Congressman calls for investigation into deaths of 3 Americans in Mexico

by Nadia Galindo

Posted: 10.31.2014 at 10:28 PM

The family of the three Americans found dead in Mexico told Action 4 News they want the people who murdered their loved ones brought to justice.

Congressman Henry Cuellar said what happened to them should be investigated.

"It’s a horrible situation I deeply feel for them in their family," he said.

But because the alleged murders occurred across the border that investigation is up to the Mexican government.

"What is important to me is that they are U.S. citizens and we need to find out exactly what happened and what steps to make sure to bring the people who did this to justice," Cuellar said.

The U.S. Department of State reports more than 150,000 Americans safely cross into Mexico everyday but the number of Americans being kidnapped and murdered in Mexico is on the rise.

In 2012, 71 Americans were murdered in Mexico and in 2013 the number grew to 81.

They also report cartel violence continues in most parts of the country.

"I wish Mexico would ask the U-S to help them more, there’s a lot more we can do,” Cuellar said. “They’ve taken steps but still you have situation like this."

Cuellar said the Mexican government is making efforts to counter organized criminal groups but in the state of Tamaulipas, which borders the Rio Grande Valley, enough has not been done.

"They need to do more efforts down here in Tamaulipas because that’s the area that’s needed a lot of help," he said.

The circumstances of the kidnapping of the three Progreso residents are not yet known but Cuellar said Americans should heed travel advisors.

Right now the U.S. Department of State recommends Americans avoid travel to Tamaulipas especially to areas outside of major cities like Reynosa and Matamoros.

"Pay attention to those advisors, I know the Mexicans don’t like it when we put those travel advisors but again we call it the way it is,” he said.

Cuellar said he has contacted the Mexican Embassy and the U.S. State Department to learn more about the investigation into the deaths of these three Americans.

He said the U.S. is ready to partner with Mexico on this investigation.

The funerals for Erica Alvarado, Alejandro Alvarado and Jose Luis Alvarado will be held in Control, the town where they went missing.

The family is also planning a mass in Progreso, but a date and time has not yet been set.

http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=1117262#.VFeHD_nF_kc