Jalisco authorities warn of surge in criminal recruitment of minors

Civil‑society groups and state security officials in Jalisco have issued an alert over a sharp rise in the forced recruitment of adolescents aged 13 to 16 by organized crime. The gangs use false job offers promising high pay for temporary work outside the youths' hometowns and lure victims in public spaces such as shopping centers, restaurants, bus terminals and through acquaintances, neighbours or family members. Between 11 June and 11 July 2026, the state’s search commission recorded 165 new disappearance reports, of which 43 involved minors. Cases have been documented in the Guadalajara metropolitan area and the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta. Authorities say the tactics now extend beyond online platforms, increasing the social penetration of criminal groups in neighborhoods and prompting calls for urgent preventive measures.