In Mexico, a Grisly Discovery of Piles of Shoes, Ovens and Human Remains

Volunteers searching for missing relatives in western Mexico received a tip last week about a mass grave hidden in the area. Upon arriving at an abandoned ranch outside La Estanzuela, they discovered three underground cremation ovens, burned human remains, bone shards, personal items, and Santa Muerte figurines. Mexican authorities found shell casings and metal gripping rings at the ranch, which led to the site being referred to as an “extermination camp.”

The number of casualties at the site remains unknown, and the individuals have not been identified. The investigation has been taken over by the Attorney General’s Office at the request of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Photos from the site showed a chilling array of over 700 personal items, hinting at the potential scale of the tragedy. The shocking discovery prompted outrage from human rights groups, demanding an end to the violence that has plagued Mexico for years.

The discovery at the ranch drew comparisons to Nazi concentration camps, highlighting the prevalence of mass graves in Mexico. More than 120,000 people have been forcibly disappeared in the country since 1962, with fears that the actual number could be higher.

The timing of the discovery comes as President Trump pressures President Sheinbaum to address organized crime to avoid tariffs and potential military intervention from the United States. The government faces challenges in combating powerful cartels like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Authorities suspect the Jalisco cartel may have operated the ranch, given the group’s dominance in the region and involvement in criminal activities.

Accounts from the Searching Warriors of Jalisco suggest the ranch was used for training in weapons and torture techniques, as well as for disposing of victims. Recruitment methods involved false job offers and forced participation in violent acts.

The New York Times was unable to independently verify the accounts of the ranch’s activities. Previous investigations at the site uncovered weapons, shell casings, bone fragments, and rescued kidnapped individuals.

Questions remain about why the authorities did not uncover the extent of the atrocities earlier. President Sheinbaum has raised concerns about the initial investigation’s shortcomings and emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry.