Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Jalisco has witnessed a troubling surge in homicides, recording its fourth consecutive month of increases, culminating in 190 victims in July, according to the latest data from the National Public Security System (SESNSP). This rise in violence marks the highest monthly toll this year, further intensifying concerns about the state’s ongoing security challenges.
The SESNSP, which compiles data from the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office and other state entities, highlighted the continuous rise in intentional homicides. The grim trend began in April, with 142 cases, followed by 151 in May, and 180 in June. The July figure surpasses even the already alarming June tally of 205 victims, signaling an urgent need for effective interventions.
The situation is equally dire concerning gender-based violence. In July alone, four femicides were recorded, bringing the total number of women murdered for gender-related reasons to 17 so far this year. While this figure represents a decrease from the same period last year, when 27 femicides were reported, the persistence of such crimes remains a grave concern.
One of the victims was Irma Fregoso, a well-known activist who was brutally murdered in Puerto Vallarta following a meeting at the CTM with her alleged attacker, Rodrigo “P.” The suspect has since been arrested and is facing criminal charges. The murder of the Fregoso and other recent cases, such as the killings of brothers Salvador and Luis Ángel, along with a 17-year-old minor in Encarnación de Díaz on July 12, have further highlighted the ongoing violence plaguing the state.
In response to the latest figures, Jalisco’s Governor Enrique Alfaro addressed the rising homicide rates in his monthly report, published on social media in early August. While acknowledging the increase in homicides in July compared to June, Governor Alfaro emphasized that the overall annual trend remains positive, with a notable reduction in homicides compared to previous years.
“The reduction remains at almost 30 percent, 29.9 percent compared to 2018, with a downward trend, and is the lowest cumulative figure from January to July in recent years,” the Governor stated on August 2. He highlighted this reduction as evidence of the state’s progress in addressing security issues, despite the alarming recent spikes.
Despite the Governor’s reassurances, the rise in homicides and femicides in Jalisco underscores the need for continued and enhanced efforts to combat violence in the state. The government faces the dual challenge of addressing immediate security concerns while ensuring that the progress cited by Governor Alfaro is sustained and built upon in the months ahead.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Jalisco has witnessed a troubling surge in homicides, recording its fourth consecutive month of increases, culminating in 190 victims in July, according to the latest data from the National Public Security System (SESNSP). This rise in violence marks the highest monthly toll this year, further intensifying concerns about the state’s ongoing security challenges.
