U.S. Consulate in Matamoros warns not to travel due to organized kidnappings in Reynosa

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros issued a notice Friday warning citizens of the dangers of organized kidnappings.

The notice stated that the consulate is aware of organized kidnappings for ransom occurring on intercity buses departing Reynosa, Tamaulipas.

“These kidnappings appear to specifically target passengers with connections to the United States, including U.S. citizens and residents,” the consulate stated. “The kidnappers typically demand ransoms of thousands of dollars for each victim.”

The notice added that the Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Tamaulipas is “Level 4 – Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.”

Travelers are asked to avoiding travelling by bus in or through Tamaulipas, being aware of your surrounding and notifying friends and family of your safety.