U.S. News
Four Americans kidnapped by Mexican cartel in case of mistaken identity [Video]
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Four US citizens were kidnapped in Matamoros, Mexico, by suspected cartel members who mistook them for Haitian drug smugglers.
- The Americans had traveled to Matamoros for medical procedures and were fired upon by unidentified gunmen, who then took them from the scene. An innocent Mexican citizen was killed in the incident.
- The FBI is offering a reward of $50,000 for their safe return and the arrest of those involved.
Four American citizens were kidnapped by gunmen in Matamoros, Mexico, on Friday, March 3, in an incident believed to be a case of mistaken identity. According to CNN, the Americans were not the intended targets and were likely mistaken for Haitian drug smugglers by a Mexican cartel.
The US citizens had traveled to Matamoros for medical procedures and were driving a white minivan with North Carolina plates when they were fired upon by unidentified gunmen. The gunmen then took them from the scene, along with an innocent Mexican citizen who was killed in the incident.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador offered an explanation for the incident: “The information we have is that they crossed the border to buy medicines in Mexico, there was a confrontation between groups and they were detained.”
The incident highlights the ongoing violence in some Mexican cities, which have been wracked by organized crime at least since the Mexican Drug War began in 2006, as well as the growing business of what’s known as “medical tourism.”
The FBI is seeking the public’s help in finding the missing Americans and identifying those responsible. The agency has announced a reward of $50,000 for their return and the arrest of those involved.
The FBI is also cooperating with other federal partners and Mexican law enforcement agencies to investigate the kidnapping. Officials in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas said federal and local resources have been activated to locate the missing people.
The US State Department has issued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory for US citizens thinking of going to Tamaulipas, citing crime and kidnapping. The department warns that “criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.”
Matamoros, a city of more than 500,000 people, is located just across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas. The city was also the site of a large tent encampment of migrants – mostly Venezuelans and Haitians – hoping to cross into the US to request asylum.
Source: cnn.com
Marlopi
March 8, 2023 at 6:51 pm
She is even less qualified than her husband was in 2008.
ji
March 8, 2023 at 7:02 pm
the drug cartel does not care weather its a grandma- granddad – kids aunts uncle or cousins – these guys have killed hundreds of people, so killing americans is no big deal – this is no mistake in what they did – mexico goverment and its so called officals are all bought and paid for from the cartel committe board – if these officals get in the way, the cartel board will send out a hit squad and kill all the family members, all officals – all relatives aunts uncles and who ever else happens to be there at the wrong time – and the officals know about it and stand back and allow the cartel to work with out interfence – biden boy knows this also and allows it too – thats why the border is wide open — the cartel has joined forces with the Chinese communist to move the fentanyl drug with out interfence from the biden and his cackling hyena harris – Biden is allowing human trafficking – sex trafficking – drug tracfficking and what ever other trafficking is illegal to go thru the border – he is an evil person
Frank Bowers
March 9, 2023 at 2:59 pm
Nd has no idea as to where he is or what day of the week nit is. The swamp elected him and the American citizen has to pay the cost.
Vicki
March 8, 2023 at 7:07 pm
Americans don’t travel to Mexico! But we’ll allow the cartels and illegals to cross into our country illegally!!! Our society is soooo Freaking backwards!!!
Political Observer
March 9, 2023 at 9:05 am
Vicki, for sure and for certain or put another way, ABSOLUTELY!!!
Frank Bowers
March 9, 2023 at 3:01 pm
No it is what the swamp wants, free or cheap labor in exchange for the drugs bidens son bring to us. Blame the drop boxes and crude who. Filled them.
dan t
March 8, 2023 at 9:20 pm
mistaken identity really, how stupid do you think americans would be involved in helping illegals cross the boarder maybe the democrats was involved from the U.S. side looking for payoffs for drug cartels , medical surgery? dont you pay in advance for the procedure as well for an armed escort or you just close your eyes and drive yourself to the doctor.
American
March 9, 2023 at 2:26 pm
Hefty price to pay for a tummy tuck.