Guanajuato's Murder Rate has recorded a sharp 45 percent—its most significant decline in eight years. According to the state’s Secretariat for Security and Peace, it marks a rare, glimmering sign of progress. This occurs against the backdrop of ongoing cartel conflict and simmering public fear. Rise, Fall, and a Fragmented Present For recent years, Guanajuato has tragically sat at or near the top of Mexico’s homicide rankings. In 2024, the state …