On April 28, 2025, José Luis Pereida Robles, the secretary general of the Teocaltiche City Council, was fatally shot while dining at a restaurant in Teocaltiche, Jalisco, Mexico, just before 5 p.m. local time. Two individuals on a motorcycle fired at close range before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement and medical personnel arrived shortly after, confirming that Robles “no longer had vital signs.”
Teocaltiche, a town of approximately 40,000 residents in northeastern Jalisco, around 100 miles northeast of Guadalajara, was disturbed by the attack at the El Ranger seafood restaurant located in the Tavares neighborhood.
Robles, aged 35, held a law degree from the University of Guadalajara and had led the local PRI’s municipal committee since January 2024. A council colleague, Óscar Vital, was present during the incident but was not injured.
The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office has started an investigation to determine the motive for the shooting, though no suspects have been arrested yet. Authorities have not clarified whether the killing was linked to Robles’ council duties or broader security challenges in the region.
This murder occurred just two weeks after Teocaltiche Chief of Police Ramón Grande Moncada, aged 50, was gunned down by a suspected gang member who approached his vehicle and opened fire on April 15. Moncada was hit three times and died on the spot; his wife survived after receiving medical treatment for her injuries.
Later that evening, federal and state officials seized a property in Teocaltiche used by criminal groups to store stolen vehicles and goods valued at over $2 million, according to local reports. In February, eight municipal police officers were kidnapped, and the remains of four were subsequently found in plastic bags along a highway, prompting the state government to assume control of the local police force.
Security analysts indicate that violence in Jalisco has intensified as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel expanded its influence in recent years. In February, President Donald Trump designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, aiming to impose stricter sanctions on its leaders and financial networks.
Threats to public figures extend beyond Jalisco. In October, the body of Alejandro Arcos, mayor of Chilpancingo, Guerrero, was discovered inside his pickup truck with his head placed on the hood. A former prosecutor and local police official identified as German “N” was arrested in connection with the killing, according to local authorities.
The Teocaltiche City Council released a statement expressing sorrow over Robles’ death and recognizing his dedication to public service. The council stated it “deeply regretted the passing” of its secretary general and added, “His courage and dedication left an indelible mark on our community.”
In Mexico City, members of the Chamber of Deputies observed a minute of silence for Robles at the request of PRI coordinator Rubén Moreira Valdez, highlighting concerns regarding the safety of local officials serving in areas affected by cartel violence.
Local activist groups and relatives of missing persons have organized under the banner Frente Teocaltiche por Nuestra Gente to protest the prevailing climate of impunity. They have urged federal and state authorities to enhance patrols and accountability, while some residents have formed neighborhood watch groups despite concerns of retaliation.
Residents informed El País that daily life is filled with uncertainty, with individuals avoiding routine outings and organizing travel in groups. Many stated that the violence has eroded their sense of community and security.
The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office has pledged to pursue all leads in its inquiry into Robles’ killing. As evidence is gathered and witnesses are interviewed, local and national officials will monitor progress in a case that highlights the significant challenges municipal governments face in cartel-affected regions.