In Mexico and Central America, crime and insecurity are undermining the region’s economic and social prosperity by diverting public and private resources away from economically productive uses and eroding the trust between citizens and the state that is critical to sustain healthy and dynamic societies. Worldwide, crime and homicide rates are correlated with income inequality, unemployment, and lack of progress in social development. In this region, the situation is directly attributable to the growing prominence of drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs), but has also been fueled by institutional weaknesses, lack of alternative economic opportunities for young people, and a general culture of impunity. Central America’s Northern Triangle 1 has the highest homicide rates in the world, which have grown precipitously since 2007. Mexico’s homicide rates are relatively lower, but exhibit the same growth trends, particularly in drug-trafficking hotspots. Given governments’ limited capacity and resources, even the most violent of crimes are often not resolved, nor are criminals held accountable. Most perpetrators — and victims — of homicides are young men; m