Unveiling the Horrors of Rancho Izaguirre

Recent discoveries at Rancho Izaguirre in Teuchitlán, including human remains, clandestine crematoriums, and hundreds of articles of clothing, have cast a spotlight on the alleged forced recruitment practices of the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG). Despite initial denials, mounting evidence and survivor testimonies paint a grim picture of the cartel’s operations.

An Ex-Instructor Speaks Out: A Glimpse into the Cartel’s Inner Workings

Adding too the growing body of evidence, a purported former CJNG instructor, identified as “John Wick,” recently shared his experiences on the War Zone podcast, hosted by the Gafe423 YouTube channel. His detailed account sheds light on the inner workings of Rancho Izaguirre and similar training facilities, revealing a system of dehumanization, paramilitary discipline, and ruthless recruitment.

John Wick’s testimony traces his journey from a recruited member to an operational instructor, offering a chilling perspective on the cartel’s methods.

“El harwar”: The Cartel’s “University of Terror”

Within the CJNG, Rancho izaguirre and other training centers were ironically known as “El Harwar,” a twisted reference to Harvard University. This “University of Terror” subjected recruits to a brutal three-phase training program designed to mold them into hardened criminals.

Phase 1: The “Welcome”

The initial phase involved systematic beatings, primarily targeting the chest and stomach to gauge the recruit’s willingness to endure.Those who persevered were provided with uniforms, boots, and tactical gear, often sourced online, even from Chinese retailers. This marked the beginning of their physical training, which included shooting drills and basic weapons handling.

phase 2: Mastering Torture and Coercion

The second phase focused on instructing recruits in torture and coercion techniques. John wick described methods such as nail removal followed by lemon request, and the “soda” technique, where suspended victims had coca-cola poured into their eyes, attracting birds that would peck at them. These methods were intended to harden the recruits and prepare them for their roles within the CJNG.

These brutal methods were designed to harden the character of future CJNG operatives.

Phase 3: Advanced Combat and Evasion

The final phase was reserved for those destined to become cell leaders or operational commanders. This advanced training included techniques for evading authorities, handling explosives, utilizing modified drones, and identifying vulnerabilities in armored vehicles. The goal was to create combatants capable of coordinating attacks, withstanding sieges, and operating in complex environments. Those deemed unsuitable were relegated to the role of “cannon fodder.”

Legal Shielding and Mandatory Confessions

The CJNG employed a disturbing tactic to shield itself from legal repercussions.Recruits were forced to record videos stating, I go to the four letters (a reference to the cartel), which were than sent to the bosses and kept as “legal protection.” This practice aimed to portray recruits as willing participants, thereby undermining any claims of kidnapping or forced recruitment.

“It was mandatory for them to say in camera: ‘I go to the four letters’. That video was sent to the bosses and was kept as legal protection,” John Wick, ex-instructor of the CJNG

Detecting Implants and GPS: The Cartel’s Paranoid Measures

The cartel also employed crude methods to detect potential informants or trackers. According to John Wick, recruits were subjected to electric shocks using car batteries to identify any implants or GPS devices hidden on their person.

“Diario we brought a car battery. If you brought something on the skin, in the nose or in the mouth, when you touch the poles you burned. It served to detect implants or GPS,” John Wick, ex-instructor of the CJNG

Escaping the “University of Terror”

John Wick’s departure from the CJNG came about due to a family situation that prompted him to request time off. During this period, his boss was arrested, fellow members were killed, and his cell’s structure collapsed, allowing him to escape the organization.