US officials vow to hunt down drug cartel responsible for two American deaths

Officials said Latavia McGee and Eric Williams were rescued in Mexico. Two others traveling with them, Woodard and Zindell Brown, were killed.

HOUSTON. The US State Department has promised to track down the drug cartel that kidnapped four Americans on Friday in Mexico. Two of the victims were killed and two others have now returned to the United States to a hospital in Texas.

Authorities said Latavia McGee and Eric Williams were rescued from a safe house about 30 minutes from where they were originally abducted in Matamoros, Mexico on Friday. Matamoros is on the border with Brownsville, Texas.

Two other Americans traveling with them, Woodard and Zindell Brown, were killed.

Federal officials said the group traveled to Matamoros so McGee could get cosmetic surgery, but shortly after crossing into Mexico, they became embroiled in a shootout between two rival cartels.

The retired national security agent said the incident highlights how dangerous travel to Mexico can be and that there are very few safe areas.

“Anyone with an out-of-state license plate or a U.S. license plate is automatically targeted,” said Harry Jimenez, a former homeland security agent. “If you’re planning a vacation, stay in the complex you’re visiting and don’t go out.”

Matamoros is currently under a level four travel ban from the state department, which is its top travel board.

This is also happening because many will soon be heading out for spring break vacations, including planned trips to Mexico.

Jimenez said travelers shouldn’t be in a state of fear, but should be very vigilant, even if they’re headed somewhere like Cancun. He added that criminals used to leave the big resorts alone, but that too is starting to change.

US and Mexican authorities promise to find those responsible. The man is already in custody.

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