Jalisco Sees Homicide Reduction as Federal Government Boosts Youth & Sports Programs

Zapopan, Jalisco – A coordinated effort between the federal and state governments is yielding positive results in Jalisco, with a reported 47% reduction in intentional homicides. This progress coincides with a significant investment in youth-focused programs centered around education, sports and community engagement.

Homicide Rates Plummet in Jalisco

According to reports from a press conference held in Zapopan on March 6, 2026, the average daily number of intentional homicide victims decreased from 4.80 in September 2024 to 2.55 in January 2026. January 2026 marked the lowest rate since 2015. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo Agradezco mucho al gobernador toda la coordinación que hemos tenido desde el principio del gobierno y particularmente en las últimas semanas (“I greatly appreciate the governor for all the coordination we have had since the beginning of the government and particularly in recent weeks.”).

“Attention to Causes” Strategy Takes Center Stage

The success is attributed to the federal government’s “Attention to Causes” strategy, a core component of the National Security Strategy. This initiative focuses on addressing the underlying social factors that contribute to violence.

New Educational Facilities and Sports Investments

Secretary of Gobernación, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, announced a comprehensive plan to expand educational and athletic opportunities for young people in Jalisco. This includes:

• 22 new Margarita Maza National High School campuses
• One Agricultural Technological Baccalaureate Center
• Four Community Telebachilleratos
• Expansion of two Industrial and Services Technological Baccalaureate Centers
• Conversion of two High School Study Centers
• Construction of four “México Unstoppable” Community Centers
• Launch of the “Youth Unite the Neighborhood” program

Rodríguez stated that the instruction from President Sheinbaum is to “Many opportunities will be built this year for young people, both in education and in sports and culture.”

Sports Calendar Packed with National Events

The investment in sports extends beyond infrastructure. Over 500 sporting events are planned, including national qualifying games for cycling, badminton, fencing, artistic swimming, and karate, to be held in Guadalajara and Zapopan this month through Conade.

Community Engagement and Disarmament Efforts

The “Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace” social program has also seen success, with 82 firearms voluntarily exchanged for cash between October 1, 2024, and March 5, 2026, in seven municipalities.

Strengthened Coordination Through Peace Roundtables

The state Peace Roundtables have held 52 sessions, alongside 3,876 regional meetings and six interregional meetings, resulting in 183 coordination agreements. 278 Peace Days were held, engaging over 110,000 people in community activities, offering 91,309 services, and conducting 32,806 house-to-house visits in 33 neighborhoods.

“Estamos juntos, que estamos trabajando por la paz, por la seguridad y por el bienestar de los habitantes de este bellísimo estado,”

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of Mexico

Looking Ahead

The combined approach of addressing the root causes of violence, investing in youth development, and fostering community engagement appears to be making a tangible difference in Jalisco. Continued collaboration between federal and state authorities will be crucial to sustaining these positive trends and building a safer, more prosperous future for the region.

Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of security and sports developments in Mexico.