Uruapan mayor faces new violence

Mexico’s local governments have faced a wave of deadly attacks on leaders since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office. In Uruapan, Mayor Grecia Quiroz now moves through the city in a convoy of three armored cars and two military trucks, accompanied by 60 federally appointed bodyguards. This heavy security presence marks a sharp contrast to the daily life of the region just a year ago.

Quiroz succeeded Carlos Alberto Manzo, who was shot dead in the city’s main plaza during Day of the Dead celebrations nearly twelve months ago. Manzo had built a reputation for aggressively confronting cartels and political rivals in Michoacan. An Associated Press tally shows at least 13 mayors were killed in the two years since Sheinbaum assumed power. That number compares with 23 mayors killed during the previous six-year administration, according to civil society groups.

The assassination triggered a deep political rift in the state. Federal and state authorities have blamed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel for the killing. Quiroz has accused local officials in the ruling Morena party and criminal groups of orchestrating the attack. State prosecutors have described a complex conspiracy that extended into Manzo’s inner circle. They have detained 34 people in connection with the case. Among those held are seven of Manzo’s bodyguards who were present during the shooting and his godson, who is accused of helping plan the assassination.

Tensions remain high between Quiroz and Manzo’s family. His brother, Juan Manzo, serves in the state government and has accused Quiroz of protecting some of the detained individuals. He criticized her for not handing over Manzo’s cellphone to prosecutors. Quiroz denied the claims, stating that her family was betrayed by those closest to them. She maintained that the accusations have not stopped her from continuing her work.

Violence in Uruapan has increased in recent weeks. State authorities documented 17 killings, eight gunshot injuries, and four attacks on businesses and homes in October. A masked man on a motorcycle shot two women at a taco stand over the weekend, killing one. Local media reported that police found two men in an avocado field with severe burns and signs of torture. These incidents prompted Quiroz to request additional support from the federal government.

On Tuesday, state authorities deployed 200 law enforcement officers to the city to boost security. Residents report that extortions by local groups have risen since Manzo’s death. Store owner David Vázquez said his family had to temporarily close their business due to the pressure. Meanwhile, the plaza where Manzo was killed is covered in posters and busts. His grave remains open to the public, piled with flowers, food offerings, and white sombreros.