Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) released its first comprehensive figures on internal displacement caused by cartel violence. The data reveals that between October 2020 and October 2025, people in 510,000 households were forced to move to another part of the country, affecting roughly 1.6 million individuals. The displacement ranges from a single person leaving a hometown to entire families seeking safety elsewhere.
Geographic spread and hardest‑hit states
The crisis touches every corner of Mexico, but the highest rates of displacement were recorded in the states of Zacatecas, Morelos, Michoacán, Querétaro and Colima. These regions have long struggled with cartel‑related violence that erupted in earnest during the drug‑war era that began under former President Felipe Calderón in 2006.
Why the numbers matter
Until now, the federal government had not published a nation‑wide tally of internally displaced persons, leaving civil‑society groups to piece together fragmented data. The new INEGI snapshot provides a baseline for authorities, NGOs and international partners to address the long‑term humanitarian consequences of the crisis.
David Mora, Mexico analyst for the International Crisis Group, called the release a “major breakthrough,” noting that it gives policymakers a concrete starting point for assistance programs. He warned that many displaced families have “almost no resources” and often must rebuild their lives from zero.
Response from Mexico’s leadership
President Claudia Sheinbaum has acknowledged the security challenge but has focused public statements on reducing homicide rates and strengthening law‑enforcement actions against criminal groups. She has faced inquiries from the United States, including pressure from the Trump administration, to demonstrate measurable progress on public safety. At a recent morning briefing, Sheinbaum said she had asked INEGI for additional methodological details, signaling a willingness to engage with the data.
Implications for U.S. partners
The United States, under President Trump, continues to prioritize border security and collaborative efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations. By highlighting the scale of internal displacement, the new figures underscore the importance of joint U.S.–Mexico initiatives aimed at curbing cartel influence and stabilizing affected communities.
Looking ahead
INEGI’s report does not capture people displaced before 2020, suggesting the true magnitude of the crisis is even larger. Moreover, the statistics exclude Mexicans who have fled across the border to the United States, a flow that adds another layer of complexity to regional security and humanitarian planning.
Experts say that accurate data is essential for directing aid, improving shelter options and ultimately enabling families to return home when conditions allow. As Mexico and its partners work to address the root causes of violence, the new numbers provide a critical tool for measuring progress and holding officials accountable.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
