Mexico activists of missing‑persons groups confront government over World Cup protests

Activist Viky Ponce, leader of the Colectivo Manos Buscadoras de Jalisco, denounced a Segob investigation into alleged “acarreo” (sponsorship) of families travelling from Jalisco to protest during the World Cup in Mexico City. Ponce demanded that state resources be used to locate missing relatives rather than scrutinise how families fund their trips, and she rejected the government’s insinuations that her brigade received improper support.

Separately, Jaqueline Palmeros, founder of the “Una Luz en el Camino” collective, reported death threats after a radio interview, saying she was told to “stay silent.” She also complained that protest banners at the Ángel de la Independencia were removed by attendees seeking shelter from rain. Both activists criticised President Claudia Sheinbaum and Secretary of Governance Rosa Icela Rodríguez for what they described as passive‑aggressive violence against families of the disappeared, highlighting the tension between civil society and the federal government during the high‑profile football tournament.