In Mexico's Quintana Roo state, local authorities are actively searching for Yasmani Vega López, a Cuban national who has been missing for a fortnight in Cancun. Vega López, aged 36, was last spotted on April 1 in the popular tourist destination within the Benito Juárez municipality, as per an alert issued by the Quintana Roo State Attorney General's Office.
The authorities are appealing to the public for assistance in locating the Cuban man, following a missing persons report filed on April 9. The alert, shared on the Attorney General's social media platforms, includes a photograph of Vega López and details his physical characteristics: fair skin, medium build, straight light brown short hair, hazel eyes, standing at 1.69 meters tall, and weighing approximately 69 kilograms. Notably, he has vertical scars on both wrists, though his attire at the time of disappearance remains unknown.
The public is urged to contact the authorities at 998 881 7150 ext. 2130 or 998 148 4285 should they have any information regarding his whereabouts. As of the time of this report's release, Vega López has not yet been found.
Over the past five years, the number of Cuban migrants in Mexico has surged, driven by a mass exodus of island residents aiming to reach the United States. This increase has been fraught with significant risks due to rising violence and organized crime networks in various Mexican cities and towns. During their journey or stay in Mexico, Cuban migrants frequently fall victim to theft, scams, extortion, disappearances, and kidnappings by gangs involved in human trafficking, and in some cases, even murder.
Since December 2024, at least six Cubans remain missing, with no information available about their fate. According to family reports, these individuals were last known to be in Tapachula, intending to continue their journey to the U.S. border. At the end of March, local media confirmed a rise in cases of extortion, disappearance, and kidnapping of migrants waiting in the city for travel permits to cross Mexico, creating an atmosphere of fear among foreigners, including Cubans.
FAQs on Cuban Migrants in Mexico
What actions are being taken by authorities to find Yasmani Vega López?
Authorities have issued an alert with his photo and physical description, urging the public to report any information on his whereabouts.
Why are Cuban migrants at risk in Mexico?
Cuban migrants face dangers such as violence, organized crime, theft, extortion, and kidnapping due to the presence of criminal networks in the country.
How does the increase in violence affect Cuban migrants in Mexico?
Rising violence has led to a climate of fear among migrants, making them vulnerable to crimes like extortion, kidnapping, and even murder.