On March 16, 2025, diverse groups gathered at Plaza de Armas, Guadalajara, to protest the grim discoveries at Rancho Izaguirre, situated in Teuchitlán, Jalisco. The collective Guerreros Buscadores unearthed bone fragments and over 400 personal items, raising alarm about organized crime's escalated violence.
The ranch, previously overlooked by locals, gained notoriety after the Guardia Nacional's raid last September. During this operation, ten individuals were arrested, two kidnapping victims rescued, and one body discovered among the property. Investigations revealed claims by Guerreros Buscadores of the ranch being linked to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, which authorities are still assessing.
Jaime Gustavo Nabel, Teuchitlán's parish priest, provided poignant reflections about the town's new notoriety. “They say we are the Mexican Auschwitz,” he lamented. “But Teuchitlán is neither the murderer nor the culpable of this horror.” This remark captures the community's resilience and disappointment as they struggle with their newfound image.
Located approximately 50 kilometers from the sprawling metropolis of Guadalajara, Teuchitlán combines agricultural heritage with archaeological significance. Once, the Guachimontones pyramids attracted about 100 tourists every weekend; now, visits have plummeted to roughly 20 amid the surrounding fear and uncertainty.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has called for patience as investigations continue. Yet, the local populace fears for their safety, as the report of several crematoriums at the ranch only exacerbates anxiety. The residents feel abandoned, with multiple individuals echoing, “This was once peaceful.” A farmer noted, “Now this area feels scary ... it was once safe,” alluding to the transformations brought about by the crime wave.
The discovery has shocked not only local citizens but also ignited national outrage. Eduardo Guerrero, a security analyst, emphasized, “The number of potential victims buried there is immense,” underlining the scope of the problem. Indeed, since monitoring began, over 120,000 forced disappearances have been recorded, and these incidents seem to be festering as violence continues unabated.
Despite the horror, life carries on somewhat normally within the community. Families gather to share evenings, and children play outside. Sol Rivera, one of the villagers, explained, “It’s not about denial or lack of empathy; we are not what they say.”
This weekend, the collective plans to hold a vigil for the mothers searching for their lost children, drawing women from across the nation. “While I don’t trust the authorities, I still have faith I will find my son,” declared Rosalba Magaña, who has spent years seeking her missing child. Her assertion epitomizes the strength of those affected by crime.
Continuing the trend of suspicion, reports of clandestine mass graves have surfaced, especially following the latest discoveries at the ranch. Last week, volunteers hunting for missing family members unearthed three crematoriums, uncovered charred remains, and identified numerous personal effects.
These findings have led to the property being categorically labeled as a 'campo de exterminio.' The general prosecutor’s office has taken over the investigation at Sheinbaum’s request, indicating the gravity of the situation.
Authorities had previously raided the ranch back in September 2024, following alarms raised about criminal activity. During this early investigation, weapons and shell casings were found, corroborated by reports of violent crimes associated with the location. Yet, there remains uncertainty as to why more extensive searches did not reveal the full extent of the horror concealed within.
A representative for the Attorney General highlighted the challenges associated with surveying all sections of the vast ranch, acknowledging it could not be thoroughly examined previously. Meanwhile, community leaders like Nabel continue to urge patience and vigilance.
“What we need is to understand the level of complicity among the locals,” said David Saucedo, a security consultant, as he reflected on the tight relationship between communities and cartel activities. “Many assume ignorance, but these operations demand cooperation at various levels.” Recent discussions have revealed extensive reports of recruits allegedly being trained at this ranch, compelled through manipulation or coercion under the pretense of employment.
Indirect connections also expose the brutality within the cartel's ranks; recruits sometimes face bizarre yet terrifying initiation processes. Some reportedly need to burn their first victim, strengthening the narrative of violence existing within these criminal constructs.
“This is not just horror fiction, it’s our reality,” expressed( Eastern Mexico) Nabel, who remains committed to shedding light on this tragedy. His views reflect shared anguish within the local community facing increasing scrutiny.
Despite the tumult, residents rally through both action and prayer, holding vigils as they wait for justice and clarity. This poignant moment stands as both tribute and cry for national healing, underscoring the intersecting narratives of individual suffering and systemic failure.