In a disturbing trend, disappearances in Mexico have soared by 200% in the past decade, reflecting a growing crisis of violence and lawlessness in the country. Ángel Montenegro, whose 2022 abduction highlights this issue, was taken by armed men while waiting for a bus, leaving his family in a relentless search for answers. His case exemplifies the widespread fear and desperation felt by countless families across Mexico as they grapple with the harrowing reality of unsolved disappearances.

The story of Montenegro's family is not unique, as over 130,000 people are currently reported missing in Mexico, a situation exacerbated by ongoing conflicts among criminal organizations and a weak law enforcement response. Patricia García, Montenegro's mother, embodies the anguish shared by many as she has dedicated more than three years to locating her son, discovering only fragments of his last moments. This growing epidemic of disappearances poses profound social and humanitarian challenges for the Mexican government, which has struggled to address the crisis amid systemic corruption and violence.

In light of these developments, human rights advocates have intensified their calls for the government to take decisive action, urging improved investigations and support for families of the missing. The surge in reported disappearances has not only impacted those directly affected but has also raised alarms nationally and internationally, indicating a need for immediate attention to restore safety and justice in Mexican society. Without significant reforms and engagement from the state, many fear that the numbers will continue to rise, leaving more families without hope or closure.