Discovery of remains at ranch horrifies Mexico

Mexican authorities are facing growing pressure after activists uncovered human remains and a suspected crematorium at a ranch in Jalisco. The site has been labeled as an "extermination camp" linked to drug cartels, highlighting the ongoing issue of disappearances in Mexico. Activists discovered over 1,000 items of clothing, including hundreds of pairs of shoes. They also found underground ovens that seem to have been used to dispose of bodies. More than 100,000 people in Mexico are reported missing, but this number may be much higher due to fear of reporting. The ranch may have also served as a training ground for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a powerful criminal organization known for kidnapping young people in search of work. One activist, Índira Navarro, expressed horror at what the site represented for the victims and their families. Federal attorney-general Alejandro Gertz Manero confirmed the discovery of human remains but did not clarify whether the site was a training or extermination camp. The incident has caused a rift between federal and state authorities, with accusations of mishandling the investigation. The ranch was first investigated in September 2024, leading to the arrest of armed individuals and the release of kidnapped victims. However, the discovery of the extensive amount of clothing and multiple ovens only came to light recently when activists received a tip-off. In response to the findings, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced new measures to improve the response to missing persons cases while stating she would ensure a thorough investigation. She emphasized the importance of transparency, in contrast to past government scandals. Despite recent decreases in homicide rates, disappearance rates continue to rise in Mexico. Jalisco has the highest number of missing persons in the country, with nearly 15,000 cases. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, linked to many of these incidents, was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government last month.