Medellín has 12 red zones due to insecurity and another 18 at risk: which are they and why are they a concern?
The Council "ignited" this week with a revealing fact: Medellín has 12 structural red zones, that is, points with problems such as deterioration...
TL;DR
- Medellín has 12 "structural red zones" with problems like public space decay, insecurity, informal/illegal economies, homelessness, child exploitation, and environmental deterioration.
- An additional 9 zones are in "critical consolidation" due to rapid, unregulated economic and tourist activity, and 9 more are "zones adrift" showing initial signs of decay.
- Criminal bands including La Terraza, Caicedo, Los Caravanudos, and Las Convivir operate in these zones, involved in drug trafficking, extortion, theft, and child sexual exploitation.
- Council members express concern over the spread of these issues and question the effectiveness of current projects and police actions, pointing to persistent problems like an increase in homeless individuals and growing drug-related activities.
- Police report significant captures, drug seizures, and reductions in homicides, injuries, and thefts in red zones, but officials and experts highlight a lack of coordinated efforts between city authorities, police, and the prosecution.
- The Secretary of Security acknowledges the need to strengthen joint work between the District and society and announced collaboration with present organizations, while also warning about the increasing potency and risks associated with drug consumption.
- Drug seizures in Medellín have drastically increased, with 14 tons confiscated in 2025 and a growing trend in 2026.
- The Secretariat of Inclusion has increased operations in critical points and focuses on assisting homeless individuals with psychosocial support, basic health, and resocialization, though legal limitations exist for mandatory rehabilitation.
- There are challenges in resocializing the homeless population due to constitutional court rulings preventing mandatory enrollment in rehabilitation programs without their consent.