Lethal attacks against environmental defenders increase in Mexico

Although cases decreased, fatal attacks grew in 2024 according to the latest Cemda report.

Publicado 25 abril, 2025 el 25 de abril a las 07:29 | 2 mins reading |4,571 vistas | por Sofía Ramírez

Panorama of violence against environmental defenders in 2024

The Mexican Center for Environmental Law (Cemda) documented 94 attacks against environmental human rights defenders during 2024, a decrease of 24% compared to the 123 cases registered in 2023. However, the most alarming figure is the 25% increase in lethal attacks, which went from 20 to 25 fatalities. These data reflect a scenario where, although total incidents decrease, violence intensifies in its most extreme form.

Red lights: critical entities and sectors

Five states concentrated 50% of the attacks: Oaxaca (15), Chiapas (9), Michoacán (9), Puebla (9) and Veracruz (8). Chiapas stood out as the region with the most homicides (9), including the mass murder of Ignacio López and his family in the context of a conflict over control of a barite mine. Other emblematic cases were those of Carmen López Lugo, indigenous defender in Tila, and the priest Marcelo Pérez, founder of Modevite.

The agricultural sectors (14 cases), communication routes (13) and forestry (12) were the most conflictive. It is striking that in 66% of the events, the alleged perpetrators were state agents (officials, police or prosecutors), followed by employees of private companies (25 cases) and organized crime (17).

Patterns of violence and vulnerability

The report details that the most recurrent types of aggression were intimidation, harassment, criminalization and stigmatization, in addition to homicides. Indigenous communities and civil organizations were the main targets, with 43 and 21 attacks respectively. Among the victims are leaders such as Javier Ochoa Tejeda (Veracruz), who opposed a landfill, and Minerva Pérez Castro (Baja California), promoter of sustainable fishing.

Cemda emphasizes the urgency of applying the Escazú Agreement to guarantee the protection of defenders. “Comprehensive public policies are required that eliminate risks and allow environmental defense to be exercised safely,” the document states. Despite the reduction in the total number of victims (301 in 2024 compared to 416 in 2023), the increasing lethality requires concrete actions.

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National

IMSS and Fonacot update agreement to improve services for workers

IMSS and Fonacot renew their alliance until 2030 to streamline procedures and protect labor rights.

Publicado 3 hours ago el 10 de julio a las 02:51 | 1 min reading

Strategic alliance for labor rights

The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the National Fund for Workers’ Consumption (Fonacot) signed a collaboration agreement that updates their exchange of information and services. The objective: respond to the current operational, technological and regulatory needs of both agencies.

The agreement was signed by Wendolyne Retana Alarcón, general director of Fonacot, and Luisa Obrador Garrido Cuesta, director of Incorporation and Collection of the IMSS. It will be valid until September 30, 2030, with the possibility of extending it for two more years.

The relationship between both institutions dates back to 2007. Since then they have maintained a constant flow of data to facilitate procedures and guarantee better credit and social security conditions for working people.

With this update, the aim is to streamline processes, reduce response times and strengthen the protection of the rights of the country’s formal workers.

National

Energía Costa Azul makes first shipment of LNG in the Pacific

First shipment of liquefied natural gas from the Mexican Pacific marks an energy milestone.

Publicado 3 hours ago el 10 de julio a las 02:25 | 1 min reading

The Energía Costa Azul project, in Ensenada, Baja California, completed the first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Mexican Pacific coast. The Sempra Infrastructure company confirmed that the shipment is part of the tests prior to the start of commercial operations.

International context

This movement occurs in a context of high demand for energy security. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of global LNG trade passes, have accelerated the search for new supply routes.

Strategic advantage

Sempra Infrastructure noted that phase 1 of the project will connect North American gas with Asian markets, taking advantage of the strategic location of the Mexican Pacific coast. Researcher Adrián Duhalt highlighted that the proximity to the gas-producing basins of the United States represents a competitive advantage for Mexico.

National

Mexico pressures the US over the death of a migrant at the hands of ICE

Mexico demands investigation after death of compatriot at the hands of ICE.

Publicado 4 hours ago el 10 de julio a las 02:03 | 2 mins reading

The Mexican ambassador to the United States, Roberto Lazzeri, confirmed that the diplomatic representation will accompany the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican citizen who died after being shot by agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE).

What actions will Mexico take?

Lazzeri announced that all available resources will be used to demand a serious and transparent investigation. The case joins a list of 17 Mexicans deceased in events linked to ICE operations or in immigration detention centers.

On instructions from President Claudia Sheinbaum and Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco, the Embassy in Washington and the Consulate in Houston will meet with US authorities: Department of State, Department of Homeland Security and ICE itself.

Meeting details

Mexico will request a detailed review of what happened and the implementation of clear protocols to prevent similar events from being repeated. “We do not seek to question the right of the United States to apply its laws, but rather to guarantee respect for life and human dignity,” Lazzeri said.

The diplomat reiterated that Mexico will maintain a firm stance in the defense of its compatriots in US territory.