On August 23, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that three women from Texas, two sisters and a friend, were missing in Mexico after crossing the border. The women, identified as Erica Alvarado Rivera, 26, Alejandra Rivera, 43, and Yanira Maldonado, 36, had crossed the border from Laredo, Texas, into Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, on July 3 to visit their father in Mexico.
The women were reported missing by their families after they failed to return home as planned. The FBI became involved in the investigation after being contacted by the Mexican authorities. According to the FBI, the Mexican authorities have been conducting an investigation into the disappearance of the women, but no further details about the investigation have been released.
The disappearance of the three women has raised concerns about the safety of crossing the border into Mexico. Nuevo Laredo, the city where the women crossed into Mexico, is known for its high levels of crime and violence. The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory for the city, warning U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution due to the risk of violent crime and kidnapping.
The disappearance of the three women is not an isolated incident. According to a report released by the FBI in August 2021, there has been a significant increase in the number of U.S. citizens reported missing in Mexico over the past year. The report states that there were 45 cases of U.S. citizens reported missing in Mexico from January 2020 to June 2021, compared to 31 cases during the same period the previous year.
The report also highlights the dangers of traveling to Mexico and urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the country. The FBI advises U.S. citizens to be vigilant when crossing the border into Mexico and to avoid traveling alone or at night.
The disappearance of the three women has also raised questions about the role of the U.S. government in ensuring the safety of its citizens. The families of the missing women have criticized the U.S. government for not doing enough to help locate their loved ones. The families have also called on the Mexican authorities to do more to investigate the disappearance of the women.
In response to the criticism, the U.S. government has pledged to assist in the investigation into the disappearance of the women. In a statement, the U.S. Department of State said that it is working closely with the Mexican authorities to locate the missing women and bring those responsible to justice.
The disappearance of the three women is a tragic reminder of the dangers of crossing the border into Mexico. The city of Nuevo Laredo is just one of many places in Mexico where U.S. citizens are at risk of becoming victims of crime and violence. Despite the risks, many U.S. citizens continue to travel to Mexico for vacation or to visit family and friends.
To stay safe when traveling to Mexico, the FBI recommends that U.S. citizens take the following precautions:
– Do not travel alone, especially at night
– Use toll roads whenever possible
– Stay in well-lit areas and avoid areas that are known for high levels of crime
– Do not display expensive jewelry or accessories
– Do not carry large amounts of cash
– Make copies of your passport and other important documents and keep the originals in a secure location
The FBI also advises travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows U.S. citizens to receive important information and updates from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.
In conclusion, the disappearance of the three Texas sisters and their friend in Mexico is a tragic reminder of the dangers of traveling to Mexico. The incident highlights the need for U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the country and for the U.S. government to do more to ensure the safety of its citizens. As the investigation into the disappearance of the women continues, we hope for their safe return and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.