On April 28, 2025, José Luis Pereida Robles, serving as the Secretary General of the Teocaltiche City Council, was shot and killed while dining at a local restaurant in Teocaltiche, Jalisco, Mexico, shortly before 5 p.m. local time. Two assailants on a motorcycle approached and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene. Upon arrival, police and medical responders confirmed that Robles “no longer had vital signs.”
The attack occurred at the El Ranger seafood restaurant located in the Tavares neighborhood of Teocaltiche, a town with a population of about 40,000 people in northeastern Jalisco, approximately 100 miles northeast of Guadalajara. The incident has unsettled the local community.
Robles, aged 35, held a law degree from the University of Guadalajara and had been leading the local PRI’s (political party) municipal committee since January 2024. Council member Óscar Vital was present during the shooting but was not harmed.
The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office has started an investigation to determine the motive for the shooting, though no arrests have been made yet. Authorities have not determined if the murder was linked to Robles’ council duties or broader security issues in the area.
This killing occurred merely two weeks after Teocaltiche Chief of Police Ramón Grande Moncada, 50, was killed. Moncada was shot by a suspected gang member while in his vehicle on April 15, sustaining three gunshot wounds and dying on the scene. His wife survived after receiving medical attention for her injuries.
On the same night as Moncada’s death, federal and state authorities seized a property in Teocaltiche used by criminal organizations to store stolen vehicles and goods worth over $2 million, according to reports.
In February, eight municipal officers were abducted, and the remains of four were later discovered in plastic bags on a highway, prompting state authorities to take control of the local police force.
Security experts note an increase in violence in Jalisco as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel expands its influence. In February, President Donald Trump designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, in an effort to impose stricter sanctions on its leaders and financial operations.
The threat to public officials extends beyond Jalisco. In October, the body of Alejandro Arcos, mayor of Chilpancingo, Guerrero, was found in his pickup truck, with his head placed on the hood. A former prosecutor and local police official identified as German “N” has been arrested in connection with this incident, according to local authorities.
The Teocaltiche City Council issued a statement expressing sorrow over Robles’ death and praising his public service commitment. 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, the Chamber of Deputies observed a moment of silence for Robles at the request of PRI coordinator Rubén Moreira Valdez, underscoring concerns about the safety of local officials in regions affected by cartel violence.
Local activist groups and families of missing persons have organized under the banner Frente Teocaltiche por Nuestra Gente to challenge the prevailing climate of impunity. They urge federal and state authorities to bolster patrols and accountability, with some residents forming neighborhood watch groups despite fears of retaliation.
Residents shared with El País that daily life is now fraught with uncertainty, leading people to avoid routine outings and travel in groups. Many noted that the violence has eroded their sense of community and security.
The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office has committed to pursuing all leads in Robles’ case. As evidence is gathered and witnesses are interviewed, both local and national officials await developments in this case, which highlights the significant challenges facing municipal governments in areas dominated by cartel activity.
