On Sunday, March 15, searcher mothers and activists came together in Mexico for a national mourning day under the slogan "Teuchitlán never more!" to honor the thousands of missing persons in the country.
The call, supported by various collectives, civil organizations, and families of the disappeared, emerged after the discovery of a supposed training camp for organized crime and three clandestine crematories on a ranch in Teuchitlán, Jalisco, allegedly operated by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
The central event took place at the Zócalo in Mexico City, where an emotional vigil was held in honor of the victims of violence and enforced disappearances. A peaceful demonstration occurred at the site without any incidents.
The vigil was a reminder that searching mothers and fathers, as well as civil organizations, will continue to demand justice and strong actions from federal authorities. The Attorney General's Office announced a thorough investigation into the case of the clandestine crematories in Teuchitlán.
Before the vigil at the Zócalo, a mass was celebrated at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, presided over by Monsignor Javier Acero Pérez. Family members and activists gathered at the Zócalo to light candles, place photographs of the missing, and observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims.
In various cities across the country, including Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, and Ciudad Juárez, acts of mourning were replicated simultaneously. Participants carried out various symbolic actions, such as placing shoes in front of the National Palace in protest of the disappearances.
The acts of protest also included confrontations with the authorities, such as the removal of protective barriers from the National Palace. Amid the commemoration, the pain and emptiness left by the victims of violence were evident, reaffirming the commitment to continue fighting for justice and the memory of those who are no longer here.
