The ENSU placed two cities in Chiapas with a high percentage of perceived insecurity.
Data from the National Urban Public Security Survey (ENSU) revealed by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) reaffirmed the climate of violence currently experienced in the state of Chiapas, which stood out in first place – with a high percentage – as the city with the highest perceived insecurity nationwide.
Due to disputes between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel seeking to take control of the areas, violence in Chiapas has escalated, resulting in forced displacements of families living in the state.
The latest ENSU report, corresponding to the third quarter of 2024, details that of the 91 Mexican cities of interest analyzed for the perception of insecurity, two of those with the highest percentages are in Chiapas. On one hand, Tapachula, with 91.9%, and Tuxtla Gutiérrez, with 85.9%, which, according to Inegi, showed an increase compared to June 2024.
However, although the municipality of San Cristóbal de las Casas is not listed in the Inegi report, the presence of organized crime groups operating in the area is notable. The city has been in the public eye in recent days due to the murder of Father Marcelo Pérez, who was shot on Sunday, October 20, when he was leaving a mass in the Cuxtitali neighborhood. The priest was intercepted in his vehicle by two individuals on motorcycles, who fired several shots at him.
According to an InsightCrime article, the war between both criminal organizations (CJNG and Sinaloa Cartel) corresponds to three main factors. The first is that the central-southern zone of Chiapas is one of the main migrant trafficking routes between Central America, Mexico, and the United States. Criminals see migrants as an opportunity to operate kidnappings and extortions, and for using controlled routes, the Sinaloa Cartel charges up to $100.
On the other hand, the extortion of transporters and also of people engaged in agricultural activities stands out, who have been forced to abandon their crops. Additionally, the intensification of violence is related to the interest of criminal groups in intervening in local politics, which is why several candidates were murdered during the last elections.
The U.S. Department of State placed Chiapas on the travel alert as one of the destinations to reconsider traveling to due to criminal activity and violence.
Source: Infobae
