Jalisco Human Rights Commission reports failures in search for 119 missing persons

The Jalisco State Human Rights Commission (CEDHJ) has documented serious failures in the investigation and search for 119 missing persons in the state. In Recommendation 19/26, issued on August 7, 2026, the commission identified omissions, delays, and deficiencies involving public ministry agents, investigators, and forensic personnel.

The report covers 107 complaints spanning events between 2011 and 2025 across 17 municipalities, including Guadalajara, Zapopan, and Tlajomulco de Zúñiga. Of the 119 missing individuals, 108 are men and 11 are women. The CEDHJ confirmed that 16 individuals were located, though all were found deceased. In two other cases, authorities claimed individuals were located, but the commission determined there was insufficient scientific evidence to confirm the identities of the bodies.

The CEDHJ highlighted common issues such as lack of exhaustive investigations, insufficient search actions, and secondary victimization of families. The commission criticized several institutions, including the State Prosecutor's Office, the Jalisco Institute of Forensic Sciences, and the State Search Commission, for violating rights related to justice, security, and the right to truth.