Cartel La Familia Michoacana abducts over 100 Guerrero farmers in land-grab scheme

In the state of Guerrero, activists allege that the cartel La Familia Michoacana has abducted more than 100 local farmers to pressure residents into surrendering land for a new stronghold. Filiberto Velazquez, director of the Minerva Bello Center for the Rights of Victims of Violence, disclosed that the hostages suffered severe beatings and psychological intimidation, and that the cartel repeatedly relocated them to stay ahead of government forces.

Recent protests demanding the release of seven farmers held for 23 days prompted the Mexican military to launch search operations, resulting in the release of six captives; the remaining survivor reported a larger detention site holding over 100 people. Velazquez accused Guerrero officials of ignoring the victims and leaving them to cover their own medical costs. The kidnappings are tied to the cartel's attempt to establish a base in the rural community of El Bajon de Ajuchitlan, which has openly resisted the group's presence.