The 10 largest extermination camps discovered in Mexico

In recent decades, Mexico has been the scene of the emergence of multiple extermination camps. Used by organized crime to carry out illicit activities. Including kidnappings, torture, and murders.

The following are ten of the most notorious:

1. Rancho Izaguirre, Teuchitlán, Jalisco

In September 2024, Rancho Izaguirre in Teuchitlán, Jalisco, was discovered, used by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) as a center for kidnapping, torture, and murder. More than 1,300 personal items belonging to missing victims were found.

2. La Bartolina, Matamoros, Tamaulipas

Since 2009, La Bartolina functioned as an extermination center. In 2016, authorities discovered pits with ashes, bone remains, and fuel residues, evidencing the magnitude of the atrocities committed.

3. La Gallera, Tihuatlán, Veracruz

In 2017, the La Gallera ranch was discovered, where clandestine graves with human remains were found, revealing the collusion between organized crime and state omission in the region.

4. El Tubo, Hidalgo, Nuevo León

In the El Tubo area, more than  10,000 human remains have been recovered, making it one of the largest documented extermination camps in the country.

5. Vallecillo, Nuevo León

This municipality has been the scene of multiple discoveries of human remains in clandestine graves, evidencing the brutality of organized crime in the region.

6. Juárez, Nuevo León

In Juárez, sites used for the disappearance and murder of people have been found, reflecting the prevailing violence in the state.

7. Santa Catarina, Nuevo León

This municipality has been identified as one of the places where extermination camps operated, according to reports from missing persons search organizations.

8. Reynosa, Tamaulipas

In Reynosa, clear indications of charred human remains have been found, pointing to the existence of extermination camps in the area.

9. El Pozolero, Baja California

In Baja California, a site was discovered where victims were dissolved in acid, known as "El Pozolero," evidencing extreme methods of disappearance used by organized crime.

10. Extermination camps in Zacatecas and Michoacán

Between 2021 and 2024, the National Guard reported the existence of 14 extermination camps in Zacatecas and 13 in Michoacán. Used by cartels for illicit activities.

These discoveries reflect the severe crisis of violence and disappearances that Mexico faces. Evidencing the urgent need for effective strategies to combat organized crime  and provide justice to the victims and their families.