Among Mexico’s many positives are its beautiful resorts like Cancun and Playa Grande and its wealth of historical sites like the Tulon Ruins and the Aztec Temple of the Great Palace. However, like every other country, Mexico faces its fair share of challenges. Human trafficking and other forms of organized crime throw a particularly dark shadow.
Drug cartels, gang violence, and poverty are common in the urban areas. Their murder rates are among the highest in the world because of this. Here are 5 Most Dangerous Cities of Mexico 2023.
Ciudad Juárez
There are a lot of factors that contribute to Ciudad Juárez’s high crime rate. These include drug cartels, gang activity, and poverty. The city is also a major drug and weapon transit point, making it a prime target for criminal activity.
The city of Ciudad Juárez sits on the United States–Mexico border. It’s a significant financial hub that’s famous for its maquiladoras. However, in recent years Ciudad Juárez has risen to prominence as one of Mexico’s most violent urban centers.
With an annual homicide rate of 86.0 per 100,000 residents, it is one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities. As a result of turf disputes between the Juarez and Sinaloa cartels, violence has spiked in this city, which is another epicenter for drug trafficking.
Tijuana
Tijuana is a criminal hotspot since it is the main entrance point for drugs coming from South America. Human trafficking and organized crime thrive there because of its proximity to the United States border.
Tijuana, in western Mexico, is a border city. It’s a bustling metropolis that also happens to have some great beaches. Tijuana is one of the most visited cities in the world, but it has also become one of the most violent in Mexico. A homicide rate of 138 per 100,000 residents in 2022 ranked the city as the second most deadliest in Mexico and among the world’s most dangerous.
Culiacán
With a homicide rate of 61 per 100,000 inhabitants, Culiacan is not a safe place for either locals or visitors. The state capital of Sinaloa, Mexico is Culiacán. Its scorching environment has made it an important agricultural hub.
However, in recent years, Culiacán has risen to prominence as one of Mexico’s most hazardous urban areas. Culiacan, which was previously considered a moderately hazardous city, is now the scene of a bloody conflict because of the arrest of Ovidio Guzman, the son of cartel boss El Chapo.
Irapuato
With 81 murders for every 100,000 residents, this city is unfortunately one of the most dangerous in the country. Although Irapuato is well-known for its maize, chickpea, and strawberry fields, it is also a dangerous place for both residents and tourists alike. Innocent bystanders are frequently caught in the crossfire of drug cartel violence.
U.S. officials advise against going to Irapuato because of the high risk of assault, armed robbery, and kidnapping, as well as because of disturbing videos showing mass shootings in nightclubs.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Atlanta, Georgia
Celaya
Irapuato is a city in Guanajuato, a state in central Mexico. It’s an important agricultural hub, particularly famous for its strawberries. However, in recent years, Irapuato has risen to prominence as one of Mexico’s most hazardous urban areas. The homicide rate in 2022 was 81.4% per 100,000 residents, ranking the city fifth most deadly in Mexico.
According to the reports, more than a thousand people per year were slain horribly. Increasing drug sales, thefts, and reports of human trafficking indicate this is not the end of the story. Your vacation in Celaya should be avoided at all costs.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in North Port, Florida
Final Words
Located to the south of the United States, Mexico is a country with a wide variety of landscapes, from the Pacific Ocean to its shared border with Guatemala in the south.
Traveling to Mexico requires careful planning and consideration of potential dangers. You should also be mindful of your surroundings at all times and refrain from bringing valuables with you.
