In the rugged landscapes of Chihuahua, a dark chapter in religious extremism and patriarchal control has unfolded over decades. The story of the LeBaron family, a notorious name linked to polygamy, abuse, and defiance of the law, offers a disturbing look into how faith can be twisted into a tool of oppression. What began with a religious movement in Utah evolved into a dangerous cult-like existence on Mexican soil.
The Roots of a Controversial Faith
The polygamist fundamentalist church that would later come to be known as the Church of the First Born was established in Chihuahua by Joel LeBaron, originally from Utah. Born in 1931, Joel brought with him a radical vision that soon took on a life of its own. Over time, this group not only promoted polygamy but also became infamous for its practices that included the sexual exploitation of young girls and severe domestic abuse.
In 1972, a bitter power struggle within the family erupted. Joel’s brother, Ervil LeBaron, broke away to form the Church of the Lamb of God. This splinter faction escalated the violence by orchestrating the assassination of Joel in Ensenada, Baja California, a move that reverberated through both the community and the broader sphere of independent journalism. Ervil was later extradited and sentenced in Utah for ordering the deaths of 30 followers, further cementing the family’s sinister legacy.
The Hidden Horrors Behind Closed Doors
Journalists have faced immense challenges when attempting to document the hidden lives of these fundamentalist groups. The isolation enforced by their religious doctrine makes it extremely difficult for outsiders to penetrate their communities.
Survivors who have managed to escape describe a world where:
- Absolute Authority: The patriarch holds unchecked power over every aspect of life, including the sexual rights over women and girls.
- Violence as Control: Armed instructions and threats are common, with orders to use lethal force against any perceived intrusion.
- Forced Subservience: Young women are often subjected to the “total commitment doctrine,” where their identities and freedoms are completely surrendered to the patriarch.
These testimonies reveal a grim reality where violence is normalized and human rights are trampled in the name of divine law. Despite the claims that such groups fight against guns and violence, the paradox is striking. The LeBaron factions are known to defend themselves with assault rifles, and public figures like Alex LeBarón, a deputy for Chihuahua, have even admitted to harboring illegal weapons and engaging in violent reprisals against outsiders.
The Struggle for Justice and Change
Survivors from within these communities, like Janice, Sarah, and Vicky Prunty, have bravely come forward to expose the horrifying abuses they endured. Their stories have spurred the creation of support networks and advocacy groups, aiming to help those who have escaped the confines of these oppressive sects. These courageous voices remind us that the real battle is not only against criminal acts committed in the name of faith but also against the societal structures that allow such abuse to persist.
Independent journalism continues to shine a light on these dark corners of society, ensuring that such stories are told, and that the victims receive the justice and support they deserve.