QUERÉTARO, Mexico – While Querétaro has long been regarded as one of Mexico’s safest states, a growing landscape of illicit activities suggests a worrying shift in the region’s security dynamics. Recent data and analysis indicate that the state is facing an uptick in organized crime, driven by high-value economic opportunities and territorial expansion by major cartels.

According to an analysis by Grupo Animal, there are three primary illicit activities currently threatening the peace of the state:

• Fuel Theft (Huachicol): Querétaro has emerged as the sixth state with the highest number of illegal fuel tapping points (tomas clandestinas) in 2026. This trend is fueled by the expansion of groups like the Cártel Santa Rosa de Lima (CSRL) from Guanajuato and the “Hades” group from Hidalgo, both of which are moving into Querétaro to exploit the state’s position as a major transit corridor for hydrocarbons.
• Illegal Mining: The Sierra Gorda region is seeing a surge in the clandestine mining of mercury, a high-value metal demanded by the chemical and gold industries. The Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) has secured dominance over many mines in this area, consolidating its grip on the region’s natural resources.
• Extortion: With a booming economy and high per-capita income, Querétaro has become a prime target for extortion. In 2026, the state has already hit a record high in reported extortion cases, proving that the criminal focus is shifting toward targeting the state’s prosperous business sector.

The criminal landscape in Querétaro is complex, involving several major organizations:

• Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG): The most significant threat, operating in 12 of the state’s 18 municipalities, with a heavy focus on the south and center. It dominates the three major illicit markets: fuel theft, illegal mining, and extortion.
• The Hades Group: Primarily active in the northern region bordering Hidalgo, this group is almost exclusively focused on fuel theft.
• Cártel Santa Rosa de Lima (CSRL): This group operates in six municipalities, primarily in the southern corridor, where it engages in fuel theft, drug trafficking, and extortion.
• The Sánchez Group: A local organization with a presence in six municipalities, primarily known for drug trafficking originating from Chiapas.
• Other Groups: The “Escorpiones” (an affiliate of the Gulf Cartel) and the “Familia Michoacana” and “Salazar” groups also maintain presence in the state.

Analysts warn that a low homicide rate does not necessarily mean a lack of danger; instead, the diversification of criminal activities—moving from traditional violence to economic crimes like mining and extortion—is a “red flag” of an evolving threat. With the state preparing for a change in government in 2027, there is a critical window of opportunity for authorities to dismantle these emerging networks and prevent a significant escalation in violence.