Grisly camp discovery reignites protests against disappearances

Activists have uncovered a disturbing site in Mexico linked to the Jalisco drug cartel. The discovery includes underground ovens and 200 pairs of shoes, leading many to label it an "extermination camp." This finding has ignited nationwide protests, highlighting the increasing crisis of forced disappearances in the country. Over 120,000 people in Mexico are officially missing. María Guadalupe Aguilar, an activist searching for her son, expressed that such camps exist throughout the country. The ranch where these items were found is located near Teuchitlán, about 60 km from Guadalajara. Local authorities have yet to provide clarity on how many victims were there or the status of any remains. Federal attorney general Alejandro Gertz criticized the initial investigation, claiming it had significant oversights. The camp was secured by state authorities last September, but the hidden ovens were only discovered this month by a group searching for missing individuals. Human remains were found shortly after. Survivors have come forward, sharing stories of being tricked with false job offers. They describe being taken to the ranch and forced into violence. Alejandra Guillén, a journalist focused on forced disappearances, noted that training at such sites is intended to dehumanize victims. The discovery has attracted widespread attention, especially due to the poignant image of the arranged shoes. This evokes memories of tragic historical events. The state has acknowledged the possibility of body incineration at such sites, complicating identification efforts. President Claudia Sheinbaum has promised to strengthen laws on missing persons and ensure thorough investigations. She has faced criticism for suggesting that some media narratives are politically motivated. Authorities are skeptical about claims of clandestine ovens, despite acknowledging the presence of burnt remains. This grim revelation plays into the larger issue of disappearances in Mexico, which continue to rise despite claims of reduced violence. Jalisco alone has nearly 15,000 missing people, reflecting the power of the Jalisco cartel, a significant player in drug trafficking. Aguilar succinctly stated the dire situation: "Maybe it’s because we are in the hands of the most powerful cartel in the world."