Three Cuban men managed to escape from a "safe house" in Cancún, Mexico, on Tuesday where they were being held captive, and they sought assistance from the National Guard, as reported by local media.
At approximately 6:50 a.m., the trio arrived at the National Guard base located on Chac Mool Avenue, in superblock 220, and urgently requested help from the military personnel after fleeing the residence where their captors had unlawfully detained them.
The escapees reported that there were seven other individuals also held against their will inside the house, according to the newspaper Por Esto!, which identified the Cubans by their first names: Jordani, Aniel, and Rolando.
Based on their accounts, they jumped from the second floor of the building to make their escape, and then ran to the military base seeking refuge. Photographs shared by various news outlets showed the men barefoot.
Preliminary reports indicated that the National Guard personnel promptly activated victim assistance protocols and provided shelter for the three Cubans, while a surveillance and protection operation was launched in the vicinity of the base. The incident was communicated to state and federal authorities.
Por Esto! also reported that authorities visited the address provided by the men, but it remains unconfirmed whether additional individuals were rescued from the safe house.
The three Cubans received initial medical attention and were reported to be stable and out of immediate danger. They were subsequently taken into custody by the National Institute of Migration (INM).
The investigation is being led by the Attorney General's Office of Quintana Roo, which is tasked with uncovering the details of the alleged kidnapping, and determining if it is linked to human trafficking, extortion, or other criminal activities, as well as identifying those responsible.
More information on the incident is expected to surface throughout the day.
The increasing migration of Cubans to Mexico in recent years has subjected them to high-risk situations, as criminal groups exploit vulnerable foreign migrants. Families of Cuban migrants have reported kidnappings and ransom demands for their release. Meanwhile, some remain missing, leaving their families pleading for assistance in locating them.
Cuban Migrants and the Risks of Organized Crime
How did the Cuban men escape from their captors in Cancún?
The Cuban men escaped by jumping from the second floor of the safe house where they were being held and then ran to a National Guard base for help.
What actions did the National Guard take following the escape?
The National Guard activated victim assistance protocols, provided shelter to the Cuban men, and launched a surveillance and protection operation in the area.
What is the role of the Attorney General's Office of Quintana Roo in this case?
The Attorney General's Office of Quintana Roo is responsible for investigating the details of the kidnapping, determining any links to other crimes, and identifying the perpetrators.
Why are Cuban migrants at risk in Mexico?
Cuban migrants face high-risk situations in Mexico due to exploitation by organized crime groups that target vulnerable foreign migrants.