Mexico Kidnappings, American Ransoms

The New York Times reports in detail upon one of the uglier trends part and parcel to the breakdown of law-and-order in many regions of Mexico: Kidnappers are now targeting Mexican citizens who have relatives residing in the United States.

The plan, it seems, is that by targeting such individuals, more valuable ransoms can be demanded (and gotten) from relatives with US$ incomes.

Note that this is not particularly aimed at families with members residing undocumented in the U.S.A.; the crime works far better if the family members are legal American residents or citizens as they can tranfer funds openly.

A sad matter for the families, and a sad matter for Mexico.