Fact Check: Guanajuato's violence linked to Santa Rosa de Lima gang and Jalisco cartel
What We Know
Guanajuato, a state in central Mexico, has been experiencing a significant increase in violence, primarily attributed to conflicts between two major criminal organizations: the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Reports indicate that both groups are engaged in a violent struggle for territorial control, which has resulted in a high number of homicides. In 2024 alone, Guanajuato recorded over 3,150 homicides, accounting for more than 10% of the total murders in Mexico that year (source-6).
Recent incidents, such as the shooting of seven youths during a church event in San Bartolo de Berrios, have been linked to the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, with messages left at the scene indicating cartel involvement (source-1). Additionally, a series of coordinated attacks in Salamanca resulted in twelve deaths, further highlighting the ongoing violence attributed to the turf war between these two gangs (source-2).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Guanajuato's violence is linked to the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco cartel is robust. Reports consistently identify these two groups as the primary actors in the violence plaguing the region. The Santa Rosa de Lima cartel is often described as controlling rural areas, while the Jalisco New Generation Cartel dominates urban zones, leading to violent confrontations as they vie for control over lucrative drug trafficking routes and other criminal enterprises (source-4).
The credibility of the sources reporting on this violence is generally high. Major news outlets such as the BBC, AP News, and CBS News have covered these events extensively, providing detailed accounts and context regarding the ongoing cartel wars. These organizations are known for their journalistic standards, which adds reliability to their reporting. However, it is important to note that while these reports are factual, they may not capture the full scope of the violence or the underlying social issues, as they often focus on immediate events rather than broader systemic problems.
Conclusion
The claim that Guanajuato's violence is linked to the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco cartel is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that these two criminal organizations are engaged in a violent struggle for territorial control, leading to numerous killings and widespread fear among the local population. The recent attacks, including the tragic shooting at a church event, exemplify the brutal tactics employed by these gangs to assert their dominance.
