Hundreds of demonstrators stormed the Government Palace of Sinaloa on January 23, 2025, demanding the resignation of Governor Rubén Rocha Moya after the shocking murders of two children and their father ravaged the community.
The protest stemmed from the deaths of Gael and Alexander Sarmiento, aged nine and twelve, whose lives were taken during what authorities are calling an attempted vehicle robbery on January 19, 2025. Their father, Antonio de Jesús Sarmiento, was also killed during the attack. The community was urged to mobilize by Víctor Aispuro, the director of the primary school the boys attended, leading to widespread participation from families, schoolmates, and residents frustrated by the incessant violence plaguing their state.
The demonstration began at the primary school where Gael and Alexander studied, with mourners releasing white balloons to commemorate the boys' lives. This act of remembrance quickly turned to calls for justice, as the marchers shouted slogans like “¡Fuera Rocha! ¡Narcogobierno!” and “¡Con los niños, no!” as they made their way toward the Government Palace. Angered by the gravity of the situation, they channeled their anguish through graffiti on government property, using their own blood to write messages against the violence.
Upon reaching the Government Palace, protestors encountered locked doors and unresponsive staff, prompting them to forcibly enter. Eyewitness reports detailed scenes of chaos as windows shattered and furnishings were destroyed throughout the building. The demonstrators escalated their efforts, pushing toward the governor's offices to demand he “face the people.”
“We're not going to leave until we get answers,” stated one protestor, illustrating the heightening emotions within the crowd. Governor Rocha, who was absent during the protest, later faced criticisms for his lack of engagement with the citizens he was elected to serve. Demonstrators criticized him for downplaying the acute crisis of violence, with over 700 homicides reported since September, attributed to the rampant battles between rival drug gangs.
During the protest, the emotions were palpable; people chanted slogans demanding accountability and justice for the victims. This outpouring was compounded by the rise of violent clashes between factions of drug cartels, exacerbated after the arrests of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López, ‘El Chapo’s’ son, increasing the visibility of drug-related violence across the state.
“The pain we feel is enormous. Today we came to demand peace for our children. The blood of our little ones cries out for justice,” one grieving parent expressed, summing up the community's anguish and urgency for change.
Despite the anger, not all protestors sided with the destructive approach. Some voiced concerns about inciting more violence, calling for peaceful dialogue instead. “We represent the spirit of our lost children. They wouldn’t want us to harm others,” pleaded another demonstrator, reflecting the divide between seeking justice and advocating for peace.
Following the chaos, officials agreed to meet with grieving families, bringing forth the mother of the slain boys to speak on their behalf. She was greeted with cries of support, “¡No estás sola!,” emphasizing the solidarity within the community.
The protest coincided with statements from Jorge Romero Herrera, the president of the National Action Party (PAN), who lent political support to the growing movement. “We celebrate the bravery of the thousands fed up with violence. If the people of Sinaloa demand the resignation of the Governor, we stand with them,” he declared. He condemned Rocha’s administration, stating it has failed to protect its citizens. Romero warned, “If the cries of the people are so just and loud, how can we ignore them?”
Despite the government’s attempts to quell the unrest, Rocha's continued absence has led to growing demands for his resignation. Protestors want more than just superficial measures; they desire tangible actions and accountability from their leadership to combat the insecurity plaguing Sinaloa.
This protest echoes broader sentiments of discontent prevalent among citizens, who feel their government has overlooked their safety for too long. The family and friends of Gael and Alexander represent countless others suffering under the weight of violence—a growing chorus for justice demanding to be heard.
With banners held high and chants echoing through the streets, Culiacán’s residents made it clear: they will no longer remain silent in the face of injustice and violence.