On March 3rd, 2023, four U.S citizens were assaulted and kidnapped in a brazen attack by gunmen in Northeastern Mexico. They ended up getting thrown into the back of a pick up truck after crossing the border and getting caught in the violent shooting.

The four victims are identified as Latavia “Tay” McGee, Shaeed Woodard, Eric James Williams and Zindell Brown who are all from South Carolina. They were traveling in a white minivan with North Carolina plates to Mexico to seek for healthcare in the city of Matamoros from Brownsville. However, there was a confrontation  between two different groups on the border when the Americans got caught in it. CNN has contained a video from the moment the Americnas were held at gunpoint along with a collision between a white minivan and another vehicle. American and Mexican authorities have been on the hunt for the Americans and announced a $50,000 reward for the return of the victims.

After investigators had searched for the victims, they were able to track the victim’s whereabouts on March 7th, 2023. Mexican President Andres Manuel had confirmed that two of the victims were alive and the other two victims were dead. It was also included that one of the victims who was found alive had severe injuries and has been treated with medical care. However, the deaths of the victims have not been confirmed by the United States and one suspect has been arrested as the victims are in the hands of Mexican authorities.

Throughout the year, there have been many kidnappings that have occurred in Mexico that have left more suspects arrested for the cases. Investigators believe that the Mexican drug cartel mistaken the Americans for being drug smugglers because of fights terrorizing parts of Mexico and involving feuds with drug cartels. Matamoros has been said to be one of the most dangerous cities in the country where people often buy drugs or medicine. The U.S State Department advised travelers not to visit the place due to crime and kidnapping by criminal groups.