32 bodies found in Mexican mass grave
Officials link discovery to cartel violence in Guanajuato
Authorities in Mexico’s central state of Guanajuato have discovered the remains of 32 people buried in clandestine graves on a property in the La Calera community, located in the municipality of Irapuato. The site, about 320 kilometers northwest of Mexico City, was searched as part of an investigation into missing persons. The operation began after coordinated efforts involving intelligence analysis and multiple government agencies. Forensic teams concluded the search after several days of excavation.
According to the Guanajuato State Attorney General’s Office, 15 of the bodies have been identified so far. Work continues to confirm the identities of the remaining victims, understand the circumstances behind the mass burial, and pursue those responsible. The discovery highlights the ongoing crisis of violence and disappearances in the region, where organized crime groups frequently use hidden graves to conceal their victims.
This development comes amid a surge in violence across Guanajuato, driven by the ongoing conflict between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the local Santa Rosa de Lima gang. The rivalry has resulted in over 1,500 homicides between January and July of this year, making the state one of the most violent in the country. Less than two months ago, Irapuato was also the scene of a mass shooting that left 12 people dead at a street celebration.
Mexico continues to grapple with a deep humanitarian crisis fueled by cartel warfare, corruption, and impunity. Nationally, nearly 132,000 people are currently listed as missing. The discovery in Irapuato further underscores the challenges faced by forensic teams and investigators who work to identify remains, provide closure to families, and seek justice in the face of widespread violence and insecurity.
