A Cuban migrant has become the latest victim of kidnapping in Mexico, leaving his family in Cuba in a state of desperation. For 11 agonizing days, they have been unable to see or hear from him during the threatening calls they receive.
Jorge Raúl Avalle Recio, a Cuban migrant in Mexico, has reportedly been held captive since October. In a desperate attempt to secure his release, his wife sent $3,200 as ransom, but he was not freed. After receiving the initial payment, the kidnappers escalated their demand to $12,000, an amount the Cuban family cannot afford. Faced with the possibility of not receiving more money, the criminals lowered the ransom to $6,000, but even this reduced sum is beyond the family's reach.
Jorge Raúl's wife and mother have turned to Cuban journalist Mario J. Pentón to share their harrowing story and seek assistance through social media platforms. They revealed in their messages that they have sold everything they could to gather the first $3,200, and with the latest demand from the kidnappers, they find themselves unable to send additional funds.
The Growing Threat to Cuban Migrants in Mexico
The family has not received any news from Jorge Raúl for 11 days, as his captors have barred any contact, compounding their fears about his safety. This distressing case highlights the increasing danger faced by Cuban migrants in Mexico, where criminal gangs exploit their vulnerability to extort money from their relatives, mainly those residing in the United States.
Mario J. Pentón emphasized the peril of complying with kidnappers' demands, as paying ransom often leads to further extortion. This incident is reminiscent of the ordeal of Adrián Pupo Ojeda, a Cuban doctor kidnapped in Tapachula, Mexico, who was eventually freed after friends and family managed to raise the necessary funds through a donation campaign in the Hispanic community.
Migratory Crisis and Its Perils
The ongoing migration crisis and the harsh conditions faced by Cubans on their journey to the United States continue to expose them to severe risks, such as kidnapping by criminal organizations that see them as a lucrative source of income. Despite the dire circumstances, Jorge Raúl's family clings to the hope of his release, though their lack of resources and the silence enforced by his captors only deepen their anguish.