Wixárika community in Jalisco demands security after alleged kidnappings

Wixárika community members from San Andrés Cohamiata, in the Mezquitic municipality of northern Jalisco, have denounced recent kidnappings of local authorities and residents. The community attributes these acts of violence to individuals allegedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Residents report that security in the region has been deteriorating for over five years, noting that essential workers like doctors and teachers can only enter the area under the protection of the National Guard or the Army. The community has issued an urgent call for intervention from federal, state, and municipal authorities to ensure the safety of families and traditional leaders.

On Sunday, Jalisco Secretary General of Government Salvador Zamora Zamora visited the area by helicopter to attempt a dialogue. However, the meeting ended in tension and without agreements. Community members claimed Zamora failed to address their demands and left the site amid protests, during which a police officer reportedly fired a shot into the air. Conversely, the Jalisco government stated that the dialogue was postponed because community leaders demanded the presence of federal and municipal representatives before beginning formal talks.