On Sunday, Miguel Ángel Almaraz Maldonado, the mayor of Río Bravo, Tamaulipas, was safely found in Coahuila, a day after armed men reportedly abducted him while he was traveling on a highway connecting Zacatecas and San Luis Potosí. His recovery is significant for both local and national communities, as it highlights ongoing safety concerns for public officials and citizens alike.
Mayor Almaraz, who has served as the mayor since 2024, was discovered at a police checkpoint near the Coahuila and Zacatecas border, according to authorities. The Coahuila government confirmed that he was rescued unharmed after escaping from his captors, revealing that he spent an unspecified time in a field before managing to flee.
In an emotional recounting, Almaraz shared that he and an unidentified companion ran for an hour and then walked overnight, covering 80 kilometers to reach safety. Although he faced a harrowing experience, Almaraz stated that he was not physically harmed, expressing a sense of relief upon his return to safety.
Authorities, including Federal Security Minister Omar García Harfuch, coordinated efforts between the governments of Zacatecas, Coahuila, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas to locate the mayor, emphasizing a united front against violence in the region.
Before his abduction, Almaraz was traveling with family and colleagues to Real de Catorce when armed individuals intercepted their vehicle. While others in the group were released, the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping remain unclear, including the motive of the assailants. The government’s swift action and focus on security serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by public officials in Mexico.