Belizean Drivers Face Growing Threats While Travelling Through Mexico

Belizean car dealers and travellers continue to face threats while driving through Mexico, with multiple incidents involving criminal groups and corrupt authorities.

The latest incident surfaced on social media, showing a Belizean car dealer in a tense standoff with Mexican police officers. In the video, the officers appear to demand money and attempt to seize his vehicle. At one point, the man sits on the hood of his car to physically prevent them from taking it. The victim later confirmed that only about $15 Belize was taken and said he and other drivers stood up for each other.

Despite the small financial loss, the incident highlights ongoing risks and language barriers for Belizeans travelling through Mexico.

That video is just one example of a growing pattern. In Veracruz, three Belizean car dealers were kidnapped by the JNCG cartel and held hostage for seven hours. Their release came only after families or associates wired $500 USD each in ransom. One of the victims warned that Belizeans travelling through the region may now face cartel demands simply to pass safely.

In another case, seven Belizeans driving through Tuxpan, Veracruz, were stopped by “Transito” police officers and told they wouldn’t be released unless they paid $1,500 USD each. The group refused the initial demand and eventually negotiated a total payment of 7,000 pesos (about $750 USD) before being released.

With the threat of extortion and language barriers, travelling through Mexico continues to be risky for Belizeans.