By Ayanna Forde & Samuel Gutierrez, Duo Writers | March 14, 2023
Photo Courtesy Ap Images
Two Americans were held captive and survived a kidnapping in Mexico last week, while the other two that were also involved have been found dead. According to reports, U.S. officials will continue to collaborate with Mexican law enforcement.
The surviving victims were both returned to the U.S. by the Mexican government, according to The State Department.
The ordeal started when four friends crossed the border on Friday, and within hours, they were abducted by gunmen.
Many Americans are concerned because of the tragic outcome.
“The Mexican government responded to this tragedy by probably not putting much effort into it because it's not their people,” Carson High School junior Natasha Okponu said.
Investigators believe that the Americans were targeted by a Mexican cartel that likely mistook them for Haitian drug smugglers according to CNN.
To ensure the safety of citizens when traveling, higher security might be required.
CHS freshman Shannon Harris said, “Something like patrol [in the area] would be good.”
The U.S. State Department advises Americans not to travel to the state due to crime and kidnapping, noting that criminal groups there are prone to targeting public and private passenger vehicles, "often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments."