Izaguirre Ranch, settled in Whitewright, a rural area 60 miles north of Dallas, has a black metal gate adorned with rearing horses. It’s a symbol that social media users have speculated is somehow connected to a controversial site in Mexico. The ranch, owned by Perla Villarreal, has been at the center of online discussions and rumors linking it to the Rancho Izaguirre in Teuchitlan, Jalisco, which Mexican authorities say was a training site for a cartel.
Online posts suggest the symbol that adorns the ranch in Texas resembles the gate of Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico, fueling speculation about a possible connection between the two properties. However, Villarreal has denied any involvement with the cartel or the events in Jalisco, stating that the similarities between the two gates are merely a coincidence. The gate at the entrance of the ranch in Mexico also has two horses facing each other and the name at the top, similar to the one in Texas.
Villarreal told The Dallas Morning News that she was being targeted on social media because of the similarities between the two properties. Online users have linked her ranch to events in Jalisco and drug cartels, despite her declarations of not being involved. “There was someone who wrote to me, ‘I hope they do the worst to you and your family, that they treat you worse than animals.’ But why?” Villarreal said. The harassment and threats have taken a toll on Villarreal and her family, who have tried to build a life in Texas.
The discovery of the Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico has shed light on the dark activities of cartels in the region. In March, a group of volunteers named Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco — Warrior Searches of Jalisco — followed an anonymous tip that led them to a site where there were signs of an extermination camp and a crematorium. The group is dedicated to searching for clandestine graves in hopes of finding remains of their missing loved ones. The site was at Rancho Izaguirre near the village of Teuchitlan, about 37 miles west of Guadalajara, Mexico.
On March 5, authorities in Jalisco found 200 pairs of shoes and other personal belongings at the site. The site is believed to be associated with the New Generation Jalisco Cartel. At first, authorities said it was a crematorium, but later government officials said it was a training camp for cartel members. The civil group said they found three underground cremation ovens at the site. Bone fragments and charred human remains were discovered, revealing the atrocities committed at the site.
What happened at the Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico?
The Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico was discovered in March, and since then, authorities have been investigating the site. Mexican authorities raided the ranch last September, which led to 10 arrests and the rescue of two hostages. One body wrapped in plastic was found then, but the full extent of the site was not uncovered. The site was allegedly used as a training facility for cartel activities, according to Omar Garcia Harfuch, Mexico’s Security and Citizen Protection minister.
In 2024, there were nearly 120,000 “forcibly disappeared” people in the state of Jalisco, making it the state with the most disappearances in the country, according to Red Lupa, an organization that focuses on missing persons and forced disappearances. The discovery of the Rancho Izaguirre has brought attention to the issue of forced disappearances in Mexico and the need for authorities to take action to prevent such atrocities.
Why is it relevant to Texas?
When Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico was discovered, people on social media posted photos and even the location of the Izaguirre Ranch in Texas, arguing without evidence of an alleged link to the property in Mexico. The owner of Izaguirre Ranch, Perla Villarreal, has denied any connection to the cartel or the events in Jalisco. The steel entrance to her property has the name on top, along with two horses facing each other and a forest background, similar to the gate at the entrance of the ranch in Mexico.
Villarreal says it’s a coincidence that the gates are similar, and that the gate at her property was made just two or three years ago. “It’s called Izaguirre because my husband and children are Izaguirre, and it has horses because my husband has always loved them,” she explained. Despite her denials, people on social media started harassing her in videos and comments, and she received threats against her and her family on their private messages on her TikTok account.
The News visited Izaguirre Ranch and had an in-depth conversation with Perla Villarreal and her husband, Severo Izaguirre, in which they discussed the struggles to build their estate over the years. The couple provided information about their gradual growth and property ownership, which was confirmed through public property and other state records. The News found no evidence to suggest that the Izaguirre Ranch in Texas is connected to the Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico or the cartel.
The situation highlights the dangers of spreading misinformation on social media and the importance of verifying information before sharing it. The harassment and threats against Villarreal and her family are a consequence of the false accusations and speculation surrounding the Izaguirre Ranch in Texas. It is essential to approach such situations with caution and to rely on credible sources of information to avoid causing harm to innocent people.
Conclusion
The discovery of the Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico has brought attention to the dark activities of cartels in the region and the issue of forced disappearances. The similarities between the gates at the Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico and the Izaguirre Ranch in Texas have led to speculation and false accusations against the owners of the Texas property. However, there is no evidence to suggest a connection between the two properties, and the owners have denied any involvement with the cartel or the events in Jalisco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Izaguirre Ranch in Texas and the Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico:
- Q: Is the Izaguirre Ranch in Texas connected to the Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico?
A: There is no evidence to suggest a connection between the two properties. The owners of the Izaguirre Ranch in Texas have denied any involvement with the cartel or the events in Jalisco. - Q: What happened at the Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico?
A: The Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico was discovered in March, and authorities found signs of an extermination camp and a crematorium. The site is believed to be associated with the New Generation Jalisco Cartel. - Q: Why are people on social media speculating about a connection between the two properties?
A: The similarities between the gates at the Rancho Izaguirre in Mexico and the Izaguirre Ranch in Texas have led to speculation and false accusations against the owners of the Texas property. - Q: Have the owners of the Izaguirre Ranch in Texas received threats or harassment?
A: Yes, the owners of the Izaguirre Ranch in Texas have received threats and harassment on social media, including private messages on their TikTok account. - Q: What can be done to prevent the spread of misinformation on social media?
A: It is essential to verify information before sharing it on social media and to rely on credible sources of information to avoid causing harm to innocent people.
