Terror in Etzatlán: Aftermath of El Mencho’s Death Reveals a Town Divided

ETZATLÁN, Mexico — The picturesque town of Etzatlán, nestled in Jalisco’s tequila trail, recently experienced a harrowing 24 hours of violence following the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). What began as a military operation targeting the cartel boss spiraled into a wave of arson and intimidation, leaving residents fearful and frustrated with the lack of official response.

A Town of Two Faces

Etzatlán presents a stark contrast. It’s a community celebrated for its “cielo tejido” – woven sky – a vibrant display of handwoven fabrics that once graced an exhibition in Dubai [Mexico News Daily]. Although, beneath the surface lies a reality of cartel control and recent terror. The town’s economy relies on tourism, ranching, and agriculture, but the recent violence has cast a shadow over its future.

Retaliation and Reign of Terror

Following the Mexican military’s operation on February 22nd that killed El Mencho, CJNG foot soldiers unleashed a campaign of destruction. The gas station, bus depot, a state-run bank, and dozens of vehicles were torched [Los Angeles Times]. Residents reported that municipal police and firefighters were absent during the attacks, leaving the community to fend for itself.

Residents Speak Out

María, a local retiree, described the chaos unfolding via WhatsApp messages warning of impending fires. Businesses were threatened with arson if they remained open. She and other residents expressed outrage at the lack of support from authorities, even blocking a police truck attempting to interrupt cleanup efforts. “We will not permit you to pass,” she reportedly told the officers, demanding they had been absent during the crisis.

Sylvia, a 64-year-old resident, recounted how her family spent five hours extinguishing flames that engulfed the front of their 200-year-old home. Her daughter’s car was also destroyed, leaving her without transportation to operate. The attacks have unearthed memories of a past when cartels operated more discreetly, a time Sylvia described as “simpler.”

A History of Cartel Activity

Etzatlán has long been a region influenced by cartel activity. It was once associated with Rafael Caro Quintero, known as “El Numero Uno,” and has since become a stronghold for the CJNG. The discovery of “Rancho Izaguirre,” a suspected cartel “extermination camp” located 45 minutes from Etzatlán, revealed the depths of the organization’s brutality. [Los Angeles Times]

Questions and Concerns

Residents are questioning why so much of their town was targeted while certain buildings, like the police station and homes of local officials, remained untouched. There is a pervasive sense of hopelessness regarding accountability for the attacks. Some residents have likened the situation to terrorism, a characterization disputed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who described the actions as crimes but not terrorism [Los Angeles Times].

As the town begins to rebuild, many fear that normalcy may never return. María summed up the sentiment, stating, “Who is going to come for us? Nobody.”