Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has confirmed an "alarming" surge in homicides of journalists in Mexico, a level not recorded since 2011‑2012. Seven journalists were killed in the first seven months of 2026, bringing the total to 14 murders during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, which began in October 2024. The organization warned that the increase mirrors the violence seen during the 2012‑2018 term of former President Enrique Peña Nieto and described the situation as a "total failure" of authorities to protect the press, especially local reporters in rural southern regions.
Investigations into these killings have progressed slowly. Of the 17 journalist murders recorded under Sheinbaum, only two cases have led to notable arrests; the remaining cases remain open or have no officials charged. One of the recent victims, Francisco Alejandro Leyva Aguilar, was shot dead at a food stall in Oaxaca in July 2026 after previously receiving threats that were not addressed by authorities. RSF has called on the federal government to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and to improve protection measures for journalists.
Entities: Claudia Sheinbaum · Comandos de la Frontera · Cuerpo Técnico de Investigación · Enrique Peña Nieto · Francisco Alejandro Leyva Aguilar · GAULA · Geovanny Andrés Rojas · Luis Carlos Vélez Romero · Mexico · Reporters Without Borders
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Luis Carlos Vélez Romero, alias 'El Mono', was captured by Colombian authorities in Chía, Cundinamarca. (reported in multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Comandos de la Frontera is an illegal armed group operating in southern Colombia's border areas, linked to narcotrafficking and territorial control. (reported in multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] He faces charges of aggravated concert to commit crime with narcotrafficking purpose and drug trafficking offenses. (reported in multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] He is a close aide to Geovanny Andrés Rojas, alias 'Araña', leader of the Comandos de la Frontera. (reported in multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The operation was carried out by the Cuerpo Técnico de Investigación (CTI) and GAULA military units. (reported in multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The capture occurred in the municipality of Chía, Cundinamarca, at a residence in the Hacienda Fontanar sector. (reported in multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Comandos de la Frontera originated from splits of former FARC structures. (reported in multiple articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The recent increase in journalist murders mirrors the level of violence during Enrique Peña Nieto’s 2012‑2018 term. (RSF)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Seven journalists were killed in the first seven months of 2026. (RSF)
- [● 3 SOURCES] A total of 14 journalists have been killed during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. (RSF / Artículo 19)
- [● 4 SOURCES] RSF reports an alarming increase in journalist murders in Mexico, the highest level since 2011‑2012. (RSF)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Only two of the 17 journalist murders recorded under Sheinbaum have led to significant investigations or arrests. (Tiempo Digital)