At Least 11 Bodies Found in Hidden Graves in Western Mexico

Skeletal remains of at least 11 people discovered in hidden graves in western Mexico’s Jalisco state. The local prosecutor’s office confirmed the discovery on a rural lot in Ixtlahuacan, a suburb of Guadalajara.

Another 12 bags containing human remains found at a construction site in nearby Tlajomulco, according to Blanca Trujillo, deputy prosecutor for missing persons. Total victims from both sites remain unknown, with remains appearing long-term.

Jalisco is hardest hit by Mexico’s missing persons crisis, where over 130,000 individuals are unaccounted for due to drug-related violence. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is blamed for many of the cases, using fake job ads and torturing/recruiting members.

In October 2025, 48 bags containing human remains found in a vacant lot in Zapopan, near Guadalajara. Mexico’s federal government deployed nearly 100,000 troops to secure host cities for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, including Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City.

Mexican military killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in February. His burial followed with a large military presence and floral tributes.