The disappearance of a professor from the Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla has raised alarm bells regarding the safety of foreign travelers in Mexico, particularly at airports. Leonardo Escobar, who was found alive, revealed in a social media video that his transit through Monterrey airport on December 31, 2025, was plagued by strange circumstances, suggesting potential criminal activity. His experience points to a broader issue: the growing trend of kidnapping and extortion of foreigners, implicating organized crime and suggesting possible complicity by public officials.

The context surrounding Escobar's case underscores a pattern that has emerged in the vicinity of the General Mariano Escobedo International Airport. Reports indicate that foreign nationals are frequently targeted upon arrival, facing risks of being taken hostage and coerced into paying ransoms under duress. Such incidents not only threaten individual safety but also pose significant implications for Mexico's image as a tourist destination and the overall perception of safety for foreign visitors.

Furthermore, this situation highlights the urgent need for authorities to address these criminal networks and enhance security measures, particularly at airports. There is growing concern among citizens and international observers about the effectiveness of law enforcement in combating organized crime and protecting vulnerable populations, including tourists. Escobar's experience has not only drawn attention to the dangers faced by travelers but also raises questions about the responsibility of local government and the protection of citizens and visitors alike.