Alleged Cartel Killing Site in Jalisco Exposes Mexico’s Forced Disappearance Crisis

Discovery of human remains and personal belongings at a suspected Jalisco cartel site has led to national protests and renewed scrutiny of government inaction.

• Activists uncovered a suspected cartel-operated site in Teuchitlán, Jalisco, finding human remains, burnt items, and personal belongings after an earlier official investigation failed to detect evidence.
• The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is suspected of using the site for forced recruitment, violent training, and killings, reflecting widespread organized crime tactics in the region.
• Federal authorities have taken over the investigation, citing flaws and potential collusion in the initial probe, but no victims have been identified, and the extent of crimes remains unclear.
• President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged a full inquiry and announced measures to strengthen laws on missing persons as protests and international calls for accountability grow.
• Jalisco, a stronghold of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, has nearly 15,000 missing persons, contributing to Mexico’s broader crisis of over 120,000 disappearances nationwide.

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The Guardian EL PAÍS