Despite recent discoveries of mass graves and a rocket launcher attack, World Cup fans are expected to travel to the home turf of one of Mexico's most powerful cartels in Jalisco. This presents a stark paradox, juxtaposing the excitement of the global sporting event with the grim realities of organized crime in the region.
Earlier this year, hundreds of garments and burned bone fragments were discovered at a ranch in Jalisco. The grim find highlights the pervasive violence associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most powerful and ruthless criminal organizations in Mexico. The Attorney General of Mexico held a press conference on March 19, 2025, regarding the investigation into the mass grave found in Jalisco. The investigation revealed that several individuals detained in various parts of the country had links to the criminal organization and had been present at the site. These individuals were allegedly involved in executions and training activities conducted by CJNG members.
The discovery of skeletal remains in Jalisco has triggered nationwide protests and outrage. Families of missing persons are often at the forefront of searching for their loved ones, sometimes at great personal risk. Elvia Reyes, for instance, received death threats while searching for her son, Luis Antonio.
In Zacatecas, another central Mexican state, over 3,800 people are missing. Vast distances and the presence of organized crime make it nearly impossible for families to conduct searches. While authorities provide police escorts, the mothers themselves often undertake the dangerous task of searching.
Human rights groups have criticized the previous government for downplaying the number of disappearances. Yzenia Valdez, a human rights lawyer, noted that the National Search Commission, initially created with high hopes, is being dismantled through budget cuts and personnel changes. She argues that these actions contribute to the invisibility of disappearances, manipulation of figures, and impunity, sending a message that people can vanish without consequences in Mexico.
The situation is further complicated by corruption, a lack of resources, and poor coordination, which hinder the efforts of organizations like the National Search Commission.
As the World Cup approaches, the juxtaposition of soccer and crime presents a troubling scenario. While fans are eager to experience the tournament's excitement, the harsh realities of cartel violence and its impact on local communities cannot be ignored.
