The Horrific Discovery of a Cartel Killing Field and Crematorium
Uncovering the Brutality of CJNG
In a chilling revelation, a ranch in the municipality of Tehuichitlan, Jalisco, was discovered to have been transformed into a killing field and crematorium by the notorious Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG). This horrifying discovery was made by the Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco, a courageous group dedicated to searching rural areas for the remains of thousands of individuals abducted by various Mexican cartels. Assisted by Mexico’s National Guard, the group gained access to the property and uncovered a clandestine crematorium, a killing field, and several houses filled with hundreds of shoes and personal items. These personal effects, along with human remains and ashes, serve as poignant reminders of the victims whose lives were brutally taken by the cartel.
The Aftermath of the Discovery
The Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco quickly took to social media, posting videos and photographs of the items found on the ranch. Their hope was to provide clues that could help identify the remains and bring closure to the families of those who had lost loved ones in the region. This heartbreaking effort highlights the broader issue of enforced disappearances in Mexico, where thousands of families are left searching for answers about their missing relatives. The ranch, believed to have also served as a training and holding area for CJNG, stands as a grim testament to the cartel’s reign of terror.
CJNG’s Designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
The discovery of the ranch came shortly after the U.S. government designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization, a move that has significant implications for both the cartel and the Mexican government. This designation is expected to increase pressure on Mexico to take stronger action against CJNG and other criminal organizations. The U.S. government has repeatedly criticized what it describes as an “intolerable relationship” between drug cartels and elements of the Mexican government, suggesting a level of complicity or negligence that has allowed cartels like CJNG to operate with relative impunity.
The Fall of a High-Ranking CJNG Member
In a related development, the son of CJNG’s supreme leader, Ruben “El Menchito” Oseguera Gonzalez, has been sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years in the United States. El Menchito, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Mexico, was found guilty of multiple charges related to his involvement in the cartel’s activities. His trial, which took place in September 2024, featured testimony from several high-ranking drug lords who implicated him as the second-in-command of CJNG, directly under his father, Ruben Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. El Mencho remains at large, and his continued freedom underscores the ongoing challenges in dismantling the cartel’s leadership structure.
The Role of Journalists in Exposing Cartel Violence
The work of journalists Ildefonso Ortiz and Brandon Darby, co-founders of Breitbart News Foundation’s Cartel Chronicles project, has been instrumental in shedding light on the atrocities committed by CJNG and other cartels. Their reporting has not only exposed the brutality of these criminal organizations but also highlighted the human cost of the drug war and the ongoing struggle for justice in Mexico. Their efforts serve as a reminder of the importance of a free press in holding those in power accountable and giving voice to the victims of cartel violence.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Fight Against Cartel Violence
The discovery of the ranch in Tehuichitlan and the sentencing of El Menchito are significant developments in the ongoing battle against cartel violence, but they also underscore the immense challenges that remain. The Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco continue their tireless work in searching for missing loved ones, while the U.S. government’s designation of CJNG as a terrorist organization signals a potential shift in strategy to combat the cartel’s influence. However, the fact that El Mencho remains at large serves as a stark reminder that the fight against CJNG and other cartels is far from over. The international community must remain vigilant and continue to press for justice for the victims of cartel violence.