Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Gunmen 'kidnap 80 migrants on train'

Ap
Wednesday 29 June 2011 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Masked gunmen stormed a train in south-eastern Mexico and kidnapped at least 80 Central American migrants presumably bound for the United States, a priest has said.

The Rev Alejandro Solalinde said migrants who escaped the attack told him that armed men in ski masks and civilian clothes intercepted the train as it headed north through Veracruz state on Friday. The gunmen then reportedly forced migrants into at least three vehicles.

Mr Solalinde, who runs a migrant shelter in nearby Oaxaca state, said he suspects that the Zetas drug cartel was involved because it operates in the area.

The government's National Immigration Institute said that agents with Grupo Beta, a government-sponsored organisation that aids migrants, had gone to the area to look for witnesses.

Thousands of Central American migrants enter Mexican territory without permission each year, many bound for the US.

A report released in February by Mexico's National Human Rights Commission said that at least 11,333 migrants were abducted between April and September 2010. The cartels allegedly try to extort money from the immigrants or force them to work as drug runners.

In one of the worst attacks, 72 migrants were killed in the state of Tamaulipas in August 2010.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in