SPECIAL REPORT: Missing in Mexico

FOX 9's Adam Klepp went to the Sonoran Desert with the Buscando, a group of women searching for their missing loved ones

SAN LUIS RIO COLORADO, Mexico (KECY, KYMA) - On a Friday morning in mid-March, four mothers searched the Sonoran desert.

Just a year ago they'd never met but now they're united by one goal.

"I'm searching for my son. They took him on November 23rd from my house and haven't seen him since,” Maria Teresa said.

"I'm looking for my son. He's been missing for 9 months. He was 28-years-old. His birthday was January 11th,” Irma said.

“My son went missing July 11, 2021," Zulema said. It's already been eight months since he disappeared.”

"He was a loving son. What can I tell you? I'm his mom. He's my treasure, my baby," Rosi said.

Maria Teresa, Rosi, Irma, and Zulema are four members of a local group called the Buscadno, made up of over 60 women in San Luis, Mexico.

All of the group's members have loved ones who have disappeared, and some even have more than one.

According to the United Nations, in Mexico, over 90 thousand people are considered to be missing. Many are from cities right across the border from Yuma and El Centro.

The United Nations also says disappearances are mostly tied to organized crime.

And as proven in the desert just south of San Luis Rio Colorado, in the state of Sonora, Mexico, when the missing are found, they’re usually not found alive.

Over 20 bodies have been discovered by the Buscando team in March, two of which were women.

Police dogs assist them as they search, but many of the bodies are found by pushing stakes into the ground, then smelling the tips for the scent of a decomposing body.

Even with the recent chilling discoveries, some of these mothers believe their sons will return to them alive.

“I always dream he's going to come back fine, my heart tells me that my son is alive," Irma said. "And that's how I feel."

"I remember him the way he was. He was fine, he was alive and I'm hoping he'll come back the same way," Rosi said. "That he'll tell me "I'm home mom," when I see him."

Zulema, the founder of Buscando, says they’re grateful for the support they do get, as well as the security for their searches.

But it's not enough.

“We're in need of various tools and sticks to search," Zulema said. "With the heat we could also use Suero or Gatorade, and bottled water. Also, gift cards for gas to fill up our cars.”

Maria Teresa says there is one thing more valuable than materials, information.

“I want to again ask if you know where there are makeshift graves to call us anonymously. We just want to find our kids,” she said.

While they say searching is difficult, doing it together gives them the strength to keep looking.

"In this group you feel well because you know people, you become familiar with them," Irma said. "They lift my spirits, and I them. Their words of encouragement and strength help me to stay on my feet."

Their Facebook page frequently posts the names and faces of those missing in San Luis Rio Colorado.

For any anonymous tips, you can message them on WhatsApp at +52 653 121 5305.

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