Federal Government Implements Violence Prevention Strategy in Ciudad Juárez
Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua – Ciudad Juárez was the sole municipality in the state of Chihuahua chosen by the federal government for the implementation of the ‘Addressing the Causes of Violence’ strategy. This initiative, which ran from November 2024 throughout 2025, aimed to tackle the root causes of violence in the region. The details of the program were revealed yesterday during a morning conference led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, with Secretary of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez presenting a comprehensive overview of the actions undertaken across 61 priority municipalities nationwide.
136,000 Interventions in 29 Neighborhoods
Secretary Rodríguez reported that in Ciudad Juárez, the federal strategy provided 136,000 interventions, primarily concentrated in 29 specific neighborhoods. These interventions were part of broader community actions designed to foster peace and recovery. Key activities included the organization of 16 Peace Fairs, the establishment of 43 Peace Committees, and significant efforts in the recovery and revitalization of public spaces within these communities.
In addition to these community-focused efforts, the federal government, in coordination with the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (Sedatu), spearheaded 14 projects. These projects were focused on the construction of community development centers, sports courts, and parks in several priority municipalities, including Ciudad Juárez, Celaya, León, Salamanca, and Cajeme. These infrastructure improvements are intended to provide residents with safer and more accessible spaces for recreation and community engagement.
National Impact and Arms Exchange Program
Nationally, Secretary Rodríguez detailed that the ‘Addressing the Causes of Violence’ initiative, through the combined efforts of the three levels of government, provided over 4.8 million interventions, benefiting 3.1 million people across 12 federal entities. This highlights the broad scope and significant impact of the federal strategy in addressing violence at a national level.
A crucial component of the strategy was the continuation of the “Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace” arms exchange program, conducted in collaboration with the Secretariat of National Defense and the Catholic Church. From October 1, 2024, to December 29, 2025, citizens voluntarily and anonymously exchanged a total of 9,081 firearms. This included 2,642 long guns, 5,297 handguns, and 1,142 grenades, along with various cartridges and magazines. Participants in the program received cash in exchange for their surrendered weapons, aiming to reduce the prevalence of firearms in communities.
Addressing the Root Causes of Violence
The federal government’s approach in Ciudad Juárez and other priority municipalities underscores a commitment to addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to violence. By focusing on community development, public space recovery, and voluntary disarmament, the strategy aims to create more secure and cohesive environments for residents. The extensive number of interventions and the establishment of local peace committees reflect a multi-faceted effort to engage communities directly in the process of building peace and preventing crime.
The emphasis on infrastructure projects, such as community centers and parks, is designed to provide constructive alternatives and opportunities for residents, particularly youth, thereby reducing their vulnerability to criminal activities. The success of these initiatives in Ciudad Juárez will serve as a model for future violence prevention programs in other regions facing similar challenges.
The report presented by Secretary Rodríguez indicates a significant governmental effort to confront violence through a holistic strategy that combines social intervention with security measures. The continued monitoring and evaluation of these programs will be essential to ensure their long-term effectiveness and adapt them to the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
Source: nortedigital.mx
