On April 23, 2025, Michoacán was engulfed in chaos as armed members of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) sparked widespread violence, triggering a series of blockades and vehicle burnings across several regions. The unrest followed a military operation by the Secretaría de Marina targeting criminal activities along the state's border with Jalisco.
The violent response from the CJNG began around 2:00 PM in Ocotlán, Jalisco, quickly spreading to key highways, including the México-Morelia-Guadalajara route. Reports indicate that at least three large trucks were set ablaze during this initial wave of violence, which extended to various other highways such as Uruapan-Chilchota and Vista Hermosa-Yurécuaro, among others.
State authorities reported that a total of at least 25 vehicles, including trailers and cargo trucks, were torched, along with two Oxxo convenience store branches in Apatzingán. This coordinated attack on infrastructure aimed to disrupt transportation and instill fear among local populations.
The violence did not stop there. An alert was issued across Michoacán due to the burning of vehicles in multiple municipalities, including Zacapu, Zamora, Ecuandureo, and Purepero. In Zamora, a blockade was reported on the Jabonera route, where a burning truck obstructed traffic, and further incidents were noted at “El Sauce de Abajo” bridge, which connects to the Occidente highway.
In Álvaro Obregón, armed individuals hijacked and set fire to vehicles at the municipality's entry points. The situation escalated with similar reports of violence in other areas like Yurécuaro, Apatzingán, and Quiroga. The highway Maravatío-Atlacomulco also saw disruptions as a trailer was set on fire, halting traffic.
Amidst this turmoil, confrontations erupted between armed civilians and military personnel in Apatzingán. The state’s Secretary of Security reported that these clashes resulted in narcoblockades across at least eight municipalities bordering Jalisco. The violence reportedly stemmed from attacks against military forces in the towns of El Capire and El Alcalde, where armed groups engaged in a two-hour firefight with federal troops.
As the day unfolded, reports indicated that the CJNG and its rival group, the Cártel Michoacán Nueva Generación (CMNG), were involved in the violent spree, with CMNG members also setting fire to two convenience stores in Apatzingán. The state’s security forces, including the National Guard and Defense Ministry, were deployed to address the blockades and restore order.
Local authorities confirmed that all Oxxo stores in Apatzingán and Uruapan had closed, and public transportation services were suspended as a precautionary measure. The violence has caused significant disruptions in daily life, with residents urged to remain vigilant and avoid travel until the situation stabilizes.
The U.S. government has placed a bounty of up to $15 million on the head of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the alleged leader of the CJNG, who is believed to have strong ties within Michoacán, particularly in the municipality of Aguililla.
As the violence continues to unfold, the local and federal authorities have intensified their operations in the affected regions, aiming to dismantle the criminal networks wreaking havoc in Michoacán. The ongoing conflict underscores the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing organized crime in Mexico.
This latest surge in violence serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing battle against drug cartels in Mexico, highlighting the urgent need for effective strategies to ensure public safety and restore order in affected communities.
