On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, a wave of violence erupted across Michoacán and Guanajuato, attributed to the notorious Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). In a coordinated series of attacks, members of the cartel set fire to vehicles and convenience stores, leading to significant disruptions on major highways and prompting a large-scale response from federal and state security forces.
The first reports of vehicles ablaze came in around 14:15 hours on the México-Guadalajara highway, with multiple incidents of arson quickly escalating throughout the afternoon. According to intelligence sources, this violent spree is believed to be a direct reaction to recent operations conducted by elite federal forces targeting criminal organizations in the region.
Initial incidents were reported in Uruapan, Erongarícuaro, Yurécuaro, Zamora, Chilchota, Purépero, Zacapu, Tlazazalca, and Apatzingán. In total, at least 12 vehicles, including cargo trucks and private cars, were set on fire, alongside two Oxxo convenience stores in Apatzingán, further heightening tensions in the area.
The violence didn’t just stay confined to Michoacán. In neighboring Guanajuato, at least four trailers were reported burned in a series of narcoblockades, which are blockades set up by criminal groups using burning vehicles to disrupt traffic and assert control. These incidents occurred in municipalities bordering Michoacán, including Pénjamo and Abasolo.
As the violence unfolded, agents from the Secretarías de Seguridad Pública (SSP), the Defensa Nacional, and the Guardia Nacional were deployed to manage the situation and restore order. Their operations were concentrated in the regions of Zamora, Zacapu, Apatzingán, La Piedad, and Morelia, where they aimed to apprehend those responsible for the chaos and ensure public safety.
In a statement, the Secretaría de Seguridad y Paz of Guanajuato reported that the situation was contained and under control. They confirmed that no injuries or disappearances had been reported in connection with the narcoblockades and that efforts were underway to clear the affected highways.
Specific locations of the narcoblockades included the Carretera Pénjamo-Abasolo, near the Tequilera Corralejo, and the Carretera Pénjamo-La Piedad, at the height of the Albapesa food factory. Witnesses described the scenes as chaotic, with armed individuals setting fire to vehicles while gunfire was reportedly heard in the vicinity.
In response to the escalating violence, Estafeta, a major logistics and delivery company, announced the suspension of operations in several municipalities, including Apatzingán, La Piedad, Zamora, Pénjamo, and Abasolo, citing the need to protect the safety of their employees and shipments.
Local authorities in Michoacán had recently initiated security operations targeting criminal activity, which included raiding properties and seizing illegal gambling machines. This crackdown may have provoked the CJNG’s retaliatory actions, as such organized crime groups often react violently to law enforcement efforts.
As the situation continues to develop, the Guardia Nacional has implemented total closures on at least four major highways due to the presence of burning vehicles, advising motorists to avoid these areas. The affected roads include the Uruapan-Carapan highway and the Atlacomulco-Zapotlanejo highway, among others.
The violence in Michoacán and Guanajuato highlights the ongoing struggles with organized crime in Mexico, particularly in regions where cartels vie for control over lucrative drug trafficking routes. The CJNG, known for its brutal tactics and expansive reach, has been involved in numerous violent incidents across the country, often resulting in significant civilian and law enforcement casualties.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as they work to restore order and prevent further violence. The coordinated efforts of local and federal security forces are crucial in addressing the immediate threats posed by such criminal organizations, but the underlying issues of drug trafficking and cartel violence remain complex and deeply rooted in the socio-economic fabric of the region.
As the day unfolded, the residents of Michoacán and Guanajuato faced a grim reminder of the pervasive influence of organized crime in their communities. With the government’s commitment to combating these threats, many hope for a swift resolution to the violence that has disrupted their lives.
