In September 2024, the National Guard and the Mexican Army carried out an operation at Rancho Izaguirre, located in the community of La Estanzuela, municipality of Teuchitlán, Jalisco. During the intervention, the authorities arrested 10 alleged kidnappers and rescued two people deprived of their liberty. Additionally, they found the lifeless body of a victim.
The operation also allowed for the seizure of firearms, magazines, a hand grenade, ballistic plates, tactical vests, and vehicles. All this evidenced the existence of a training center and illicit activities at the site.
Boletín informativo del Gobierno Federal
Discovery of clandestine crematoriums in March 2025
On March 5, 2025, the collective Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco received an anonymous tip about the same property. Upon arriving at the site, they found three clandestine crematoriums, charred bone remains, and hundreds of clothing items. They also found footwear and other personal belongings.
These findings suggest that the site functioned as an extermination center allegedly operated by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Campo de exterminio en Teuchitlán-Jalisco
Reactions and criticisms of the authorities
After the March 2025 discovery, the Attorney General of the Republic, Alejandro Gertz, announced an investigation. The objective is to determine if there were omissions by the Jalisco Prosecutor's Office in the case.
Gertz questioned why a site of such magnitude was not identified and completely dismantled in 2024. He also pointed out possible failures in the supervision and action of local authorities.
Meanwhile, the Jalisco Prosecutor's Office admitted that the property was secured in 2024. However, they did not detect the existence of the crematoriums or the magnitude of the illicit activities. They have currently initiated an internal investigation to determine responsibilities.
Gertz Manero - Fiscal General de la República
Implications and context
The Federal Government, through the National Guard and the Army, was aware of the illicit activities at Rancho Izaguirre since September 2024. Despite this, they did not act more forcefully to completely dismantle the extermination center. This omission raises serious doubts about the effectiveness and commitment of the authorities in the fight against organized crime.
It is urgent that thorough investigations be conducted. It is also necessary to hold accountable those who, by action or omission, allowed this extermination center to continue operating. Its existence has affected the lives of countless people and their families.
