On March 10, 2024, hundreds of activists gathered at Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in New Mexico as part of a global mobilization for International Women’s Day. Organized by the Women’s March, demonstrators demanded accountability for the numerous alleged co-conspirators involved in Epstein’s trafficking and abuse of young girls. This protest comes at a time when federal investigations into Epstein’s network have largely stalled since his death in 2019, despite the emergence of extensive court documents naming many potential enablers.
The rally highlighted the plight of over 150 identified survivors who activists claim have yet to receive justice. Only two individuals connected to Epstein’s activities have faced prosecution. Speakers at the event included family members of survivor Virginia Giuffre, New Mexico State Senator Linda Lopez, and various organizers from indigenous and religious groups.
Women’s March Executive Director Rachel O’Leary Carmona delivered a speech written by Epstein survivor Rachel Benavidez. The protest underscored the work of the New Mexico Commission on Truth and Reconciliation, a bipartisan organization focused on documenting decades of violence against women, children, and Indigenous communities.
In February, the Department of Justice released previously sealed files related to Epstein, prompting New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez to reopen his office’s investigation into alleged illegal activities at Zorro Ranch. Torrez has encouraged survivors to come forward and has committed to producing a comprehensive public report upon concluding the investigation.
At the rally, O’Leary Carmona addressed the systemic failures that have allowed Epstein’s crimes to persist. “The years-long cover-up and protection of Epstein’s allies and co-conspirators exposed a culture of impunity,” she stated. “There can be no peace without accountability, no democracy without justice for survivors, and no freedom while abusers and their enablers are protected.”
In an interview with Newsweek, O’Leary Carmona described New Mexico’s approach as a pivotal moment. “The New Mexico Truth and Reconciliation Commission represents something we haven’t seen from federal authorities — a survivor-centered process that is willing to follow the evidence wherever it leads,” she said. “For decades, Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes were enabled by institutional failures.”
The Women’s March is advocating for the accountability model adopted by New Mexico to be implemented in other regions connected to Epstein’s network, including Florida, New York, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The movement is not only seeking justice for survivors but also aiming to dismantle the systemic barriers that have historically protected powerful individuals at the expense of victims.
As the call for accountability continues, the demonstration at Zorro Ranch serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and the need for a societal shift in how survivors are treated.
