Mexico and Colombia report security updates amid cartel recruitment warnings

In Mexico, Security and Protection Secretary Omar García Harfuch reported that the daily average of intentional homicides has decreased by 52% between October 2024 and September 2026. During this period, authorities detained over 70,500 individuals for high-impact crimes, seized 36,300 firearms, and confiscated 569 tons of drugs, including over 2 tons of fentanyl. Additionally, the Mexican Army and Navy dismantled 2,792 clandestine drug laboratories across 24 states.

Separately, the U.S. Department of State issued a report warning of increased forced recruitment of minors by organized crime groups in Mexico. The report identifies the Sinaloa Cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), and Tren de Aragua as primary actors using methods such as fraudulent job offers, economic manipulation, threats, and kidnapping to expand their territorial control.

In Colombia, President Abelardo de la Espriella presented a security balance reporting 32,503 arrests and the seizure of 125,182 kilos of cocaine. However, reports from the Ministry of Defense suggest inconsistencies, noting a 1% decrease in cocaine seizures compared to the previous year and an 11% increase in massacres.