In a press conference on March 24, 2025, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo requested that the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) take over the investigation of the Izaguirre ranch case in Teuchitlán, Jalisco. She emphasized the urgency of this action, asserting, "We need to start a process of investigation in the land. If there are human remains there or not, it is up to the Fiscalía General to say." Her remarks come amidst growing concerns following reports of human remains and personal items discovered by search collectives in the area.
Sheinbaum stated that it is essential to differentiate between what is constructed truth and actual truth. She underscored that the FGR must investigate the ranch, as it is presently under the custody of the Jalisco Prosecutor's Office since September, when the first arrests were made.
During the press conference, Sheinbaum insisted on the importance of clarity: "What we want is for the FGR to come in already. This information cannot stay with the state prosecutor's office, as said by the families," she declared. The aim is to conduct a thorough scientific search of the area to give certainty to families and the people of Mexico. She continued, stressing the need for transparency: "Not just about how the place has been compromised, but we have to initiate an investigation to uncover the truth. Every Mexican, the government, and all families of missing persons must know what happened at this site. It’s not just about who uses the information to fabricate truths but what the people of Mexico deserve to know."
Also present at the conference was Omar García Harfuch, head of the SSPC, who reiterated that the ranch was previously identified as a training center for the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) but emphasized that it has not yet been confirmed whether human remains exist there. He stated, "There are no signs to determine if there are or are not human remains on that property," following the testimony from detained suspects regarding criminal activities associated with the CJNG.
Furthermore, García Harfuch noted that the main recruiter for the CJNG training at the Izaguirre ranch, identified as José Gregorio Lastra Armida, was arrested on March 20, 2025. Lastra, who has been linked to violent criminal activities, previously operated between May 2024 and March 2025, overseeing the alleged training activities at the ranch. His arrest highlights the ongoing investigations surrounding the ranch, specifically pointing to claims of torture and murders of individuals who resisted indoctrination or attempted to escape. Lastra’s capture was facilitated by a combined operation between the Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional (SEDENA) and the Guardia Nacional, in which one cadaver was discovered and ten additional suspects apprehended.
In the context of the investigation, Sheinbaum remarked that information related to the ranch must be analyzed critically and transparently. The Jalisco Justice Prosecutor’s Office is currently responsible for the investigation, but Sheinbaum pressed for the FGR to take over in order to resolve any obstructions that may hinder the inquiry. The gravity of the situation cannot be understated; the ranch not only serves as a possible site of criminal recruitment but has also raised alarms among mothers of the missing who seek closure for their loved ones.
During the press briefing, Sheinbaum stated, "The ranch must be investigated now, not later. We want certainty and truth. The people of Mexico deserve clarity on the events linked to this location, especially the families of those who are still missing. You cannot conceal information from the public about this investigation."
The President expressed empathy towards families affected by the enduring issue of disappearances in Mexico. She stressed that transparency is a key factor for the government as it aims to regain trust from citizens. Commenting on the devastating impacts of organized crime, she reassured the public that the federal government is committed to dealing with such issues seriously.
Investigative efforts at the Izaguirre ranch had previously gained significant traction after the disturbing findings by search collectives who located bones and personal items including shoes and clothing. The desire for accountability and answers remains paramount, according to both Sheinbaum and García Harfuch. They have both echoed a combined resolve to ensure proper investigations and, if necessary, the arrest of individuals responsible for these alleged transgressions.
The ongoing investigations highlight the intense efforts by local and federal law enforcement to unravel the circumstances behind the Izaguirre ranch. Families and support groups, particularly mothers searching for their loved ones, continue to advocate for the truth.
Sheinbaum concluded her remarks emphasizing that the investigation's integrity must be maintained: "Science must play a role in confirming and clarifying all evidence found at the scene to give everyone concerned the factual basis they deserve." This approach aims not only to promote healing among affected families but also brings a semblance of hope within the broader contexts of justice and accountability against organized crime in Mexico.
