On March 3rd, 2023, four US Citizens traveling to Mexico in support of their friend undergoing cosmetic surgery were ambushed at gunpoint and kidnapped at approximately 11:30 am shortly after crossing Brownsville, TX, into the north-eastern state of Tamaulipas, Mexico, into the city of Matamoros.
The ordeal was caught on camera. Three armed men are seen walking Latavia “Tay” McGee to the bed of a white pickup truck while dragging three other men, identified as Eric James Williams, Shaeed Woodard, and Zindell Brown, tossing their limp bodies in carelessly.
After a long search and tips, they were found days later where two of the victims were reported deceased, one injured, and the other unharmed.
One suspect identified at “Jośe N is in custody while the FBI and Mexican authorities continue investigating the traumatic event and identifying the other parties involved. Speculation is furling that it was the cartel or mistaken identity. Seeing four black individuals kidnapped, we were a bit confused by the idea of mistaken identity. It turns out that the Haitian population has grown in Mexico since 2021, with an astounding 47% (62,633 Haitians, including children born in Brazil and Chile) seeking asylum.
Haitian drug smugglers and the cartel have been at odds, adding to the violence in particular parts of Mexico.
With that being said, we want to give our condolences to the families of each of those kidnapped and the three who lost their lives senselessly. Two of the kidnapped victims and one native in the wrong place at the wrong time!
We’ve traveled to Mexico several times, and before you think about going, here are a few tips we would like to share.
BEFORE HEADING TO MEXICO
- Check with the Department of State for travel advisories
- Save the US Embassy information and location in your phone & write it down and keep it in your wallet.
- Sign up for STEP (Smart Travel Enrollment Program) to be notified by the US Embassy or consulate of any international emergencies, natural disasters, or civil unrest in the country that you are visiting.
- Turn on your GPS (or share your location with friends).
- Give friends and family your full itinerary and contact info of all traveling with you.
- Only use reputable tour companies and car services. You can research and book before traveling.
- As funny as it sounds, although you may look different, act like you know where you are and live there.
- Never take anything from a stranger. Get your drink and order from restaurants you feel comfortable with.
- Don’t do drugs. Period! Even marijuana (It can be laced).
- Don’t buy drugs. If you think jail is horrible here, imagine prison in Mexico!
- DO NOT RENT A CAR TO SITE SEE. ESPECIALLY IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING.
- Do your research about the location you are going.
- Learn a few Spanish words or download an offline app to communicate.
- Trust your gut!
These are tips that I use when going to Mexico and other countries. Like anywhere, there are good and bad places; it’s best to know the difference.
Mexico is a beautiful country filled with such rich culture and history. Would we go back, absolutely, but this paints a picture of how no matter what color you are, you have to stay vigilant and observant. Do not go anywhere you do not feel welcomed or comfortable.
Our prayers to the family, friends, and victims who lost their lives and the traumatic experience they endured. Stay strong.
