On March 15, 2025, the nation of Mexico came together to mourn and protest following the shocking discovery of human remains and approximately 400 pairs of shoes at the Izaguirre Ranch, which has been linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This gruesome find has reignited the public’s outrage over the crisis of disappearances allegedly linked to organized crime, prompting coordinated national actions across various cities.
The day was marked by solemn vigils and marches not only in the capital but across major cities including Oaxaca, León, and Irapuato. Attendees at the Zócalo de Mexico City participated in events to honor the memory of those whose shoes and belongings were unearthed, many holding signs proclaiming, "Mexico is not a country, it is a grave," highlighting the severity of the crisis.
At the Zócalo, attendees performed a significant counting of 400 to symbolize the shoes found, creating a stark visual representation of the victims. "We gathered these 400 shoes to protest the horrors occurring across our country. We demand justice for the disappeared," said one of the participants, their voice echoing the sentiments of countless families still searching for their loved ones.
The public mourning was not limited to the capital. Participants from Oaxaca's Komite Pejy Tyotk called for similar gatherings, inviting families to bring images of their missing relatives, candles, and shoes to stand together against violence. Activist Joaquín Galván stated, "The systematic disappearance of people has overwhelmed the state; we must rise beyond mere indignation and demand action." His call to action underscored the need for civil participation to combat the terror which some regions have come to define as their daily reality.
Over time, the disappearances in Mexico have reached alarming proportions, with reports indicating around 30 people vanish every day, according to Amnesty International. Patricia de la Cruz, mother of Fernando Hernández, disappeared since 2022, harshly criticized governmental indifference at the vigil held. She proclaimed, "The president needs to face this reality directly; it’s our loved ones who suffer, not just statistics." This sentiment echoed throughout the vigils.
Responding to the public outrage, President Claudia Sheinbaum vowed to provide obligatory updates through the Attorney General's Office about the situation. Her commitment came after families demanded clarity and action, refusing to let the state ignore their anguish.
The reach of these mourning events extended to Guanajuato, where activists displayed pairs of shoes and candles, sharing heartbreaking messages like: “This is not a country, it is a mass grave with a national anthem.” These acts of remembrance have firmly placed the severity of the disappearance crisis front and center, drawing attention to the need for immediate action.
The collective grief was palpable, with families creating makeshift memorials along town squares, displaying personal items of those they have lost. Bibiana Mendoza, representing Irapuato, expressed the unity among search groups, remarking, “We see this as a message from our disappeared to keep fighting. We will not stop until every last one is accounted for.”
Areas such as León and San Francisco del Rincón were similarly engaged with participants leaving shoes of all sizes and colors on the ground as solemn tributes. The specificity of their losses was illustrated through poignant displays, where each shoe stood for individual stories of lives interrupted, families shattered, and the unending quest for closure.
Groups like Red TDT lamented the lack of governmental action, stating their demands for thorough investigations to hold accountable those responsible for these crimes. Residents voiced their outrage about the apparent failure of authorities to act effectively, leaving many feeling abandoned at the hands of the cartel violence.
The manifestation of national mourning included more than just protests; it was also about sparking conversations about the past, recalling similar stories from the Dirty War to the present-day crisis. Protesters expressed the importance of historical memory and its role in informing contemporary actions. “We cannot forget the past; it’s our duty to keep these memories alive so they don’t fade away,” noted one elder participant.
The chilling discovery of the Izaguirre Ranch, now colloquially dubbed the 'extermination camp,' encapsulates the reality many families face daily. Attendees from across the nation have made it clear: they will not rest until justice is served and the disappeared are brought home.
While the candles illuminated darkening skies on March 15, the flickering flames symbolized hope for those still searching, igniting conversations about individual accountability, societal responsibility, and the shared strength of families of the disappeared. Their voices, united, echoed one undeniable truth: the fight for justice and remembrance continues.
These events signify not just a moment of mourning, but also galvanize community cohesion against the longstanding issues plaguing Mexico. The future will rely on whether governmental actions follow public outcry and whether the plight of the disappeared remains at the forefront of national consciousness.