World Cup Excitement Meets Harsh Reality of Violence in Jalisco

As fans gathered for a friendly soccer match in Zapopan on October 14, 2023, the atmosphere was filled with exuberant chants of “Mexico! Mexico!” However, the scene was underscored by a heavy presence of security measures, including police officers, bomb-sniffing dogs, and drone jammers. These preparations reflect the heightened security surrounding the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will see Jalisco host four matches.

Contrasting Realities in Jalisco

Just a few miles south of the festivities in Guadalajara, a starkly different reality unfolded. National Guard troops were stationed near an abandoned house where volunteers, part of the Jalisco Search Warriors, were excavating the patio in search of human remains. This juxtaposition of a vibrant sporting event with the grim task of uncovering the truth behind Mexico’s missing persons highlights the ongoing struggles within Jalisco, a state grappling with both a passion for soccer and the harsh consequences of cartel violence.

Jalisco is home to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations. With an estimated 19,000 members, the cartel operates across 21 of Mexico’s 32 states. The state has also seen a troubling rise in crime, leading the nation in disappearances and ranking among the top four states for crime rates. As of October 2023, there have been approximately 1,000 reported disappearances in Jalisco this year, a 30% increase from the previous year, according to the National Search Commission.

Despite these alarming statistics, the atmosphere during the soccer match remained largely celebratory. Attendees, including 18-year-old student Javier Rodríguez, expressed confidence in their safety, suggesting that if one avoids trouble, nothing untoward will happen. This sentiment reflects a broader belief among some that a temporary truce exists between criminal elements and local authorities, bolstered by the security measures instituted for the World Cup.

The Search for the Disappeared

Amidst the excitement, individuals like Indira Navarro, who has dedicated her time to finding her missing brother, represent the relentless struggle against the violence that permeates the region. Navarro, along with her fellow searchers, did not uncover any remains during their recent excavation but has previously discovered significant evidence at another site, prompting questions about the effectiveness of earlier investigations.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel has gained notoriety for its aggressive tactics, including the downing of a military helicopter and ambushes on law enforcement officials. As noted by security analyst David Saucedo, the cartel’s influence may lead to a tacit agreement with government forces, where law enforcement refrains from pursuing high-profile operations in exchange for a temporary reduction in violent incidents.

Despite the optimism surrounding the World Cup, Saucedo warns that organized crime may exploit the event for profit, particularly through illegal activities ranging from drug sales to ticket reselling. This duality of celebration and underlying threat paints a complex picture of Jalisco as it prepares for the influx of international attention.

Local political leaders, including Governor Pablo Lemus, have emphasized the economic benefits of hosting the World Cup, projecting up to $1 billion in revenue and the creation of approximately 7,000 jobs in tourism and construction. The governor’s optimism for Jalisco’s global positioning contrasts sharply with the concerns of those living in the shadow of cartel violence.

In the lead-up to the tournament, Jalisco is investing in security infrastructure, including installing an additional 3,000 surveillance cameras, bringing the total to over 10,000. While these measures may enhance safety during the World Cup, they also raise questions about the long-term implications for residents who continue to live with the reality of violence and disappearances.

As the World Cup approaches, individuals like Navarro strive to keep the issue of disappearances in public consciousness, asserting that the excitement surrounding the tournament cannot obscure the ongoing suffering in Jalisco. “They want to wash away everything that has to do with the issue of the disappeared,” Navarro remarked. “But they won’t be able to do so because we’re going to continue fighting.”

This intersection of sporting enthusiasm and the grim realities of violence presents a unique challenge for Jalisco as it prepares for a global stage. The hope is that, alongside the thrill of the World Cup, there will also be a recognition of the need for justice and healing for those still searching for their loved ones.