Mexican Law Enforcement Has Arrested Over 20,000 People in Sheinbaum's First Seven Months In Office

Mexico's top security official said that more than 20,000 people have been arrested nationwide in the first seven months of President Claudia Sheinbaum's term.

The Sheinbaum administration has taken a more aggressive approach than the "hugs, not bullets" security strategy of her predecessor and mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, increasing pressure on criminal organizations by making arrests of high-profile cartel associates as well as seizing large quantities of illicit drugs.

Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said in a press conference that since Sheinbaum took office in October 2024, more than 20,000 individuals have been detained for high-impact crimes. Authorities have also seized over 154 tons of drugs during that period.

Among those arrested, Harfuch said, are key operatives of criminal organizations who were considered priority targets in states going through high levels of violence.

Nearly 900 clandestine labs destroyed

Harfuch also said federal forces have located and destroyed 896 clandestine drug labs — often referred to as narco-labs — used by cartels to produce synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.

He called the number "unprecedented" and credited the Mexican Army and Navy with locating labs in 19 different states across the country.

"This is an unprecedented figure that represents an economic blow to criminal organizations worth hundreds of millions of pesos," Harfuch said. "The nearly 900 clandestine labs that have been destroyed translate into less violence in the streets, fewer criminals disturbing the peace of families, fewer harmful substances that put our youth at risk, and fewer resources for criminal organizations."

Federal forces also seized more than 1 million liters and 200 tons of chemical precursors used in drug production during those operations.

Operación Frontera Norte

Since taking office, one of Sheinbaum's most pressing challenges has been strengthening security along the U.S.-Mexico border — a move partly prompted by requests from President Donald Trump to curb illegal migration into the United States.

While addressing reporters, Harfuch said the creation of the "Operación Frontera Norte" task force has led to notable improvements in border security.

Between February and May, authorities arrested more than 3,000 individuals, seized over 2,000 firearms, and confiscated 30 tons of illicit drugs along the northern border, he said.

García Harfuch noted that 75% of the firearms recovered during that period were manufactured in the United States — a fact acknowledged by U.S. authorities and one that has prompted increased bilateral cooperation.

"The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has recognized in its assessment of the firearms trade and trafficking that, since 2019, Mexico has asked the U.S. government to trace weapons confiscated from organized crime groups," he said.