Increased Extreme Violence in Puebla: First Half of the Year Highlighted by 149 Crimes; Torture Claims Top the List with 51 Incidents
In the heart of Mexico, the state of Puebla has found itself embroiled in a troubling escalation of extreme violence. This alarming trend was recently underscored by the tragic murder of journalist Salomón Ordóñez Miranda in June 2025. The attack, which took place in Cuetzalan del Progreso, highlights the ongoing threats against community figures and journalists who cover security and community matters [1].
Recent data from the NGO Causa en Común reveals that at least 2,517 extreme violence crimes were committed across Mexico in the first half of this year, with Puebla recording a total of 149 cases [2]. These incidents were categorised as "atrocities," with 156 victims in total [2].
While broader trends in Mexico are often associated with the Mexican drug war, the specific details of Puebla’s crime rates and the most serious crimes have been less directly provided. However, it is known that serious crimes in Mexican states like Puebla typically involve homicides, kidnappings, attacks on journalists, and violence related to organized crime and drug trafficking [3].
In Puebla, following torture, the next most common crimes were mutilations, dismemberment, and destruction of bodies, with 18 cases each [2]. The most serious crime committed in Puebla was torture, with 51 cases recorded [2]. Murders of children and adolescents, as well as attempted lynchings, were each documented 11 times [2]. Seven cases of clandestine graves and extreme cruelty murders of women were reported [2].
The state of Sinaloa had the highest incidence of extreme violence crimes with 374 cases [2], but Puebla ranked among the top five states in Mexico with the highest number of extreme violence incidents [2]. Guerrero followed with 191 cases, while Michoacán had 181 cases [2]. Guanajuato, another state within the top five, had 267 cases [2].
The escalation of violence in Puebla is not solely attributable to drug cartel activity, but also to corruption, impunity, and targeted killings such as that of journalists. This environment of impunity and threats against freedom of expression is a growing concern in the region [1].
The case of journalist murders in Puebla serves as a tragic indicator of how extreme violence manifests locally and underscores the urgency for active and effective crime prevention and protection of vulnerable populations in the state [1]. The ongoing investigations and delays in emergency response further reflect the challenges in law enforcement effectiveness [1].
As the nation grapples with these issues, it is crucial to address the root causes of extreme violence in Puebla and other regions in Mexico to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
During this turbulent period in Mexico, the state of Puebla has seen a substantial increase in extreme violence, characterised by crimes such as homicides, kidnappings, attacks on journalists, and violence linked to organized crime and drug trafficking [3]. This alarming surge in atrocities, as highlighted by the recent murder of journalist Salomón Ordóñez Miranda, has raised concerns about the culture of impunity and threats against freedom of expression, particularly in the realm of general-news and crime-and-justice coverage [1]. Despite Sinaloa registering the highest number of extreme violence crimes, Puebla ranks among the top five states in Mexico with the highest number of such incidents [2].
