Click here to see how our firm is preparing for COVID-19

Mexican Banditos Kidnap Migrants Trying to Reach US Border

Spread the love

Mexican authorities continue to investigate a kidnapping of 73 migrant workers by an organized crime group looking for ransom. This crime illustrates the danger and lawlessness that continues to rage along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Immigrants kidnapped for ransom off bus

Men, women and children from Central America and Mexico were held for as long as four months as they tried to cross the border before federal police discovered them in a border town on Monday. Mexican authorities arrested three men who were allegedly holding these people hostage and an additional two serving as lookouts. Immigration authorities say the victims told them they were being held for ransom and ordered off local buses by their kidnappers. The focus has recently shifted towards Mexico’s economy and structural reforms, but this crime shows the long standing security issues that remain.

Kidnappings very common

This incident reflects the rise in immigrants from Central America in the past few years. Because of the violence occurring throughout Central America, risking illegal immigration is a small price to pay for these people. "They are willing to risk everything in Mexico, even though they know what might be waiting for them there," said Maureen Mayer, a researcher at the Washington Office on Latin America Think Tank. Kidnappings of immigrants are more common than people think. Rev. Hector Silva, who runs a shelter for immigrants says organized crime groups usually “stop a bus, order the immigrants off, put them into their own pickup trucks, and disappear.”  Immigrants are usually ransomed from there or forced to work with drugs. With many only having the goal of getting to the U.S. in mind, they will do anything in order to be released and hopefully cross to a safe area.

If you are looking for a licensed immigration attorney, have questions regarding immigration reform, applying for a visa or attaining legal status, contact us at 314-961-8200 or visit our contact page.

You May Also Like

I-140 Processing Time: Everything You Should Know Spread the loveForm I-140, known as Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, is essential for obtaining permanent resident status in the United States. Generally, I-140 processing time varies from case... VIEW POST
How to Do a USCIS Status Check Spread the loveImmigration processes in the United States can be lengthy. Thus, doing a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status check is essential to keep track of... VIEW POST
How To Do a DS-260 Application Spread the love Individuals and family members seeking a Diversity Visa, or anyone living outside the United States who plans to obtain a marriage-based green card, must complete Form... VIEW POST

Download Free Guide 
2023 Immigrant’s Guide to 
Becoming a U.S. Citizen

This guide contains all you need to know to become  
a U.S. citizen.

Download Free Guide 2022 Immigrant’s Guide to Becoming a U.S. Citizen

This guide contains all you need to know
to become a U.S. citizen.
DOWNLOAD FREE PDF

Immigration 
Answers Show
Live every week.

JOIN US