New data from Mexico's National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) shows that more than half a million households have been forced to leave their homes in the past five years due to violence. The statistics, covering the period from October 2020 to October 2025, indicate that 510,000 households across the country have experienced displacement, affecting a total of 1.6 million people—both those who left and those who remained behind. This includes individuals forced to flee due to threats or violence, as well as family members who were left in the original homes. The data highlights the widespread nature of the issue, with several states, including Zacatecas, Morelos, Michoacan, Queretaro, and Colima, reporting the highest rates of displacement linked to cartel violence. The figures released by INEGI only cover displacements since 2020, meaning the actual number of displaced people in Mexico is likely much higher. Cartel violence has been a persistent problem in various regions since the start of the drug war in 2006. However, the data does not include those who have fled to the United States, which is a common destination for many displaced individuals seeking safety and economic opportunities. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has not focused extensively on the issue of forced displacement in public statements. Instead, her administration has prioritized reducing homicide rates and cracking down on criminal groups. While she has acknowledged specific cases of families being displaced due to cartel violence, she has not broadly addressed the phenomenon as a national crisis. During a recent press briefing, Sheinbaum questioned the accuracy of the data and requested additional details from INEGI, including the methodology used to collect the figures. David Mora, a Mexico analyst for the International Crisis Group, called the new data a "major breakthrough" that could help authorities and civil society better understand and address the long-term humanitarian impact of the crisis. He noted that those displaced by violence often face significant challenges, as they have little access to resources or support systems once they are forced to leave their homes. Many must start over in unfamiliar areas with limited means to rebuild their lives.