Mexico homicide data reporting dispute

A political dispute has emerged in Mexico regarding discrepancies in homicide reporting between the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) and the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP). Experts note that the differences stem from varying methodologies: INEGI records all bodies entering forensic services, including accidents and natural deaths, while SESNSP tracks specific criminal investigation files.

In Baja California Sur, the debate has localized into a confrontation between state officials and political opposition. Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío defended his administration against accusations from Senator Ricardo Anaya Cortés regarding the accuracy of crime figures.

Following these accusations, Rigo Mares, the state leader of the National Action Party (PAN), has demanded greater transparency. Mares is calling for the government to release verifiable statistics with detailed breakdowns by municipality, month, and crime type, specifically seeking clarification on how missing persons who are later found dead are categorized within official reports.