Rancho Izaguirre: A “Training and Extermination Field” Haunts Jalisco, Mexico
By archyde News
Jalisco, Mexico — what appears at first glance to be just another abandoned ranch in the vast landscape of Jalisco, Mexico, holds a much darker secret. Rancho Izaguirre, marked only by yellow ribbons restricting access, is now at the center of a chilling investigation into what human and collective rights organizations are calling a “Training and extermination field.”
the heavy police presence and official “insured property” signs stand in stark contrast to the grim discoveries made by the guerreros Relevanters search group: piles of clothing and worn shoes scattered across the property, located about 40 miles (65 km) from Guadalajara. This remote location, nestled amongst the mountains, potentially holds the key to numerous forced disappearances, concealing traces of crimes that continue to fuel the desperate search for justice by grieving families.
On a tour organized by the Attorney general’s Office (FGR) and the Attorney General of Jalisco, distraught mothers and fathers of the disappeared arrived, clinging to the hope of finding any sign of their missing loved ones. Though, authorities had already collected all apparent evidence as part of their ongoing investigation.
The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office stated in a statement that the ranch was initially discovered in September 2024 during a National Guard operation.The operation resulted in the arrest of 10 individuals, the rescue of two kidnapping victims, and the discovery of one deceased person.
The Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) has as taken over the case, citing errors in the initial investigation led by the State Prosecutor’s Office, and reporting the discovery of human remains on the site. State prosecutor Salvador González stated in a video posted on the Prosecutor’s Office’s social media, that the file “records that since the beginning of the current state administration, various research acts have been carried out to advance in this case, so there are 10 people in prison.” This transfer of jurisdiction underscores the severity and complexity of the investigation.
“As a mother, as we all feel, I feel that my son was brought to this place. When a person told me that my son had taken him to a ranch, that’s why he wanted to come personally to check the garments,”
Ana, mother of Gustavo David Gómez, who has been missing for an extended period.
The desperation felt by families is palpable. Ana,a mother searching for her son Gustavo David Gómez,voiced the agonizing hope and fear that drove her to the site. Her words encapsulate the anguish of countless families across Mexico.
The items recovered – clothing, shoes, backpacks, and even lists containing names and nicknames – represent fragments of lives disrupted by violence. These recovered items offer a tangible, albeit heartbreaking, connection to the over 120,000 people who have disappeared and remain missing in Mexico between December 31, 1952, and March 21, 2025, according to official figures.
While the public cannot access the physical items,the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office has published an inventory of the items found at the ranch. The inventory, which is continuously updated, includes photographs of each item alongside an identifying number and description. For example: “Black brand pants *Paper Mint* of denim, size 32.” The list currently contains more than 1,500 objects, meticulously cataloged by authorities.
| Item Type | Examples | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Pants, shirts, jackets | Could help identify victims and provide clues about their activities. |
| Footwear | Shoes, boots, sandals | Offers potential for identification through size, brand, and wear patterns. |
| Personal Items | Backpacks, IDs, lists | may provide direct identification and information about the individuals’ connections and potential motives. |
The crisis of disappearances in Mexico intensified following then-President Felipe Calderón’s declaration of war against drug cartels in 2006. Jalisco, tragically, leads the nation with over 15,000 missing persons. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Mexican government in combating organized crime and protecting its citizens.
For U.S. readers, this situation underscores the complexities of the relationship between the United States and Mexico, particularly concerning drug trafficking and border security. The violence and instability fueled by cartels in Mexico have direct implications for the United States, including drug-related deaths, immigration patterns, and security concerns along the border.
The discovery of Rancho Izaguirre as a potential “training and extermination field” serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for thorough strategies to address the root causes of violence and impunity in Mexico. This includes strengthening law enforcement, promoting judicial reform, and supporting community-based initiatives that foster peace and reconciliation.
The situation also brings up questions about the role of U.S. policy in addressing the crisis. Some analysts argue that the demand for illegal drugs in the United States fuels the cartels’ power and that stricter drug enforcement and prevention efforts within the U.S. are crucial. Others suggest that providing more support to Mexican law enforcement and civil society organizations could help combat the cartels’ influence.
While the investigation into Rancho Izaguirre continues, the hope remains that it will provide answers for grieving families and contribute to a broader effort to end the cycle of violence and impunity that has plagued Mexico for far too long. The case also emphasizes the role of cross-border collaboration and a comprehensive approach to tackle the underlying issues driving the violence and disappearances.
what role do you believe stricter drug enforcement and prevention policies in the United States coudl play in addressing the violence and disappearances linked to the drug cartels in Mexico?
rancho Izaguirre and the Disappearances in Jalisco, Mexico: An Interview with Dr. Elena Vargas
Archyde News: Welcome, Dr. Vargas. Thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us about your role and expertise in relation to the disturbing discoveries at Rancho Izaguirre?
Dr. Elena Vargas: Thank you for having me. I am a forensic anthropologist specializing in human rights investigations. My work frequently enough involves analyzing crime scenes and providing scientific analysis to aid in the identification of victims of human rights abuses,including the tragically familiar patterns of forced disappearances we are seeing with the Rancho Izaguirre case.
archyde News: The discovery of a potential “training and extermination field” at Rancho Izaguirre has sent shockwaves. What are the key elements of the examination that concern you most?
Dr. Elena Vargas: The sheer scale of the potential operations there and the time frame are deeply worrying. This ranch seems potentially linked to thousands of disappearances in Jalisco. The recovery of clothing, footwear and other personal item inventories provides tangible, yet heartbreaking, connections to missing individuals, underscoring the enormity of the crisis. Also, the way that jurisdiction has been passed between the state and federal authorities highlights the gravity of the case and its complexity.
Archyde News: Jalisco leads Mexico in disappearances. What factors contribute to this grim statistic?
Dr.Elena Vargas: Jalisco’s strategic location, near Guadalajara, is attractive to organized crime groups. These groups are often involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities and have been responsible for many crimes of this nature, especially since the government’s declaration of war on drug cartels in 2006. The result is the ongoing violence. A lack of law enforcement capacity and corruption also make it easier for these cartels to operate with impunity. This, in turn, contributes to the high numbers of missing persons cases.
Archyde News: The items recovered at the ranch, such as clothing and lists of names, are critical pieces of evidence. How can forensic analysis of these items aid in identifying victims and potentially linking them to specific criminal activity?
Dr. elena Vargas: Every item recovered from Rancho Izaguirre is a potential lead. Clothing can hold traces of DNA or other materials, matching with missing persons reports. Personal items, especially, are a gold mine for identification. Lists of names and nicknames could provide valuable clues about the cartels’ networks. The meticulous cataloging by the authorities, which we see in their online inventory, is crucial for cross-referencing the findings with missing person databases.
archyde News: This situation has a cross-border element. In your opinion, what role does the U.S. play in this crisis, and what actions, if any, could be taken to help?
Dr. Elena Vargas: The demand for illegal drugs in the United States undoubtedly fuels the cartels’ power. Stricter drug enforcement and prevention within the U.S. could diminish the cartels’ resources. Simultaneously, continued and increased support for Mexican law enforcement, along with investments in civil society organizations that work to combat violence and the drug cartels’ influence, are essential components of a solution.
Archyde News: Dr. vargas, what message do you have for the families searching for their missing loved ones?
Dr. Elena Vargas: I want them to know that these investigations are going to be thorough. I assure you that the tireless efforts made by the authorities and organizations are there to bring answers and closure. Their pain is recognized, and the pursuit of justice will never wane. This is a long and challenging path,but we are hopeful that we can bring answers for these grieving families.
Archyde News: Thank you,Dr. Vargas, for your insights. Your expertise is crucial as we continue to follow this crucial story.
Dr. Elena Vargas: Thank you for the prospect.
