(NewsNation) — As border crossings continue to decline, some Mexican cartels are appearing to change tactics by kidnapping civilians for ransom, including Americans.
Mexican authorities recently rescued two Americans who were abducted outside a sports bar in the border town of Juarez.
With fewer migrants at the border, cartels are receiving fewer “floor fees,” which migrants looking to cross into the United States pay to travel through the territory.
US citizens abducted by cartel, severely beaten and tortured
Some have resorted to targeting both American and Mexican civilians whom they believe have something to lose, like a business or a job, or those who have family members willing to pay for their release.
In the case of the two Americans abducted in Juarez, Mexican authorities say they were taken to a stash house where they were later found with migrants from Central America and China. The group had reportedly been severely beaten and tortured in an attempt to get their families to pay a ransom.
The rescue mission was put together by Mexican authorities, and the FBI provided technical support for tracking down the suspects.
US officials warn against travel to some Mexican states
The U.S. State Department has warned Americans against traveling to at least six Mexican states, including Michoacán, Tamaulipas and Sinaloa.
If something goes wrong, emergency services in these areas are limited.
The state of Chihuahua, where the abduction unfolded, is now under a “reconsider travel” advisory, meaning even U.S. government employees face restrictions, like avoiding traveling between cities after dark and taking approved transportation such as an Uber or registered taxi.
Trump administration deports migrants to El Salvador
The Trump administration has cracked down on illegal immigration, deporting hundreds of migrants to a notorious El Salvadoran prison in recent months. This includes Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who the administration said was deported by accident.
Abrego Garcia has not been returned to the United States even after a Supreme Court order that said Trump and his team must “facilitate” his return. The Trump administration continues to say that Abrego Garcia is a member of the Long Island MS-13 gang despite Abrego Garcia denying the allegations.
Trump also floated the idea of deporting “homegrown criminals” to the El Salvador megaprison during his meeting with the President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele. However, it is unclear if this would be legal.