On March 15, 2025, mobilizations took place across Mexico as families of the disappeared and civil organizations gathered to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives or went missing due to violence and crime. The vigils were particularly poignant, sparked by the harrowing discoveries made at the Izaguirre ranch located in Teuchitlán, Jalisco, which has been referred to as an extermination camp operated by criminal groups.
More than 1,500 protesters assembled before the Government Palace of Jalisco, symbolically placing over 400 pairs of shoes and candles to represent the countless victims of disappearance. The event was marked by deep sorrow and anger, as families mourned their missing loved ones. “These acts are not just statistics; they are lives taken, broken families, and dreams lost. But this is not the end of the road. It is one more step in the fight for truth and justice,” the collectives proclaimed during their demonstration.
The unrest was triggered after the discovery of clandestine crematories and mass graves at the ranch, where torture and forced recruitment reportedly took place. This location had previously been secured by authorities, but it was not until citizens, motivated by tragic losses and the necessity for answers, stepped forward to search.
Protesters conveyed their outrage, chanting things like “Alfaro did know, it was the State, they took them alive, we want them alive,” referring to the former governor of Jalisco, highlighting the perceived official indifference toward the disappearances.”
The collective known as Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco had initially marked the Izaguirre ranch as significant back on September 18, 2024, but little action was taken until their recent findings mobilized hundreds. Reports indicate there are over 15,000 people missing within Jalisco, reflecting the broader crisis of disappearances throughout Mexico.
To express their solidarity, the Colectivo Luz de Esperanza initiated this national mourning, extending their call to various cities around Mexico, including Tijuana, Puebla, and Veracruz, where similar actions unfolded. Participants placed shoes, clothing, and photographs of their missing loved ones at significant locations like plazas and government buildings.
From Ciudad Juárez to Coahuila and Oaxaca, the message was clear: the families' tireless pursuit for their missing relatives must be recognized and addressed. Activist groups voiced their frustrations over governmental neglect, asserting, “This act of memory and resistance is a manifestation of love for those who are missing.” They are demanding thorough investigations, legal support, and the passage of comprehensive policies to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Back at the Zócalo, the scene was emotional as families spoke aloud the names of their loved ones, taking turns to hold pictures of those who are gone. These names are not just part of statistics or crime reports; they reflect the pain of personal loss, intertwined with broader societal discontent for the state of security and justice.
The Jalisco prosecutor's office confirmed the collection of various remains and materials at the ranch, announcing efforts to catalog all items found, including shoes, clothing, and personal belongings. Altogether, this tragedy not only affected families directly involved but also reverberated nationally, highlighting how issues of violence and governance have spiraled out of control.
Just as the protests echoed throughout different cities, the fight for recognition and justice continues for families across Mexico. They refuse to be silenced by indifference and stagnation. Their determination is palpable as they seek not only closure but also fundamental changes to avoid more families suffering from similar fate. This destructive pairing of crime and governmental apathy must be uprooted to restore faith within communities.
The outpouring of grief and the calls for justice are evident from the persistent efforts of families and their allies. This movement is not just about seeking justice for those who have disappeared, it is about creating awareness, ensuring validity of their struggles, and instigatng legislative action. Collectives like Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco are transforming their collective pain and loss to resonate against the silence endured for far too long.
Now, more than ever, the cry for justice and resolution stands tragic yet resilient. Activists demand accountability from government entities charged with ensuring public safety and justice—claiming, as one mother poignantly remarked, “This territory has been marked by horror, but we will not rest until every last victim is accounted for and every story is told.” The vigils are merely beginnings, spurring the fight against impunity and the recognition of long-forgotten lives lost to violence.