Puerto Vallarta, renowned for its vibrant tourist attractions, is currently grappling with a grave issue as it seemingly becomes a conduit for the illegal trafficking of minors. Recent reports indicate at least two documented cases within the past 15 days at the International Airport, with speculation that the number could be as high as four, raising significant alarms among local and international authorities.
María Nicolasa García Reynoso, a prominent lawyer and regional representative of the Mexican Pro-Human Rights Front Messenger of Peace, has actively intervened in two critical cases involving a child from Haiti and a teenager from Colombia. Her involvement underscores the severity of these incidents and highlights the pressing need for vigilance in this tourist destination.
Alarming Cases Unfold
The first documented case involves Samuel David, a 15-year-old from South America, who was en route to Tijuana with a Mexican woman from Guerrero. The woman was found with two falsified credentials under different names. The situation drew considerable attention in Puerto Vallarta following the issuance of an Amber Alert after Samuel escaped from the “Vida Nueva” Shelter run by the Integral Development of the Family (DIF).
“In mid-July, I was informed of the federal public prosecutor’s inaction in assuming responsibility for investigating this crime,” García Reynoso revealed. “This inaction, coupled with that of the Attorney General’s Office, led to a situation where the child was essentially detained without any authority willing to take responsibility.” She emphasized that while the National Guard and Immigration personnel acted promptly by notifying the respective embassies and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the federal prosecutor's lack of action was concerning.
At the airport, discrepancies arose when Samuel attempted to board a flight without proper parental authorization. Initially, he claimed his father had given custody to his stepfather, then changed his account, suggesting that the woman accompanying him was first a friend and then his girlfriend, indicating suspicious and potentially illegal activity. García Reynoso coordinated with the municipal president, Francisco José Martínez Gil, to ensure Samuel’s protection in a local shelter.
The State Prosecutor's Office eventually took the child's and the woman’s statements. However, shortly after these developments, news broke of another case involving a Colombian national escaping from custody, further illustrating the complex challenges facing local authorities.
Second Case and Further Complications
The second case involved Smy Thieny, a minor from the Caribbean, attempting to fly to Tijuana with an unrelated woman from Acapulco. Similar to Samuel’s case, there was a significant delay before the Common Jurisdiction Prosecutor's Office intervened, leaving the minor temporarily housed with the Office of the Attorney for the Protection of Children and Adolescents.
“On August 1, I learned of another similar incident,” García Reynoso reported. “A Haitian child was intercepted under similar circumstances, escorted by someone unrelated, without the necessary authorization, and the ticket indicated she had authorized the child to travel alone.” Such repeated occurrences signal a potential pattern and the urgent need for thorough investigation and policy reinforcement.
Legal and Human Rights Implications
García Reynoso, a staunch defender of human rights with a history of exposing grave violations, including the notorious case of pedophile Tomás White in 2000, stressed the critical importance of adhering to both national laws and international treaties. She called for the enforcement of Article 6 of the Federal Penal Code, the General Law on Victims, International Treaties, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to safeguard minors and hold perpetrators accountable.
The activist emphasized the broader implications of this emerging trend, citing the Palermo Protocol’s definition of human trafficking, which encompasses recruitment, transportation, and receipt of individuals. She called upon the Attorney General of the Republic to exercise authority over local prosecutors in Puerto Vallarta, who she claims are neglecting their duties.
“There are clear red flags,” García Reynoso stated, “and it is alarming that U.S. agencies like the FBI and DEA may need to intervene due to federal prosecutor inaction. Such crimes fall squarely within federal jurisdiction. The inactivity sends a dangerous message to offenders that Puerto Vallarta is a safe haven for their activities.”
Call for Action
The unfolding situation in Puerto Vallarta demands immediate attention and action from local and federal authorities. The international community and human rights organizations are closely monitoring developments, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to address and prevent the trafficking of minors. As the city continues to be a major tourist destination, ensuring the safety and rights of all individuals, particularly vulnerable minors, is paramount.
