Chihuahua, Mexico – Chihuahua registered a troubling surge in national child trafficking cases in the first half of 2025. Federal and state authorities documented that only two states reported more minors trafficked for labor or exploitation than Chihuahua. The data has spurred urgent demands for tougher policing and expanded services for affected children.
National Child Trafficking Cases
Chihuahua logged the third-highest total of child trafficking incidents this year. Authorities recorded dozens of cases in which minors were coerced into forced labor, domestic servitude, or commercial sex.
Investigators note that the true scope may be higher. Many families hesitate to report abuse out of fear or shame. “We suspect a significant dark figure,” said a state prosecutor familiar with the data.
Underlying Factors and Patterns
Traffickers often exploit poverty and migration routes through Chihuahua. The city’s location along major highways makes it a nexus for organized crime. In some instances, children are lured with promises of work in agriculture or hospitality, only to find themselves trapped.
Law enforcement agencies have stepped up patrols on known smuggling corridors. Yet budget constraints and personnel shortages hinder sustained action. At the municipal level, officials say they lack the resources to monitor remote communities where recruitment frequently occurs.
Calls for Enforcement and Support
Victim advocates and public officials are calling for a dual approach. First, they urge federal and state authorities to allocate more funds to specialized anti-trafficking units. Second, they demand expanded shelters, counseling, and legal aid for rescued minors.
Mayor Marisela Díaz Hernández announced plans to convene a task force next week. “We must protect our children with every tool at our disposal,” she stated in a press briefing. The task force will include representatives from social services, education, and public security.
Human rights groups caution that efforts must respect survivors’ dignity. “Interventions should center on the child’s welfare, not just prosecution statistics,” said Laura Méndez of the Chihuahua Institute for Victim Support.
Strengthening Prevention
Experts recommend community education programs in vulnerable neighborhoods. By raising awareness of trafficking tactics, they argue, families can better guard against recruitment efforts. Schools, health clinics, and social workers are key partners in this preventive network.
Lawmakers at the state congress are preparing to debate tougher penalties next month. A proposed amendment would increase sentences for offenders who traffic minors from a maximum of 20 years to 30 years in prison.
