President Claudia Sheinbaum said that homicides in the state of Zacatecas fell to 50 over an eight-year period ending May 2026 [1].
This decline represents a significant shift in one of Mexico's most volatile regions. The administration's ability to reduce violence in Zacatecas serves as a primary benchmark for the efficacy of its broader national security initiatives.
According to government data, the number of homicides in Zacatecas dropped from roughly 1,500 to 50 over the eight-year span [1]. The administration said this decrease is the result of a “security and honesty” strategy implemented by the government [2].
On a national scale, the government cited a 46% reduction in intentional homicides [2]. This broader trend is reflected in the average daily homicide rates, which fell from 86.9 in September 2024 to 47.3 in May 2026 [2].
This daily reduction represents 39 fewer homicides per day across the country [2]. The administration said these figures demonstrate the success of its current approach to public safety and governance.
While the national trend shows a steady decline, the figures for Zacatecas indicate a more aggressive drop in violence compared to the general national average. The administration said the integrated security framework is responsible for these results [2].
“Homicides in Zacatecas fell from roughly 1,500 to 50 over eight years”
The reported data suggests a sharp divergence between localized success in Zacatecas and the general national trend. While a 46% nationwide reduction is substantial, the near-total collapse of homicide numbers in Zacatecas indicates that specific regional strategies may be yielding higher returns than the general national policy. However, the disparity between the regional and national percentages highlights the complexity of Mexico's security landscape, where violence often fluctuates based on local cartel dynamics rather than national policy alone.
