime is common practice. This situation leads to business closures, job reductions, 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 have not 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 data from Human Rights Watch, 90% of homicides in the country remain unsolved, meaning that most perpetrators never face justice.

To reduce violence, specialists recommend strengthening the justice system, speeding up processes, and firmly sanctioning those responsible.