Mothers In Mexico Unite To Find Missing Children

Anglican priest Rev. Arturo Carrasco stands with Benita Ornelas, in red, and her husband Marcos, as they pass out tacos after holding a Mass on the fifth anniversary of the disappearance of the couple

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Families in Mexico are facing the heart-wrenching reality of disappearances, with at least 115,000 people missing since 1952. The country's history of disappearances dates back to the 'dirty war' in the 1970s, attributed to government repression. In recent years, organized crime has made it challenging to trace the causes of disappearances, which include human trafficking, kidnapping, and forced recruitment by cartels.

Relatives of missing persons endure immense emotional turmoil, with many experiencing mental health issues and strained family relationships. The burden of searching often falls on women, who lack the necessary tools but are driven by love for their children.