Once considered one of Mexico’s most culturally rich and resilient states, Oaxaca is now facing an unprecedented political and security crisis. With rising crime rates, widespread corruption, nepotism, and alleged ties between officials and organized crime, the public’s frustration has reached a boiling point.
Governor Salomón Jara Cruz, who took office in December 2022, is now at the center of mounting criticism. His administration, once hailed as part of the «Oaxacan Spring,» is now widely accused of failing to address escalating violence, human rights abuses, and systemic corruption.
Public protests, legal challenges, and increasing calls for a recall referendum in 2026 highlight the growing discontent among citizens, activists, and political opposition groups.
Oaxaca’s Rising Crime Rates: A State Under Siege
One of the most alarming issues facing Oaxaca is the dramatic surge in violence and organized crime activity. Official statistics reveal:
- 697 cases of forced disappearances reported in 2024 alone.
- 69 homicides recorded in January 2025, reflecting an increase in targeted killings.
- Growing reports of femicides, kidnappings, and organized criminal activity in rural areas.
Despite claims from the government that the state is safe, residents paint a different picture, reporting:
- Increased cartel influence in local governments.
- Escalating attacks on journalists, activists, and political opponents.
- Reports of law enforcement collusion with criminal groups.
“The government has lost control of security,” said a representative from the Oaxaca Human Rights Commission, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns. “People live in fear, and officials seem more interested in covering up the crisis than solving it.”
Corruption and Nepotism: How Power Remains in the Family
Governor Salomón Jara’s administration is also facing serious allegations of nepotism and misuse of public funds.
- His brother, Noé Jara, is said to control the Oaxaca City government, despite the presence of a legally elected mayor.
- His daughter, Shunaxhi Nabaany Jara, was recently appointed head of the Infonavit delegation, raising concerns over family favoritism.
- Several relatives and close allies hold key positions in the state government and Morena party leadership.
Critics argue that the Jara administration mirrors the corrupt political practices that he once promised to eliminate. The ruling party, Morena, has faced internal conflicts, with party members accusing the leadership of prioritizing loyalty over competence.
“This administration has become a family business,” said opposition leader Margarita García García. “While people struggle with crime and poverty, the governor’s family consolidates power.”
Organized Crime Allegations: Is the Government Infiltrated?
Perhaps the most alarming accusations involve alleged ties between high-ranking officials and organized crime.
- Senator Antonino Morales Toledo, a close ally of Jara, was previously investigated for financial links to criminal groups.
- Reports suggest cartel influence in local elections, controlling who gets appointed as mayors and legislators.
- 14 tourists disappeared in early 2025, yet the government has failed to provide clear answers, raising suspicions of criminal involvement at high levels.
«Oaxaca is now the clearest example that organized crime is not just present—it is in control,» said activist Carlos Daniel Lara Juárez, warning that criminal groups are influencing public policy.
Human Rights Abuses and Government Repression
As public discontent grows, reports of government repression and attacks on free speech have also increased.
- Journalists, activists, and opposition leaders have been targeted, with some receiving death threats.
- The state government has been accused of spreading misinformation to discredit its critics.
- Dismissals of public workers who oppose the administration have also been reported.
A recent crackdown on protests drew criticism from human rights organizations, who called the government’s actions “authoritarian”.
“We are witnessing a campaign to silence dissent,” said a spokesperson from Oaxacan Indigenous Rights Network. “Instead of solving problems, the government is trying to erase them from public view.”
Is Oaxaca Headed Toward a Political Crisis?
With calls for a recall referendum in 2026, Salomón Jara’s administration faces an uncertain future. As dissatisfaction spreads across different sectors of society, experts warn that Oaxaca could become a focal point for national political conflict.
The federal government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has yet to intervene in Oaxaca’s crisis. However, growing public outrage may soon force national leaders to take action.
“If the situation continues like this, it is only a matter of time before Oaxaca becomes ungovernable,” said political analyst Leonardo Laso.
For now, the people of Oaxaca continue to demand justice, accountability, and real solutions to the growing political and security crisis.
Final Thoughts: What Comes Next for Oaxaca?
✔ Public pressure for change is increasing.
✔ Corruption allegations continue to surface.
✔ The security situation is worsening.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Governor Salomón Jara’s administration can regain public trust—or if Oaxaca will remain a symbol of government failure and rising criminal influence in Mexico.
TE PODRÍA INTERESAR