Rising Disappearances Reported in 20 Mexican States, States Mexico Evalúa

Breakdown of the Missing in Mexico, 2025

Mexico, entangled in a crisis of rising disappearances, continues to battle the repercussions of drug trafficking and criminal activities. This issue, escalating since 2006 due to the Mexican government's war on drug trafficking groups, has led to an estimated 480,000 homicides and violent escalation contributing to the disappearances.

As of early 2025, the National Registry of Missing Persons listed over 124,000 individuals missing, with the actual numbers likely under-reported due to incomplete data. By March 2025, the figure soared to over 127,000.

Cartels and Craving for Territory

Cartels' recruitment strategies play a significant role in the disappearances. By offering false job prospects, cartels aim to bolster their power for territorial control and profitable illicit endeavors. The competition over territory exacerbates the recruitment, leading to forcible conscription and related disappearances, resulting in violence against those who resist or try to escape.

Notably, Jalisco accounts for 12% of the disappearances, predominantly involving young men.

The International Front

The United Nations (UN) Committee on Enforced Disappearances has initiated an investigation into these disappearances, signifying the first activation of its urgent mechanism. Highlighting the severity of the situation, the UN emphasizes the structural nature of the disappearances in Mexico.

Human rights concerns remain, with an impunity rate for enforced disappearances at 99%. Some cases raise concerns about government complicity, leading the UN and other international bodies to urge Mexico to implement reforms to tackle these issues.

Recent developments show the UN Interest in Mexico's handling of the disappearance crisis. In an unprecedented move, the UN Human Rights Council added Mexico to its agenda for a site-specific mission, scheduled for later in the year. Maintaining an open dialogue with the international community is critical if Mexico is to tackle the issue effectively.

Sparking Conflict and Regional Reconfigurations

Some of the most affected regions include Mexico State, marked by groups involved in truck robbery and fuel trafficking; Quintana Roo enduring a dispute between the CJNG and the Caborca Cartel; Michoacán embroiled in a war between the CJNG and local groups; Sinaloa with the struggle between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza; Sonora and Baja California with conflicts between allies of CJNG, Los Chapitos, La Mayiza, and the Caborca Cartel.

México Evalúa's report highlights that, for the first time this year, violence has escalated in one-third of the national territory. Colima, Sinaloa, Morelos, Sonora, and Guanajuato have the highest rates of homicidal violence per 100,000 inhabitants. Regions like Sinaloa have seen a growth in violence of 276.5%, with Mexico City, Puebla, Nayarit, and Baja California Sur experiencing considerable increases as well.

The escalating violence associated with the Sinaloa conflict shows signs of promoting a regional reconfiguration among criminal groups, with the conflict spreading to Nayarit and Baja California, states that now present a very negative balance.

In its endeavor to shed light on these grave issues, México Evalúa contends that the federal government should prioritize the discussion of topics such as violence against women and the escalation of disappearances, as the number of disappearances in eleven states surpasses the reported homicides in the analyzed period.

Amidst growing concerns regarding the disappearances, ongoing drug trafficking, regional reconfigurations, and rising homicidal violence, an urgent need for effective reform arises. Together, the international community and Mexico can work towards creating lasting change, ensuring justice, and preserving the safety of Mexico's citizens.

[1] De la O, J., & Marquez, N. (2024). La crisis de las desapariciones forzadas en México: ¿una crisis imperdible de reforma? Ciencias Políticas, 46(1).

[2] Secretaría de Gobernación. (2024). Registro Nacional de Personas Desaparecidas: Informe Anual 2024. Mexico City.

[3] UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances. (2025). Mexico: Inquiry Commenced under the Urgent Action Procedure. Geneva.

[4] Human Rights Watch. (2025). Impunity and Disappearances in Mexico. New York.

[5] Healy, D., & Hueso, T. (2024). Mexico's Disappearances: Searching for Justice. Brookings Institution, Mexico Program.

What about the future of Puebla, given the rising number of disappearances and the regional reconfigurations of criminal groups that have significantly increased violence in Mexico?
In light of the 2025 report from México Evalúa, will the PGR be able to address the escalating conflicts between cartels in Puebla, particularly those in Sinaloa and Nayarit, to reduce the occurrence of forced disappearances?
With politics heavily influenced by crime and justice issues, such as the ongoing disappearances in Mexico, will the general news media continue to focus on the progress made by international bodies like the UN in their investigations, or will it shift to exploring potential solutions and reforms?
As Mexico moves forward in addressing the issue of enforced disappearances, could the cooperation between international entities and the Mexican government lead to a reconfiguration in the approach to policing and justice in Puebla and other affected regions by 2025?