Wife Identifies Missing Husband’s Belongings at Cartel Ranch in Mexico

Rubi Cruz identified her husband’s belongings at a suspected cartel ranch, triggering fears of forced recruitment. Kidnapped in 2021, Fermin Hernandez’s story reflects broader issues of violence in Mexico, where over 120,000 people are missing. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel continues to exploit vulnerable youths, with families like Cruz’s and Veronica Cruz’s searching for clarity amid pain and hopelessness.

Rubi Cruz identified her missing husband’s belongings at a suspected Mexican drug cartel training camp, leading her to believe he may have been a victim of forced recruitment. Found items included a shirt and a wallet at a site in Jalisco, amidst a disturbing discovery of bones and clothing, highlighting violent criminal tactics in a nation with over 120,000 missing individuals.

Her husband, Fermin Hernandez, was kidnapped in 2021 by gunmen who shot him in the leg outside their home in Tala. Cruz recognized what she thought were his personal effects in images circulated by a civil society group that was investigating the missing persons’ site. “I felt a lot of pain, a lot of sadness,” expressed Cruz, who wore a shirt that read, “your wife is looking for you.”

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, branded a terrorist organization by former President Trump, has utilized deceptive job advertisements to lure potential recruits. Allegations suggest they provided recruits with arms and combat training at the Izaguirre Ranch, where individuals resisting were allegedly killed, as noted by Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch.

Since the drug war began in 2006, Mexico has witnessed an increase in disappearances and violence. Over 480,000 individuals have lost their lives during this period. Veronica Cruz, not related to Rubi, fears for her son, Robert Reyes, who vanished a year ago after being drawn to job opportunities in Jalisco.

Reyes, 16, reached out to his sister in distress, claiming he was forced into crime and lamenting, “If I do not get out of here, I will watch over you from heaven.” Later, his sister received messages indicating he had died in a shoot-out, revealing the harsh reality of cartel recruitment practices.

Despite efforts by the government to combat cartel recruitment, such as shutting down social media listings, job offers still circulate, particularly on platforms like TikTok, enticing young individuals with promises of meals and lodging. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, led by Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, remains a dominant force.

Jalisco accounts for a significant portion of Mexico’s missing persons, with young men being particularly vulnerable to mandatory enlistment by gangs seeking power and profit. Jorge Ramirez, an academic, notes that many affected are impoverished youths lacking educational opportunities. In 2024, approximately 30 young individuals disappeared under the guise of job interviews in Guadalajara.

While Rubi Cruz clings to hope of her husband’s return, Veronica Cruz’s optimism diminishes as she seeks answers about her son. “Maybe I’m not looking for justice, but I want to know where my son is — whatever it takes,” she stated.

Multiple mass graves have recently been unearthed, illustrating the scale of violence initiated by drug cartels. In January, for instance, authorities discovered 56 bodies in unmarked graves in northern Mexico, and other incidents revealed dismembered remains across various locations. Some criminal organizations reportedly incinerate victims to eliminate evidence, complicating the search for justice.

The plight of missing persons in Mexico is exacerbated by the ruthless tactics of drug cartels, evident in the harrowing experiences of families like those of Rubi and Veronica Cruz. The pervasive problem of forced recruitment continues to affect the most vulnerable segments of society, with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel employing deceptive means to swell their ranks. Despite authorities’ efforts, disappearances persist, urging families to continue their search for loved ones amid pervasive violence and loss.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com