At Mexico's 'ranch of horror' families of the missing hope for answers

Relatives of missing persons scuffle with security forces as they demand access at Izaguirre Ranch, which activists have called a cartel-run "extermination camp" during a media tour by Jalisco's Attorney General Office, in Teuchitlan, Jalisco state, Mexico March 20, 2025. REUTERS/Ivan Arias

TEUCHITLAN, Mexico (Reuters) - The gate, black and 10 feet (3 meters) tall, decorated with two rearing white horses, has become synonymous with death in Mexico. For dozens of families waiting outside on Thursday it also offered a tragic sense of hope in their search for missing loved ones.

The families were granted access to what local media has dubbed the "ranch of horror," an alleged cartel killing site and training camp in Teuchitlan, a rural area about 40 miles (64 km) outside Jalisco's capital, Guadalajara.