# Journalist safety and press freedom in Mexico

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261103-journalist-safety-and-press-freedom-in-mexico
> Updated: 2026-11-05T23:40:30.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

The Mexican government and human rights organizations have addressed the ongoing challenges regarding press freedom and the safety of journalists. In October 2026, Mexico’s Secretary of the Interior, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, met with representatives from Reporters Without Borders to discuss journalist protection and freedom of expression. Rodríguez stated that the administration would not use state force to repress liberties and emphasized coordination with state governments to strengthen risk prevention.

By November 2026, the Human Rights Commission of the State of Mexico (CODHEM) highlighted the systemic impunity surrounding violence against the press. Legal advisor Priscilla Pacheco Romero noted that 98 percent of crimes committed against journalists remain unpunished, which she argued violates the collective right of society to be informed and causes secondary victimization for families.

In early November 2026, security concerns expanded to include direct attacks on media figures. In Oaxaca, authorities began investigating an armed attack on the Rockaway restaurant in Juchitán de Zaragoza. The establishment is owned by Ignacio Santiago Martínez, director of Pluma Digital. Santiago Martínez reported that two men on a motorcycle opened fire on the business, an act he attributes to his journalistic work and his refusal to comply with a monthly extortion demand of 50,000 pesos. The Oaxaca State Prosecutor’s Office and specialized units for crimes against freedom of expression are currently conducting investigations.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-05: Mexico security officials address police attacks and journalist restaurant shooting

Mexico's security secretary highlighted risks to police following recent attacks, while authorities investigate a shooting at a journalist's restaurant in Oaxaca linked to extortion.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hidalgo-industrial-and-banking-police-certify-781-personnel

### 2026-11-03: Mexico Human Rights Commission addresses press violence and prison security

CODHEM reports on high impunity rates for crimes against journalists in Mexico and monitored a security operation at the Otumba Tepachico prison to ensure human rights compliance.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-human-rights-commission-addresses-press-violence-and-prison-security

### 2026-10-23: Mexico's Ministry of the Interior meets with Reporters Without Borders

Mexico's Secretary of the Interior, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, met with Reporters Without Borders to discuss journalist protection and reaffirm the government's commitment to freedom of expression.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexicos-ministry-of-the-interior-meets-with-reporters-without-borders

---
Cite as: Journalist safety and press freedom in Mexico. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261103-journalist-safety-and-press-freedom-in-mexico