Clemente Rodríguez has used his body as a canvas to document the ongoing search for his missing son through a series of tattoos. Each tattoo holds significance, from a turtle representing his son’s school to a dove symbolizing hope. For Clemente, these tattoos serve as a constant reminder to his son that he has never stopped looking for him.
In September 2014, Christian Rodríguez, along with 42 classmates, disappeared from a teachers college in Guerrero, Mexico. Clemente and other parents have been demanding answers since then, meeting on the 26th of each month at the Rural Normal School at Ayotzinapa to seek justice for their missing sons. As the 10th anniversary approaches, the pain and frustration remain palpable for Clemente and other families.
The case of the 43 missing students is just one among over 115,000 people reported missing in Mexico, reflecting the widespread issue of unresolved crimes in the country. Various administrations have offered conflicting explanations, but families are still left without concrete answers about the fate of their children.
In the aftermath of the students’ disappearance, parents embarked on desperate searches, braving dangerous territories to find their missing loved ones. The relentless search has taken a toll on the parents’ lives, disrupting their livelihoods and forcing them to abandon their daily routines to focus on seeking justice for their children.
As the parents continue their quest for answers, they find support and solidarity at the Rural Normal School at Ayotzinapa, a place where grief and activism intertwine. The school serves as a hub for the families’ fight for justice, with students and parents standing united in their pursuit of truth and accountability.
Despite disappointments in meetings with government officials, including President López Obrador, Clemente and other parents remain resolute in their determination to uncover the truth. They refuse to give up on their search for answers, believing that those in power hold the key to revealing the fate of their missing children.
