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Mexico sees alarming rise in journalist killings in 2026
Reporters Sin Fronteras (RSF) reports that at least seven journalists have been murdered in Mexico during the first seven months of 2026, a level of violence not seen since 2011‑2012 and comparable to the period of former President Enrique Peña Nieto (2012‑2018). The deaths include Francisco Alejandro Leyva Aguilar, shot dead on 22 July 2026 while eating breakfast at a food stall in San Pablo Etla, Oaxaca, and Roxana Berenice Guzmán, whose killing in Veracruz led to the detention of several local police officers for alleged complicity. RSF also notes that 14 journalists have been killed under President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, highlighting a systemic failure of authorities to protect media workers, especially those covering crime, corruption and politics in rural southern states.
The families of victims have demanded urgent investigations. Alejandro Leyva’s relatives say the state governor, Salomón Jara Cruz, has not contacted them since the murder, while the family of Roxana Guzmán seeks accountability for the police involvement. Threats have also been reported against journalist Pedro Matías Arrazola after Leyva’s killing, prompting protective measures from federal authorities. RSF has called on the Mexican government to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and to launch an emergency plan to safeguard journalists and combat impunity.
Entities
Balbina Flores · Claudia Sheinbaum · Comandos de la Frontera · Cuerpo Técnico de Investigación · Enrique Peña Nieto · Federal Attorney General's Office (FGR) · Francisco Alejandro Leyva Aguilar · GAULA · Geovanny Andrés Rojas · Luis Carlos Vélez Romero · Mexico · Pedro Matías Arrazola
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Luis Carlos Vélez Romero, alias 'El Mono', was captured by Colombian authorities in Chía, Cundinamarca.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Comandos de la Frontera is an illegal armed group operating in southern Colombia's border areas, linked to narcotrafficking and territorial control.
- [● 3 SOURCES] He faces charges of aggravated concert to commit crime with narcotrafficking purpose and drug trafficking offenses.
- [● 3 SOURCES] He is a close aide to Geovanny Andrés Rojas, alias 'Araña', leader of the Comandos de la Frontera.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The operation was carried out by the Cuerpo Técnico de Investigación (CTI) and GAULA military units.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The capture occurred in the municipality of Chía, Cundinamarca, at a residence in the Hacienda Fontanar sector.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Comandos de la Frontera originated from splits of former FARC structures.
- [● 8 SOURCES] Francisco Alejandro Leyva Aguilar was shot dead at a food stall in Oaxaca on 22 July 2026. porlalibre.com.mx · lopezdoriga.com · elineanoticias.com · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx · revistapuntodevista.com.mx · +2 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Seven journalists have been killed in the first seven months of 2026. porlalibre.com.mx · www.elbuentono.com.mx · elineanoticias.com · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx · tiempodigital.mx · +1 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] RSF reports an alarming increase in journalist murders in Mexico, the highest level since 2011‑2012. porlalibre.com.mx · lopezdoriga.com · www.excelsior.com.mx
- [● 2 SOURCES] Only two of the 17 journalist murders recorded under Sheinbaum’s term have led to investigations or arrests. tiempodigital.mx
- [● 7 SOURCES] Fourteen journalists have been killed during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. porlalibre.com.mx · lopezdoriga.com · elineanoticias.com · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx · tiempodigital.mx · +1 more