The anxiety among families of missing Cuban migrants in Tapachula, Mexico, is intensifying. According to a report from Diario del Sur, four Cuban nationals traveling with Meiling Álvarez Bravo and her son Samei Armando Reyes Álvarez—whose disappearance has already sparked alarm on social media—have also been reported missing. The individuals, identified as Elianis, Dairanis, Jorge, and Lorena, arrived in Tapachula on December 18 alongside the mother and son, and have not been heard from since.
Recent details from the same source reveal that the Cuban migrants stayed in a house on Sixth Avenue North until December 21, when they were scheduled to board a boat bound for Juchitán, Oaxaca, at 8:41 a.m. This move was an attempt to bypass immigration checkpoints. Their ultimate goal was to reach Mexico City by land. The journey was reportedly arranged by a man known as “Chapín,” who claimed to know a safe route for a fee of $1,000. However, the whereabouts of all involved remain unknown.
Margarita Bravo, Meiling's mother, recalls the last message she received from her daughter via WhatsApp: “Breakfast has arrived, let's see if we leave, mommy. Kisses, I'll write you later.” Since then, she has had no contact with her daughter or her 14-year-old grandson. “From that moment, I know nothing about them. Calls go unanswered, and messages don't deliver,” Margarita shared with Diario del Sur, her voice filled with emotion.
The Cuban government, through its consul in Mexico, has advised Margarita to “wait,” yet no news has come to ease her troubled heart. Meiling’s sister, Mayelin Álvarez Bravo, who resides in Nebraska, United States, managed to reach out to “Chapín.” Initially, the smuggler provided conflicting explanations, claiming at times that the group was detained by the National Guard, immigration authorities, or even kidnapped. Eventually, he stopped responding altogether, stating that he had nothing more to do with them and that he was being threatened and had lost his clients. “He said he doesn't know who has them,” Mayelin recounts.
To coordinate their efforts, the family has created a WhatsApp group to share information. These cases add to a disturbing trend in Mexico, where there has been a noticeable increase in migrant disappearances. The situation in Tapachula highlights the dangers faced by those attempting to reach the United States, including human trafficking networks and criminal violence. Migrant families are experiencing deep anguish due to the lack of information and decisive action from authorities.
Key Concerns About Migrant Disappearances in Tapachula
What is the current status of the missing Cuban migrants in Tapachula?
As of now, the whereabouts of the missing Cuban migrants, including Meiling Álvarez Bravo and her son, remain unknown. Authorities have not provided new information regarding their situation.
Who is "Chapín" and what role does he play in this situation?
"Chapín" is reportedly the individual who organized the migrants' journey, offering to guide them safely for $1,000. He has since given conflicting accounts of their status and ceased communication with the families.
How are the families of the missing migrants coping with the situation?
Families are experiencing significant distress and have formed a WhatsApp group to share any available information. They are struggling with the lack of updates and action from authorities.