Mexico has been experiencing a deepening humanitarian crisis in recent years, with nearly 400,000 individuals displaced by organized crime. Driven primarily by the influential drug cartels, this pattern has wrought widespread violence, fear, and death, with entire communities forced out of their homes and displaced to seek refuge. Yet, for as grave as the issue is, the crisis is all but hidden, with local authorities, criminal groups, and even sections of government either turning a blind eye or actively contributing to the violence.
The Scale of Internal Displacement
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) reports that over 400,000 people have been internally displaced in Mexico as a result of violence perpetrated by organized crime groups. Some of the most affected states are Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacán, and Sinaloa, where entire towns have been displaced as drug cartels and other criminal organizations battle for control. These cartels, some of which, such as the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, are well-known for their violence, dictate local economies and utilize violence to silence opposition and intimidate locals. For others, the sole option for survival is to abandon their homes, leaving behind their livelihood, family, and aspirations. Displaced people tend to live in vulnerable situations, without basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare, while experiencing the mental trauma of living in fear.
Case Study: Chiapas
Chiapas, which is a southern state bordering Guatemala, has experienced some of the worst violence as cartels battle for territory and control of lucrative drug routes.
More recently, the killing of Father Marcelo Pérez, a prominent indigenous rights activist, underscored the grave dangers for those who attempt to confront the influence of organized crime in the state. Pérez was a vocal critic of the cartels' reign for some time and had been the target of numerous threats, yet he continued his activism until his tragic demise. The assault highlights the constant threat faced by those who work to defend human rights and the environment within cartel-controlled regions. Chiapas also witnessed, in 2024, an increase in the number of refugees who escaped to Guatemala, showing how serious the situation is. Many families are crossing borders for safety, hoping to get a better future elsewhere away from the violence that has ruined their homes. Complicity of Local Authorities
What is most troubling in the crisis is the complicity of some local authorities.
There are consistent reports of police officers and government officials working hand-in-glove with criminal organizations.
More than 100 police officers in Chiapas and Veracruz were detained in December 2024 for a variety of criminal activities, including helping cartels smuggle narcotics and warning cartels about law enforcement operations. In the Comitan, Chiapas, case, 92 officers were detained for allegedly sharing surveillance information with cartels. This has eroded public trust in local law enforcement agents and further compounded the battle against the violence. As criminal gangs have infiltrated government ranks, efforts to protect displaced people are further complicated. Those who try to escape the violence find themselves in a situation of being stuck between violent gangs and corrupt state officials who are supposed to protect them. Humanitarian Implications The displacement emergency has created pressing humanitarian needs. The displaced individuals are generally forced to stay in crowded camps or in makeshift shelters with little or no government support. Access to basic services such as health, food, and clean water remains limited in most areas. In addition, most displaced individuals suffer from severe psychological trauma as they are forced to flee their homes without any certainty of if and when they would be in a position to return.
One of the most gruesome instances of the crisis took place in 2025, when authorities uncovered clandestine crematoriums in Jalisco that revealed the extent of cartel violence. Authorities uncovered over 200 pairs of shoes and charred bodies, which were believed to be victims of organized crime. This horrific finding attests to the grim reality that most Mexican citizens endure and points to the need for greater protection for displaced individuals.
Government Initiatives and Challenges
The government of Mexico has attempted to alleviate the crisis by providing relief and shelter for displaced persons.
One such program is "Mexico Embraces You," launched in early 2025, which aims to create temporary shelters for displaced citizens, particularly those deported from the United States.
Ciudad Juarez, a U.S.-Mexico border city, has begun constructing such shelters already, which will provide food, housing, medical care, and help in obtaining identity documents.
Critics, nevertheless, contend that these actions still do not go far enough and that the Mexican government has accomplished nothing to address the root causes of displacement—cartel violence and corruption. The added problems of managing mass displacement and reintegration of deported individuals into already overburdened communities exacerbate the problem for the government. As cartels continue to exert power and influence, it remains uncertain whether the state will ever be able to regain control and offer adequate protection to citizens. International Relations and Policy Responses In recent months, there has been mounting international pressure on Mexico, especially from the United States.
In early 2025, the U.S. government formally designated Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups, opening the way for the application of economic sanctions and even military intervention.
Although the step has been taken with the aim of reducing the influence of cartels, some analysts have cautioned that it could make things even worse for displaced people.
Increased military presence and economic sanctions can further destabilize the region and lead to increased violence, particularly in areas already dominated by the cartels. Critics have argued that a more multifaceted response is needed, one that addresses the root causes of violence and displacement. Rather than punitive intervention alone, international cooperation must take the form of protection of human rights, restoration of law and order, and support for rebuilding communities shattered by violence. The Role of Civil Society In the midst of this crisis, civil society organizations have been essential in providing assistance to displaced persons and advocating for policy changes. Groups like the Warrior Searchers of Jalisco, made up of families of the disappeared, have been indefatigable in their pursuit of uncovering clandestine graves and demanding justice for those murdered by cartel violence. These local organizations bring attention to the atrocities being committed and the necessity to hold authorities responsible for their complacency or complicity.
Despite the daunting difficulties, these groups continue to play a critical role in aiding the victims and lobbying for the displaced, urging the local and international governments to intervene to end the cycle of violence.
Conclusion
Mexico's displacement crisis, fueled by gang violence and enabled by corruption at every level of government, remains one of the country's most pressing issues. Measures are being taken to address the issue, but much more needs to be done to protect vulnerable citizens and restore stability to the country.
The root causes of displacement, such as the influence of criminal organizations, corruption, and the government's ineffective response, need to be addressed by a strong, multifaceted approach. Only with more rule of law, increased support for displaced individuals, and international cooperation can Mexico possibly lessen the misery of its citizens and forge a safer, more stable future for all.
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