Cartels Target Migrants in Northern Mexico

 

Migrants in northern Mexico, particularly in cities like Reynosa, face increasing threats of kidnapping, especially as they wait for appointments via the CBP One app.

Cartels, including the Gulf Clan, are exploiting the vulnerability of migrants, targeting them for ransom payments ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. This trend has worsened, with kidnappings escalating in the past year as cartels turn to extortion.

One migrant, D, described the harrowing experience of being kidnapped with her family on a bus. Such incidents are becoming more common, especially as cartel violence spikes in response to U.S. immigration policies.

Advocates warn that the upcoming administration’s policies could exacerbate the danger for migrants. While the Mexican government has increased enforcement efforts, migrants are still caught in the crossfire of criminal organizations as they attempt to navigate a dangerous borderland.