The entrance to Izaguirre Ranch in Jalisco appears ordinary, adorned with two prancing horses, reflecting the area's agricultural backdrop. However, beyond these gates lies evidence of severe cartel violence in Mexico. An activist group, seeking clues about the whereabouts of Mexico's many missing individuals, visited the ranch after receiving a tip about a potential mass grave. Their discovery was grim: 200 pairs of shoes, numerous clothing items, and many suitcases and backpacks, seemingly abandoned by their owners who met a tragic fate.
Even more disturbing were the ovens and human bone fragments found on the property. Activists allege that the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG) used the site for recruiting and training, as well as torturing and cremating victims. Luz Toscano, from the Buscadores Guerreros de Jalisco Collective, noted the presence of children's toys and recounted the desperation of people recognizing shoes similar to those worn by their missing relatives. Toscano insists that authorities must meticulously examine the personal items and allow families to inspect them.
The most troubling aspect for many is that local police raided the ranch near Teuchitlán just last September. Despite making arrests and freeing hostages, they either overlooked or chose not to disclose the extent of the violence there. As the investigation unfolds, critics and families accuse local authorities of collusion with the cartels.
State Governor Pablo Lemus has stated in a video message that his administration is fully cooperating with federal authorities, emphasizing that no one in Jalisco is shirking responsibility. For President Claudia Sheinbaum, the situation in Jalisco poses a challenge to her presidency's promising start. She has tasked federal investigators with leading the inquiry, urging patience until the attorney general's office provides a comprehensive report.
The site is now a hub of activity with police, federal investigators, and forensic teams examining the evidence. While the media labels Izaguirre Ranch as an "extermination" site, more relatives of missing persons have arrived in Guadalajara to participate in a protest, demanding more action from authorities.
Among them is Rosario Magaña, whose son Carlos disappeared in 2017 at the age of 19. She expressed her ongoing desperation after eight years of searching, frustrated by the slow progress of the state attorney general's investigation. Despite this, she holds onto hope of finding her son. After attending a church service for the unidentified victims, Rosario highlighted the persistent challenges faced by families seeking answers, questioning the government's efforts given the known presence of mass graves and cartel safehouses in Jalisco.