Mothers in Culiacán demand justice for missing children on Mother's Day

In Culiacán, May 10 was not a day of celebration for mothers still searching for their missing children. Instead, they gathered in protest, demanding action from incoming leaders. María Isabel Cruz, founder of the Guerreras Search Dogs collective, led the call for justice and continued support. Hundreds of photographs of disappeared loved ones lined the steps of the Culiacán Cathedral. Flowers were laid beside them as a silent tribute. The images served as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis.

From the cathedral, collectives marched to the State Attorney General’s Office. Their goal was to keep the issue of missing persons in public view. Cruz read a statement on behalf of the group, warning that a change in leadership must not slow the search efforts. She directly addressed Yeraldine Bonilla, the incoming governor. Cruz insisted that if Bonilla lacks experience in managing searches, she must learn quickly. Understanding the pain of a mother with a missing child, she said, is essential. The message was clear: the fight cannot lose momentum, and searches must not be halted.

The protest ended with a firm demand for accountability. Cruz stressed that the disappearance of children remains unresolved, regardless of who holds office. The mothers’ struggle continues, with no intention of backing down until answers are found.