Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – During the tenure of the current state administration in Jalisco, Mexico, a concerning trend has emerged with the disappearance of 160 foreign individuals, out of which only 54 have been successfully located. The National Registry of Missing and Unlocated Persons confirms that the fate of 106 individuals remains unknown, casting a shadow over the state’s security conditions, particularly for expatriates.
Rogelio Barba, a member of the University of Guadalajara’s Analysis Committee on Disappearances, highlights an alarming pattern. Most victims are North Americans perceived as affluent, making them targets for organized crime. “Disappearance serves as a strategy when direct financial extraction is impossible,” explains Barba, shedding light on a sinister aspect of criminal operations in the region. They are retired people who come and spend their last years in Ajijic, Puerto Vallarta, and Chapala, according to Barba.
This troubling situation extends beyond individual tragedies, tarnishing Jalisco’s international reputation. Alejandra Cartagena of Iteso’s University Center for Dignity and Justice points out the state’s image as an insecure and unpunished region, noting the high-profile nature of some disappearances yet acknowledging the grim outcomes often encountered.
The predominance of North American victims, including Canadians and Americans, has implications beyond the local context. As Barba notes, this trend damages the state’s economic interests, particularly in sectors like tourism, and strains diplomatic relations. Governments of affected nations are increasingly cautioning their citizens against travel to certain areas, highlighting the state’s ineffectiveness in curbing crime.
Since December 6, 2018, 106 foreigners have been reported missing in Jalisco, with only 54 found, some tragically deceased. Americans constitute the largest group of victims, with 60 disappearances and only 25 found, one dead. The Canadian community has also been impacted, with five still missing, four located, and one dead.
The ongoing situation in Jalisco not only underscores the gravity of the state’s security challenges but also serves as a call to action for authorities at both local and international levels. Addressing these disappearances is crucial not only for the safety and well-being of foreign nationals but also for maintaining Jalisco’s standing as a safe and welcoming destination.
