Mexico's Attorney General on Jalisco Ranch: Training Hub, No Evidence of Crematorium

In March, the discovery of what was called a 'death ranch' in the western state of Jalisco triggered national outrage. Civilian searchers' findings of charred bones and items resembling makeshift crematories led some to compare the site to 'Mexico's Auschwitz.'

Abandoned personal items like shoes, backpacks, and clothing starkly highlighted the nation's crisis of disappeared individuals, officially numbering over 120,000, mostly victims of organized crime.

Speculation has persisted about the ranch's activities. Mexican Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero presented the anticipated results of the federal probe on Tuesday to reporters, though his revelations brought more questions than clarity.

His comments inadvertently added to the government's embarrassment under President Claudia Sheinbaum, who promised that Mexicans would be informed of the true nature of events at the ranch.

Training Camp, Not Crematorium

The site, positioned in a rural stretch roughly 60 kilometers from Guadalajara, served as an operational and training base for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico's powerful criminal groups, confirmed Gertz.

Despite public belief to the contrary, forensic examinations have found no evidence supporting the idea that bodies were incinerated there, refuting the ranch's reputation as a cartel extermination hub.

The exact origins of the burnt bone fragments discovered at Rancho Izaguirre remain unresolved. Ongoing forensic work has thus far unveiled no intact bodies or complete skeletal remains.

Criticism and Ongoing Investigations

The conclusions have sparked criticism from groups supporting the families of the disappeared. Raúl Servín from the Warrior Searchers of Jalisco, a group whose discovery of the site ignited public reaction, expressed his frustration with authorities.

Official investigations are still underway to ascertain why Jalisco state officials did not act sooner, considering the cartel's use of the ranch since at least 2021.

Raids and Arrests

Last September, the National Guard intervened at Rancho Izaguirre, ceasing its use as a training venue. This raid resulted in the apprehension of ten individuals who continue to be detained while charges are yet to be publicly declared.

It wasn't until March, however, that the site drew wide attention when civilian searchers reported finding human remains and personal belongings.

The history and fate of numerous individuals passing through the camp, some allegedly recruited under deception, remain largely unknown.

Recruitment Tactics

Many were allegedly lured by attractive job ads from the cartel promising earnings well above average wages. Recruits were transported to the ranch, relieved of their personal effects, and geared with uniforms, explaining the deserted belongings discovered.

Their regimen included a month-long training in physical and weapon skills. In cases of resistance to training or escape attempts, risks of severe punishment or death existed.

Key Arrest and Future Steps

Recently, authorities captured the primary figure allegedly overseeing the camp, known as 'El Lastra' or 'Comandante Lastra,' who played a significant role in recruiting for the cartel.

However, unresolved issues surrounding the site continue, leaving many, including searchers who initially found the scene, in a state of frustration at the contradictions between their findings and official statements.

Searcher Servín emphasized their discovery of makeshift crematories and bones, expressing dissatisfaction with the authorities' denial of the site's alleged past activities.