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-Editorial
The crisis of disappearances in Mexico has taken a new turn with the discovery of human remains at a ranch in Teuchitlán, Jalisco. While the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) takes over the investigation, the Federal Government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has announced a set of urgent measures to address the problem.
The Teuchitlán case has sparked outrage due to irregularities in its handling. Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero has pointed out that the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office left the property unexamined for six months, potentially compromising key evidence. “It is unacceptable that a site with these characteristics remained uninvestigated for so long. The press will be able to verify this firsthand in the coming days,” said Gertz Manero, announcing that media outlets will be invited to the ranch to witness the progress of the investigation.
The ranch, allegedly linked to organized crime activities, may have been used as an extermination site. The FGR has identified skeletal remains and other indications of forced disappearances. Given the gravity of the case, the Federal Government has decided to take decisive actions to tackle this national crisis.
A National Action Plan Against Disappearances
In response to this case and the growing concern over disappearances in the country, President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced six immediate measures to strengthen the search for missing persons and the fight against impunity.
“Previously, disappearances in Mexico were perpetrated by the state. Now, they are primarily linked to organized crime. In either case, it is a serious crime that must be prevented, addressed, and punished. That is why we will act within the framework of the law and with the full force of the state,” stated Sheinbaum while announcing her strategy.
The six key actions include:
- Strengthening the National Search Commission
Through a presidential decree, the National Search Commission will receive increased resources to expand its capacity, improve contextual analysis, and acquire advanced technological equipment to locate and identify missing persons with scientific evidence. - Creation of a Unified National Forensic Information Database
A reform initiative will be sent to Congress to establish a centralized forensic data system. This database will integrate information from forensic services across the 32 state prosecutors’ offices and the FGR, facilitating the identification of missing persons. - National Human Identification Platform
A platform will be developed to connect all administrative and forensic records nationwide, enabling more efficient data cross-referencing. The system is expected to have access to databases from the National Electoral Institute (INE) for fingerprint verification and other identification methods. - Immediate Search Alert
A protocol will be implemented requiring all law enforcement agencies and entities in the country to activate an immediate search alert in case of a disappearance, eliminating the practice of waiting 72 hours before opening an investigation file. - Equating Disappearance with Kidnapping
Disappearance will be legally equated with kidnapping, which will result in harsher penalties and standardized investigative procedures across all state and federal prosecutors’ offices. - Monthly Publication of Disappearance Data
The Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System will publish monthly reports on disappearance investigations to ensure transparency and constant monitoring of the issue.
Additionally, the Executive Commission for Victim Assistance will be strengthened to provide greater support to the families of missing persons.
The Teuchitlán Case: A Symbol of the Crisis and the Need for Justice
The case of the ranch in Teuchitlán has become an example of the failures in managing disappearances in Mexico. Since the discovery of human remains on the property, the FGR has intensified its investigations and pointed out serious omissions by the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office.
According to Gertz Manero, state authorities failed to properly secure the area or process vehicles found at the site, potentially leading to the loss of crucial evidence. Now, with the FGR in charge, the government aims to clarify the facts and determine responsibilities.
The announcement that media outlets will be invited to the ranch in the coming days reinforces the government’s commitment to transparency. “We will never hide anything, and the truth must always prevail,” stated Sheinbaum, reiterating that her administration will not tolerate cover-ups or manipulation in disappearance investigations.
The Sheinbaum administration has emphasized that its strategy against disappearances is not only about punishing those responsible but also about ensuring justice and reparations for the victims and their families.
“Our priority is to provide certainty to families, clarify the facts with scientific evidence, and pursue those responsible,” said the president.
Moreover, the federal government is taking steps to strengthen collaboration among different levels of government. The National Public Security Council will be convened to coordinate action protocols with state governors and local authorities.
A Real Change in the Fight Against Disappearances?
The announcement of these measures represents a significant effort to address Mexico’s disappearance crisis. However, human rights organizations have warned that their success will depend on the proper implementation and oversight of these policies.
Opening the Teuchitlán ranch to the press could set a precedent for accountability and justice in disappearance cases. However, it remains to be seen whether the government’s actions will be enough to reverse a problem that has left thousands of families in uncertainty.
For now, the international community and Mexican citizens will be closely watching the results of these measures, hoping that the promise of “acting with the full force of the state” translates into justice and security for the country’s missing persons.