Mass Graves and Politics: The Tragedy of Teuchitlán
The discovery of an extermination camp in Jalisco—a grim testament to Mexico’s deepening security crisis—was met with predictable political theater. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s carefully worded response, emphasizing respect for grieving families, was textbook damage control. On the other hand, Senator Gerardo Fernández Noroña, never one to shy away from controversy, floated the idea that the discovery of 200 pairs of shoes at Rancho Izaguirre might be a political stunt.
Now, in a bizarre twist, a video allegedly from the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) has surfaced, claiming the Rancho Izaguirre massacre is nothing more than a fabricated “horror story”. The cartel insists that the site was under federal control and accuses searching mothers of inventing the narrative for social media. Their message: Yes, we’re criminals—but we have our own “codes.”
This isn’t just an attempt to deny responsibility—it’s also an act of intimidation. Cartels are now engaging in information warfare, positioning themselves as victims while simultaneously warning against another “Sinaloa scenario”—a direct reference to the state’s complete breakdown of order after Ovidio Guzmán’s arrests.
The United Nations has called for an exhaustive investigation, but after decades of violence and impunity, expectations of getting to the truth are low. Effectively addressing cartel violence as a national security priority is now President Sheinbaum’s main challenge.
“There’s Always a Tweet”, and the Fight to Control Mexico’s Judiciary
As the judicial election draws closer, the battle for control of the Supreme Court continued. Justice Yasmín Esquivel’s vote against Lenia Batres in the case of Ricardo Salinas Pliego’s Elektra was framed as a defense of judicial impartiality, citing Batres’ history of social media attacks against the businessman. A judge, Esquivel argued, cannot preemptively declare guilt in 280 characters and still claim neutrality in court.
The Second Chamber of the Supreme Court agreed. In a private session, the ministers ruled that Batres was legally barred from voting on Salinas Pliego’s appeal due to her lack of objectivity. Rather than accept the decision, Batres stormed out of the meeting, later denouncing it as an act of submission.
Her history of tweets leaves little doubt as to how she really feels. Over the years, Batres has called Salinas Pliego “miserable,” “corrupt,” and a tax evader, demanding his businesses be stripped of their concessions. The Court concluded that such public hostility made impartiality impossible.
Still, this is hardly just about judicial ethics. The Morena factions are waging war over the Court’s future. Batres, backed by AMLO’s ideological old guard, wants a Supreme Court loyal to the movement, irrespective of circumstances. Meanwhile, Esquivel, now more aligned with Sheinbaum’s camp, seeks to consolidate power under the new administration – one that is more mindful of public perceptions.
INAI’s Final Days
Mexico’s government is once again redefining “transparency”—this time by eliminating the very institution designed to uphold it. With the dissolution of INAI, the ruling coalition is replacing it with Transparencia para el Pueblo (Transparency for the People), an agency of the newly created Anti-Corruption Ministry.
The last public session of the INAI is set for March 18, with the secondary laws sealing its fate expected to be approved in the Chamber of Deputies the following day. While this has been fait accompli for months, a new scandal is brewing: workers are being forced to resign, foregoing their legal severance, so as not to lose their chance of continued employment in the new agency.
INAI Commissioner Julieta del Río denounced a last-minute administrative agreement conditioning severance pay on resignation. This violates previous agreements meant to ensure fair treatment for workers. Worse, the deal was rushed through an irregular session, filled with ambiguous terms that could allow political discretion over who gets compensated.
Adding to the controversy, former commissioners’ allies—some earning more than current staff—might walk away with millions, raising suspicions of corruption and cronyism.
Contact:
Laura Camacho
Executive Director Miranda Public Affairs
laura.camacho@miranda-partners.com
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