11 Killed And Tens More Wounded In Soccer Field Massacre In Central Mexico

Kids recruited by cartels, Mexico — According to authorities, Sinaloa Cartel factions have been targeting adolescents from Jalisco and transporting them to other parts of the country for training. Marco Ugarte/Via Chicago Tribune/AP

At least 11 people were killed, and tens more were injured Sunday when gunmen opened fire at a soccer field in central Mexico.

"This incident adds to a wave of violence that we are sadly experiencing in the state, and particularly in Salamanca," Salamanca Mayor Cesar Prieto said in a statement, according to the El Paso Times. "Unfortunately, criminal groups are trying to subjugate the authorities, which they will not achieve."

Prieto said the "regrettable and cowardly" attack in the Loma de Flores community happened during a social gathering, the newspaper reported. No motive for the attack has been given.

The Associated Press noted that the Guanajuato state prosecutor's office is working with federal authorities to investigate the incident and step up security in that area.

According to the outlet, Guanajuato had the highest homicide total in Mexico in 2025. The wire service noted that much of the violence stemmed from a conflict between the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

"Unfortunately, there are criminal groups trying to subjugate authorities, something they are not going to achieve," the mayor said.