Disappearance of Mexicans abroad increases; there are already 658 cases in recent years
This figure is chilling when compared to the period from 2015 to 2019, when 326 cases were registered; that is, the phenomenon has doubled
The disappearance of Mexicans is no longer a phenomenon limited to the national territory. In recent years, the problem has extended beyond borders, with a significant increase in the number of Mexican nationals whose whereabouts are unknown in various countries around the world. According to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), between 2020 and 2025, 658 Mexicans have been reported missing in at least 25 countries, including the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Germany, Belgium, Guatemala, and El Salvador. This figure represents double the 326 cases registered between 2015 and 2019, demonstrating an upward trend. The United States accounts for the largest number of reports, particularly in migration contexts. Experts point out that many Mexican nationals lose contact with their families due to economic limitations, communication breakdowns, or insecurity during their journey. Migration and Obstacles in the Search: The phenomenon is closely linked to irregular migration. According to experts, numerous Mexicans disappear while attempting to cross into the United States or shortly after entering. In these cases, factors such as theft of belongings, lack of resources to communicate, or even the decision to remain hidden to avoid being detained by immigration authorities complicate their location. One recent case is that of Ernesto Rodriguez Soto, originally from Monterrey, who disappeared on March 11 in El Salvador after traveling there to visit friends. Mexican immigration authorities have no record of his return to the country. Another case is that of Diego Dorantes Sanchez, a 23-year-old student who disappeared in 2025 on a beach in Taiwan, whose whereabouts remain unconfirmed despite international search operations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), through its consular network, conducts search efforts in hospitals, detention centers, and shelters, in addition to providing support to families.It also collaborates with international organizations such as Interpol, which is involved in the search for more than a thousand Mexicans in various countries. However, civil society organizations warn that significant challenges persist, such as the lack of coordination among authorities and the limited effectiveness of search mechanisms. For families, geographical distance and legal barriers exacerbate the uncertainty. The increase in these cases reflects a crisis that transcends borders and underscores the need to strengthen international cooperation to address the disappearance of Mexicans abroad.

