In Coahuila, more than 300 investigations have been opened, involving 368 minors, for crimes related to the use of firearmsthis between 2018 and September 2024, the State Attorney General revealed.
After learning it in Torreón, A pupil at the Año de Juárez elementary school fired a firearm inside the institution, it was announced that 342 investigations have been launched in the field of justice for adolescents, for crimes involving the use of weapons.
According to data from the Prosecutor’s Office, in 2024, 13 investigations were opened for the crimes of detention, murder and attempted murder, against 16 minors in the state.
Statistics report that during this year an investigation was opened against four minors - three of whom were 13 years old and another 14 years old – for the crime of carrying prohibited weapons.
In 2024, the municipality where the most cases were recorded was Saltillo, where the Prosecutor’s Office opened four investigations into teenagers, including the four youngest. However, crimes of murder and attempted murder with a firearm by minors were recorded in Parras de la Fuente and Piedras Negras.
In detail, The Prosecutor’s Office reported that the years with the highest incidence were 2018 and 2019, with 132 and 118 investigations respectively. Then in 2020 and 2021, 20 were registered respectively, in 2022 another 24 and in 2023 another 15.
Of the 342 investigations launched, the Prosecutor’s Office reported 368 young people accused of crimes. That is to say, in some investigations, young people were detained in groups.
In this statistic, The municipalities with the highest incidence were Saltillo in 2024 and 2020 with six cases each year, in 2019 with another 25 and in 2018 with 50 investigations into minors carrying weapons or involved in crimes in which they were used.
For its part, Acuña in 2022 had eight cases, Torreón in 2021 with seven and Monclova in 2023 with four cases.
However, the authority’s records indicate that cases have been reported in multiple municipalities such as: Sabinas, Parras de la Fuente, San Pedro, Castaños, Matamoros, Múzquiz, Francisco I. Madero, Escobedo, General Cepeda, Nava, Ocampo, Ramos Arizpe, San Juan de Sabinas, Allende and Frontera.
In the last seven years, investigations have been opened against minors for weapons-related crimes:
Year Requests accused
2018 132 146
2019 118 120
2020 20 20
2021 20 20
2022 24 27
2023 15 19
2024 13 16
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Firearms and Youth Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. The recent figures from Coahuila highlight a concerning trend regarding minors and firearms. Over 300 investigations related to firearms involving minors have been opened since 2018. What are your immediate thoughts on these statistics?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The numbers are indeed alarming. When we consider that 368 minors are involved in these investigations, it raises serious questions about gun accessibility and the underlying socio-economic factors driving these behaviors. The fact that this trend is accelerating reveals deeper issues within our communities that need to be addressed.
Time.news Editor: Just this year, a pupil at the Año de Juárez elementary school discharged a firearm within school premises. How significant is this incident in the context of your research?
Expert: It’s very significant. Incidents like this showcase the normalization of violence and firearms in our society, even at a young and impressionable age. Schools are meant to be safe havens for children; the fact that a firearm was present in such a space indicates a breakdown in safeguarding measures and a concerning acceptance of violence among youth.
Time.news Editor: The data indicates that in 2024 alone, 13 investigations have been opened for serious crimes such as detention and murder, involving 16 minors. How do you interpret this escalation in youth violence?
Expert: This escalatory trend is a red flag. With young individuals—some as young as 13—facing charges of carrying prohibited weapons, it’s evident we need a multi-faceted approach to tackling this issue. We must not only focus on law enforcement but also on prevention through education, community programs, and mental health support.
Time.news Editor: Saltillo appears to be the municipality with the highest reported cases involving minors. What might be contributing to this geographical concentration of incidents?
Expert: Local factors such as socio-economic conditions, accessibility to firearms, and the influence of local gangs or criminal organizations can heavily affect youth behavior. Saltillo may have the perfect storm of these elements, fostering an environment where violence becomes an option. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for implementing effective interventions.
Time.news Editor: In your opinion, what can be done to reverse this trend?
Expert: There has to be a concerted effort from both the government and community organizations to address the root causes. Initiatives should include stricter firearms regulations, community outreach programs focused on conflict resolution, and educational campaigns that target both parents and youth about the dangers of firearms. Additionally, involving schools in these discussions can create an environment that proactively discourages violence.
Time.news Editor: The Prosecutor’s Office reported a significant number of investigations, particularly in Parras de la Fuente and Piedras Negras. What implications does this have for public policy?
Expert: These findings demand immediate public policy reconsideration. Lawmakers should analyze the correlation between firearm availability, community violence, and youth engagement in criminal activity. Policies focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment may also yield better long-term outcomes for these minors, particularly in how we provide support and resources for families.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights. It’s evident that the issue of youth and firearms is multi-dimensional and requires our urgent attention.
Expert: Absolutely. It’s a complex challenge, but with the right strategies tailored to our communities, we can make strides in ensuring our youth are safe and supported rather than caught in cycles of violence.
Time.news Editor: We appreciate your time and expertise. Let’s hope for positive change in Coahuila and beyond. Thank you!