PLopez-Cervantes Voiceover II

Migrants crossing the border between Mexico and Guatemala are being kidnapped by criminals who demand money for their release. The criminals operate by offering to transport migrants for a small fee but instead take them captive. The organization "Alto al Secuestro" reported the theft of 262 migrants in March, and this number could be even higher due to underreporting out of fear of reprisal. Impunity is common, and families are desperate to have their loved ones returned. The kidnapping of immigrants has become a serious issue, especially considering the significant increase in attempted border crossings in the past year. Migrants report kidnappings at the front border of Mexico and Guatemala. This group of migrants reported a kidnapping in Tapachula. And just by crossing the border of Guatemala to Mexico, the criminals demanded $100 to set them free. Roberto says his life is in danger. I was kidnapped for 24 hours. The truth is I didn't know what to do. There were so many of us locked up. The bribe is demanded to be paid in cash or electronic transfer. A marking is placed on the arms for those who have already been paid, who have already paid. Operating on the street where immigrants walk by, they are offered to be taken to the nearest town for a dollar payment. But in reality, they're being transported to their place of captivity. They took a whole family. When we tried to avoid them, they told us that we had to join the rest of the group because we had no other choice but to follow them. The organization Alto al Secreso, Alto al Secuestro, reported the theft of 262 migrants in March, which is unprecedented numbers. And there could be more, but due to the lack of reporting due to potential reprisal, this crime remains unreported. Everyone that passes through must pay a quota. The person who doesn't give a quota is kidnapped because everyone is involved, including merchants and taxi operators. The whole world is involved. Every day, a minimum of 100, up to 300, and even 500 migrants are kidnapped. The most recent case was reported by the organization 1,800 Inmigrantes, which confirmed the kidnapping of eight Ecuadorians in the border of Ciudad Juarez, where they were demanded to pay $10,000 each. Many times, impunity is left because there's no process of reparation and all that the families want are to have their loved ones back. The kidnapping of immigrants has raised alarms because only a year ago, 7,800,000 people were detected to attempt to enter the United States, which is an increase of 77%. In Ciudad de Mexico, Alejandro Madrigal, Univision.