INEGI report reveals forced displacement in Zacatecas and Sonora

The 2025 Intercensal Survey by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) has revealed significant internal forced displacement across Mexico due to criminal insecurity and violence.

Zacatecas leads the nation in forced displacement, with 2.2% of households reporting that at least one member left their residence due to violence between October 2020 and October 2025. Specific municipalities such as Jerez de García Salinas (6.7%) and Monte Escobedo (5.5%) show high rates of displacement. The Zacatecas Attorney General, Cristian Paul Camacho Osnaya, noted that while some communities were previously depopulated, security forces have facilitated the return of many residents.

In Sonora, more than 35,000 people have changed their residence due to insecurity or violence, representing 1.3% of households. Additionally, approximately 7,400 people in the state moved due to natural disasters or other human-driven situations. The data also highlights international migration patterns, noting that between 2020 and 2025, roughly 25,000 people emigrated from Sonora to other countries, with 21,000 still abroad at the time of the survey.