Were 4 kidnapped Americans crossed into Mexico for health care?

Asked by: Lillian Jast V  |  Last update: January 8, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (21 votes)

The four Americans traveled to the border from South Carolina for a cosmetic medical procedure, according to family. Four Americans were kidnapped shortly after crossing into Mexico earlier this month. Two survived the violent ordeal, while two members of the group died.

How many US citizens were kidnapped in Mexico?

The abduction of American nationals is a recurring security issue in Mexico. In 2021, there were 625 reported kidnappings, down from 831 cases the previous year. It is estimated that 300-400 cases involve Americans, most of whom are Green Card holders and dual citizens.

Who were the American bodies found in Mexico?

The bodies had been recovered from a remote well about 50 feet deep, authorities said. The attorney general's office said the bodies, found in La Bocana, south of Ensenada, are those of Jake and Callum Robinson, of Australia, and Carter Rhoad, of the U.S.

Is kidnapping still a problem in Mexico?

The abduction of people is a recurring security problem in Mexico. In 2023, a total of 463 cases of kidnapping were registered in the country, down from 506 cases reported a year earlier. The number of kidnappings in the Latin American country remained steady around 1,300 cases per year previous to 2020.

How many US citizens go missing in Mexico each year?

The U.S. government appears to face a growing challenge in Mexico. The number of Americans reported disappeared and still missing rose from 324 in 2020 to 558 now, according to Mexican records — and that's almost certainly an undercount.

4 kidnapped Americans crossed into Mexico for health care, officials say

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Is Mexico safe for tourists right now?

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

What happened to the two aussies in Mexico?

In 2015, two Australian surfers, Adam Coleman and Dean Lucas, were killed in western Sinaloa state, across the Gulf of California — also known as the Sea of Cortez — from the Baja peninsula. Authorities said they were victims of highway bandits. Three suspects were arrested in that case.

What happens to unclaimed bodies in Mexico?

According to the General Health Law [3] the unclaimed bodies,3 and those whose identity is unknown, are considered as unknown persons,4 and therefore, after 72 h, the law dictates those remains must be buried and deposited in the cemeteries [4].

Who were the tourists killed in Ensenada?

Ángel Jesús and two others have been arrested and charged with homicide for the murders of San Diego resident Callum Robinson, 33, his brother Jake Robinson, 30, and their friend Carter Rhoad, 30. The three friends who were reported missing during a surfing trip were found dead in a remote area of Ensenada on May 3.

What happened to the four Americans in Mexico?

The four Americans traveled to the border from South Carolina for a cosmetic medical procedure, according to family. Four Americans were kidnapped shortly after crossing into Mexico earlier this month. Two survived the violent ordeal, while two members of the group died.

Is medical tourism safe in Mexico?

Cancun, Cabo, and Mexico City are just some of the safe destinations for medical tourism. Use Reputable Transportation: Opt for official taxis or transportation services recommended by your medical facility. Keep Personal Belongings Secure: As with any travel destination, be mindful of your belongings and documents.

How many tourists were killed in Mexico last year?

The US State Department reports that 120 Americans of the 5.7 million who visited Mexico last year were murdered, which is a rate of 2.1 of 100,000 visitors. Regardless of whether they were or weren't connected to drug trafficking, which is often not clear, it's less than half the US national rate.

Is Ensenada safe for American tourists?

Baja California is home to the popular tourist destinations of Rosarita and Ensenada in addition to Tijuana. Both Rosarita and Ensenada (Exercise Normal Caution Travel Advisory) are significantly safer than Tijuana as they do not have a border crossing, and do not lie on trafficking routes.

Where 3 dead tourists were found fast, thousands remain missing.?

In Mexico, where tens of thousands of people have disappeared, the robust operation to quickly find the remains of three foreigners, from Australia and the United States, felt like a rare exception.

Were Australian bodies found in Mexico?

Mexican authorities say three bodies found in northern Mexico. In short: Mexican officials have charged one of three people who they had in custody in relation to the disappearance of Australians Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad.

How many US citizens go missing in Mexico?

There are currently 550 Americans missing in Mexico, according to the Washington Post. That's just a small number compared to the 112,000 Mexican nationals missing in Mexico, some even dating back to a decade.

Does Mexico embalm their dead?

In accordance with Mexican health authorities, a body should be buried, cremated, or embalmed within 48 hours after death. If you wish to bury or cremate your loved one either within 12 hours after death or after 48 hours following death, then you will require a permit from the Mexican health authorities.

What do morticians do with unclaimed bodies?

In most cases, local governments use direct cremation to dispose of unclaimed bodies and the cremains are stored for a set period of time. After being stored the cremains may be scattered. The Cremation Society of North America has estimated that there are currently 2 million unclaimed cremated remains in the U.S.

Who were the men found in Mexico?

Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, 30 and 33, and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, disappeared on 27 April while on a surfing trip in Ensenada. Relatives of the three men identified their bodies on Sunday after travelling to Mexico to assist authorities, a state prosecutor said.

What happened to the Perth brothers in Mexico?

Perth brother Callum, 33, and Jake Robinson, 30, were holidaying in Baja California, one of Mexico's most dangerous states, with US citizen Jack Carter Rhoad, when they were killed in what Mexican police described as a robbery gone wrong on April 27.

How safe is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Country Summary: Petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, also affects tourists. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Costa Rica.

What is the safest place in Mexico?

Top Safe Places to Travel in Mexico
  1. Tulum. Tulum is located on the Yucatán Peninsula, within the Quintana Roo state, and along the Caribbean coast. ...
  2. Puerto Vallarta. What are the safest beaches in Mexico? ...
  3. Merida. ...
  4. San Miguel de Allende. ...
  5. Guanajuato. ...
  6. Playa del Carmen.

Is Panama safe for tourists?

Latest update:We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Panama overall due to the threat of violent crime. Crime levels are high in Panama. Take care of your belongings, especially in transport hubs. Pay attention to your personal security in crowded areas and don't go out alone (see 'Safety').

Why do cruise ships stop in Ensenada Mexico?

Under this weird regulation, foreign cruise ships can offer roundtrip cruises that start and end at the same U.S. port, but they must make a stop at a “nearby” foreign port along the way. This is why most cruises that go from Los Angeles, California, to Hawaii and back stop at Ensenada, Mexico.