Through 1839 to 1840, starting on May 29, he led a revolt which helped push the Yucatán's separation from Mexico, which was currently going through tough problems after the Pastry War with France and was also having difficulty, and weakness, regaining territory lost to the U.S, including Texas.
The Centralized Mexican government at the time was becoming more frustrated, in need of men to reconquer Texas from the United States, and sought to gather soldiers by being more oppressive to this deed.
Imán brought much social chaos during his rebellions with his some Five to Seven Hundred men at first and led violence across the town of Tizimin and surrounding area until many more people become absorbed into the all out drive against the central government.
I have the pleasure to introduce myself among this worthy people, and I am satisfied that there will be known, in me, the character of a proud victor, but the friendliness of a peaceful citizen: to win the laurels of that victory brings, I preferred the olive of peace, with this I invite you to accompany the minutes of the delivery of this heroic people, and do not believe the horrible blow of the gun is necessary for you out of your slumber, because I am convinced this fraternal hint will be enough to revive in your breasts, the patriotic feelings that motivate you for the just cause I maintain.
FELLOW CITIZENS: even when circumstances demand it, my heart melts to send a shot to my brothers, whose existence is very noticeable to me, everyone is Yucatecan, we are all children of a common mother, we despedacemos inmolándonos each other: by me part declare to you I just wanna shake the sacred bonds that unite us via positive covenants, and to restore the general code of the nation, and particularly the state, which set out to ensure a stable way, the social goods that emanate from them, and identify our interests with the rest of Mexico, to swear to belong: Lay down, then, ominous warnings that cause matter to tyranny, our object is not shirk of obedience to the Supreme Government, but wait for the moment happy giving away their respectable provisions, so after deign give the general clamor of the people: if you speak nceramente, while I assure you that never take you to your homes the devastation, death and pillage.
Santiago continued to lead as a "Brigaider General" in the following years including the retaliation attempts by the Central government and would reside in the minds of Yucatán citizens, progressing intensely into the Caste Wars in 1847.