When I was I living in Baja I went out with some friends -- we went to this guys place to pick him up --he was some world renowned artist..There are 6 of us out in the backroads to this archeology site. As we were getting ready to leave I started towards the car that was around a small hill. The guy said, I'll show you the way--the rest of them were behind still exploring. When out of site, he turned and grabbed my breasts. I just pushed him aggressively away. I guess it shocked him and he didn't rty anything else. I could not say anything because the friends loved him! And I was terrified of being left in the desert! I told one of the people who was with me but he didn't believe me. A week later he was expedited back to the USA on a couple of charges of date rape. So, yes, even though he had a condo there and was living the dream--he was hiding something!
A dynamite post, Jeanine. I got a firsthand glimpse of this issue when I lived in Mexico City and always thought it would make a great thriller. But you explain the situation so well, I'd rather leave it in your capable hands. You do such a great job.
Gonna just copy-paste this to all the family and friends in the States who repeatedly ask my wife and me how safe we feel here.
My answer to them? I feel most unsafe when I fly back to the US to handle something. No shade. I love the USA, but I do not "feel safer" there.
"Sometimes when I see US criminals all day, it shapes the way I see the States. We've caught an infinite number of Americans. It never ends... Chasing US criminals makes it seem like everyone there is armed. I'm living next to a country where everyone has a gun. Unsafe." ~ Kevin Seiff, of the Gringo Hunters
It was such a quirky name —when I re-researched it I saw Netflix made a series of it! One season for sure. Haven’t checked it out. It is important for people to know it’s a 2way street.
I remember seeing a segment on Dateline about an American who escaped his crimes to Mexico and faked his death in Mexico by digging up a corpse in a Mexican cemetery, and placing his Rolex watch on the corpse wrist and leaving his wallet in the debris. Then he totally to the car but somehow they found through DNA test testing the body was that a Mexican. That’s when I learned that Mexican and Chinese DNA are very similar. Eventually they found him.
The Gulf was once called "Sea of the North" or "Gulf of Florida." at different times before it was known as Gulf of Mexico. It would well imagine those Mexicans do not like the name change. Thank you for the very fascinating and intriguing story Jeanine. My heart goes out to Officer Reyes family. 😔🙏✨💜
So interesting! I've never heard about the Gringo Hunters and all their successes. And how gratifying and rewarding to see how Mexico and the US cooperate on these cases. Was so sorry to read about Abigail Esparza Reyes. Truly, this should be a CNN special report or a Netflics documentary. Thanks for bringing us these under the radar stories!
I read about the tragic death of Esparza Reyes. What a brave one she was and how terrible she was killed. And what an embarrassment to the U.S. to try to rename the Gulf of Mexico. As if our President is a fifth grader and this is schoolyard name calling. How much humiliation can we endure?
Very sad, about Esparza Reyes' death. Definitely brave. And re the gulf name change, I'm happy President Sheinbaum is giving google a little heat on the absurdity of it all.
Thanks for the restack Constance. What I've noticed on the east coast is that MX has its own "social services" department (and I'm writing this a bit tongue in cheek) in that the family unit is every person's 'social security assistance.' Family is really important. QRoo is a new state, so unlike large old and ancient cities, there is less 'baggage,' and ostensibly speaking, there usually is employment due to the burgeoning tourist industry. So really, you do not see homelessness. I'm sorry to hear about the problems in Baja Sur. Are these people local? Progreso on the Gulf does have occasional people in need, but the town seems to assist them. But you are correct, some do not seem to want the help.
In Baja Sur, it seems like a very mixed bag to me. There are families who have been here hundreds of years from the colonists, pirates, and even immigrants from Britain. They always seem to have an extended family that takes care of each other one way or another. Then there are a group of Mexicans involved in the local industries over the last hundred years or so--sugar cane, pearl harvest, fishing and farming--some left for greener pastures as industries disappeared, some stayed on and a few have come back as more government and tourism jobs became available. Sometimes they have a family Network but often don't, especially if people have been in the US for many years.
Now there are people here from all over Mexico, too, and"ex-pats", mostly from the US and Canada, plus tourist and seasonal residents. The big attractions are the beaches, the seafood, the artists, plus jobs in tourism and remote work. The expats Who have lived here a while have their own cliques, and have tried unsuccessfully to build an assistant living facility and nursing services. Some return to the US because they need their Medicare coverage, and/or family and/or government assistance.
Lastly, as low-paid corporate agriculture and "hospitality" jobs have increased, the area is experiencing in- migration from indigenous people and metizos from the mainland, especially from States with horrendous cartel activity. They come up with nothing, and often without much family or neighbors, and the government has solved the problem by splitting up acreages in the desert, of course with no services, and selling it cheaply to these people. So they are camped out in tents and shacks. Local nonprofits are providing donations to keep these people alive and to find work.
Oh dear. It sounds intense. But you certainly are aware of how things work. In QRoo, after huge class 5 Hurricane Gilberto in 1988, since the beach zone is 60 feet from the waterline and belongs to everyone and our beaches in Puerto Morelos extended way way far out due to sand shifts from surge, people squatted on the beach, and laid claim to the beachfront. QRoo state had none of that for too long, and as the jungle across the hwy 307 was basically forest and nothing more, many hectare plots were subdivided and given to the locals. That's now the colonia, and has been since 1988-89. It's like a separate pueblo basically, and bustling. Mexican govt also gave land to the chicleros ,2-1/2 hectares per person, 30 yrs after the Caste War so that QRoo could become a state. It needed a certain # population to qualify. Qroo only became a state in 1973. So much history. There are also many ejidos south of Cancun down throughout the coast, and actually, people trying to sell them off has been a problem, but not so much now. Saludos, amiga, nice 'chatting.'
Great article, although I was sorry to read about Officer Reyes. There are some “problem” Gringos who end up in our little town in Baja California Sur, although most are mentally ill homeless people. Local people try to feed them, and the authorities attempt to find out who they are and contact their families. I’ve read of some taken to the US embassy. I wonder if Mexico has any special unit or office to focus on these sorts of people in need.
I hadn't heard of the Gringo Hunters until now. Nowadays "running to Mexico" seems much harder and not making an effort to assimilate is like a ticking clock before getting caught. Vivid storytelling as always! Thanks for sharing, Jeanine.
Jeanine, I appreciate your engaging and personal storytelling style. It feels like sitting down with a friend who has incredible stories to share. You bring these serious issues to life with heart and clarity, making them feel real and relevant. Thank you for your dedication and honest voice.
You've done it again. Very informative. So, very sorry about the loss of Ms. Reyes, she, her family and friends will be in my prayers. God bless you my friend.
This was really interesting, Jeanine. I had no idea that such investigative units existed in Mexico. I was living in Oregon when the man you mention killed his wife and children and fled south. I knew he was eventually captured, but I never thought about how this occurred.
Wow, what a compliment, Nadine! Gracias. I actually lucked out by seeing the WaPo story. It was so wild I had to go down the rabbit hole. A good way to send to everyone would be to(and a sweet thing for me, too) restack it. I’d really love that! Glad you liked it, and it is an odd turn of events, no??
We only seem to hear of the Mexican criminals, so this was an important reality check, and also an absorbing read. So sorry to read about the death of courageous Abigail. Thanks, Jeanine!
When I was I living in Baja I went out with some friends -- we went to this guys place to pick him up --he was some world renowned artist..There are 6 of us out in the backroads to this archeology site. As we were getting ready to leave I started towards the car that was around a small hill. The guy said, I'll show you the way--the rest of them were behind still exploring. When out of site, he turned and grabbed my breasts. I just pushed him aggressively away. I guess it shocked him and he didn't rty anything else. I could not say anything because the friends loved him! And I was terrified of being left in the desert! I told one of the people who was with me but he didn't believe me. A week later he was expedited back to the USA on a couple of charges of date rape. So, yes, even though he had a condo there and was living the dream--he was hiding something!
Wow!! What a story Kaleena! always so weird to hear about interpol arresting someone. Glad you had your wits about you. Scary.
Indeed-- I am a little more careful now and think ahead! Glad they got him and he is rotting in an LA jail!
A dynamite post, Jeanine. I got a firsthand glimpse of this issue when I lived in Mexico City and always thought it would make a great thriller. But you explain the situation so well, I'd rather leave it in your capable hands. You do such a great job.
Thank you, Carmen!
Thanks for restack Kathryn Kent!
Gonna just copy-paste this to all the family and friends in the States who repeatedly ask my wife and me how safe we feel here.
My answer to them? I feel most unsafe when I fly back to the US to handle something. No shade. I love the USA, but I do not "feel safer" there.
"Sometimes when I see US criminals all day, it shapes the way I see the States. We've caught an infinite number of Americans. It never ends... Chasing US criminals makes it seem like everyone there is armed. I'm living next to a country where everyone has a gun. Unsafe." ~ Kevin Seiff, of the Gringo Hunters
It was such a quirky name —when I re-researched it I saw Netflix made a series of it! One season for sure. Haven’t checked it out. It is important for people to know it’s a 2way street.
I remember seeing a segment on Dateline about an American who escaped his crimes to Mexico and faked his death in Mexico by digging up a corpse in a Mexican cemetery, and placing his Rolex watch on the corpse wrist and leaving his wallet in the debris. Then he totally to the car but somehow they found through DNA test testing the body was that a Mexican. That’s when I learned that Mexican and Chinese DNA are very similar. Eventually they found him.
The Gulf was once called "Sea of the North" or "Gulf of Florida." at different times before it was known as Gulf of Mexico. It would well imagine those Mexicans do not like the name change. Thank you for the very fascinating and intriguing story Jeanine. My heart goes out to Officer Reyes family. 😔🙏✨💜
So interesting! I've never heard about the Gringo Hunters and all their successes. And how gratifying and rewarding to see how Mexico and the US cooperate on these cases. Was so sorry to read about Abigail Esparza Reyes. Truly, this should be a CNN special report or a Netflics documentary. Thanks for bringing us these under the radar stories!
I read about the tragic death of Esparza Reyes. What a brave one she was and how terrible she was killed. And what an embarrassment to the U.S. to try to rename the Gulf of Mexico. As if our President is a fifth grader and this is schoolyard name calling. How much humiliation can we endure?
Very sad, about Esparza Reyes' death. Definitely brave. And re the gulf name change, I'm happy President Sheinbaum is giving google a little heat on the absurdity of it all.
Thanks for the restack Constance. What I've noticed on the east coast is that MX has its own "social services" department (and I'm writing this a bit tongue in cheek) in that the family unit is every person's 'social security assistance.' Family is really important. QRoo is a new state, so unlike large old and ancient cities, there is less 'baggage,' and ostensibly speaking, there usually is employment due to the burgeoning tourist industry. So really, you do not see homelessness. I'm sorry to hear about the problems in Baja Sur. Are these people local? Progreso on the Gulf does have occasional people in need, but the town seems to assist them. But you are correct, some do not seem to want the help.
In Baja Sur, it seems like a very mixed bag to me. There are families who have been here hundreds of years from the colonists, pirates, and even immigrants from Britain. They always seem to have an extended family that takes care of each other one way or another. Then there are a group of Mexicans involved in the local industries over the last hundred years or so--sugar cane, pearl harvest, fishing and farming--some left for greener pastures as industries disappeared, some stayed on and a few have come back as more government and tourism jobs became available. Sometimes they have a family Network but often don't, especially if people have been in the US for many years.
Now there are people here from all over Mexico, too, and"ex-pats", mostly from the US and Canada, plus tourist and seasonal residents. The big attractions are the beaches, the seafood, the artists, plus jobs in tourism and remote work. The expats Who have lived here a while have their own cliques, and have tried unsuccessfully to build an assistant living facility and nursing services. Some return to the US because they need their Medicare coverage, and/or family and/or government assistance.
Lastly, as low-paid corporate agriculture and "hospitality" jobs have increased, the area is experiencing in- migration from indigenous people and metizos from the mainland, especially from States with horrendous cartel activity. They come up with nothing, and often without much family or neighbors, and the government has solved the problem by splitting up acreages in the desert, of course with no services, and selling it cheaply to these people. So they are camped out in tents and shacks. Local nonprofits are providing donations to keep these people alive and to find work.
Oh dear. It sounds intense. But you certainly are aware of how things work. In QRoo, after huge class 5 Hurricane Gilberto in 1988, since the beach zone is 60 feet from the waterline and belongs to everyone and our beaches in Puerto Morelos extended way way far out due to sand shifts from surge, people squatted on the beach, and laid claim to the beachfront. QRoo state had none of that for too long, and as the jungle across the hwy 307 was basically forest and nothing more, many hectare plots were subdivided and given to the locals. That's now the colonia, and has been since 1988-89. It's like a separate pueblo basically, and bustling. Mexican govt also gave land to the chicleros ,2-1/2 hectares per person, 30 yrs after the Caste War so that QRoo could become a state. It needed a certain # population to qualify. Qroo only became a state in 1973. So much history. There are also many ejidos south of Cancun down throughout the coast, and actually, people trying to sell them off has been a problem, but not so much now. Saludos, amiga, nice 'chatting.'
Great article, although I was sorry to read about Officer Reyes. There are some “problem” Gringos who end up in our little town in Baja California Sur, although most are mentally ill homeless people. Local people try to feed them, and the authorities attempt to find out who they are and contact their families. I’ve read of some taken to the US embassy. I wonder if Mexico has any special unit or office to focus on these sorts of people in need.
I hadn't heard of the Gringo Hunters until now. Nowadays "running to Mexico" seems much harder and not making an effort to assimilate is like a ticking clock before getting caught. Vivid storytelling as always! Thanks for sharing, Jeanine.
Jeanine, I appreciate your engaging and personal storytelling style. It feels like sitting down with a friend who has incredible stories to share. You bring these serious issues to life with heart and clarity, making them feel real and relevant. Thank you for your dedication and honest voice.
Thank you so much Tinashe! I really appreciate that a lot. Also, so nice of you to restack!!!
Wisdom worth sharing, I am now aware of "Gringo Hunters".
You've done it again. Very informative. So, very sorry about the loss of Ms. Reyes, she, her family and friends will be in my prayers. God bless you my friend.
Thank you Micheline. Yes, a sad loss indeed. Thanks for reading.
This was really interesting, Jeanine. I had no idea that such investigative units existed in Mexico. I was living in Oregon when the man you mention killed his wife and children and fled south. I knew he was eventually captured, but I never thought about how this occurred.
Simply one of the best things I've read on here. Sending it to everyone I know 💡
Wow, what a compliment, Nadine! Gracias. I actually lucked out by seeing the WaPo story. It was so wild I had to go down the rabbit hole. A good way to send to everyone would be to(and a sweet thing for me, too) restack it. I’d really love that! Glad you liked it, and it is an odd turn of events, no??
Done on Substack and dark social too 😉 it's a great deep dive!
Mil gracias!!
So interesting, Jeanine. I'm sad to hear about Abigai Esparza Reyes. What a brave woman.
Yes, she truly was.
We only seem to hear of the Mexican criminals, so this was an important reality check, and also an absorbing read. So sorry to read about the death of courageous Abigail. Thanks, Jeanine!
Thanks Ruth. Things do go both ways. Abigail really was a brave soul. Very sad about her death.