SAN FERNANDO — 2010 · Major Tragedy
The San Fernando Migrant Massacre
On 24 August 2010 Mexican marines found the bodies of 72 migrants on a ranch at El Huizachal in the San Fernando municipality of Tamaulipas. The 58 men and 14 women, most from Central and South America and trying to reach the United States, had been taken from buses and killed by the Los Zetas cartel. The sole survivor, badly wounded, had feigned death and reached a military checkpoint to raise the alarm. According to investigators, the migrants had refused to work for the cartel or to pay ransom. An official leading the inquiry was killed soon afterwards. One of the main perpetrators was captured in June 2011. The massacre stands among the worst atrocities of Mexico's drug war.
- Date
- 2010
- Place
- Tamaulipas, Mexico, San Fernando, MX
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Solved
- Coordinates
- 25.0000, -98.1500 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 22-23 August 2010The migrants were abducted from buses and killed.
- 24 August 2010Acting on the lone survivor's report, marines found 72 bodies.
- August 2010An official leading the investigation disappeared and was killed.
- 17 June 2011Federal Police captured one of the main perpetrators.
Sources
- The Guardian — Bodies of 72 suspected drug cartel victims found by Mexican marines theguardian.com ↗
- Los Angeles Times — Mexico says leader in kidnapping, killing of 72 migrants arrested latimes.com ↗
- NBC News — Migrants killed for refusing to be assassins nbcnews.com ↗
- The Guardian
- Los Angeles Times
- NBC News
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.