Authorities in Jalisco have uncovered a disturbing new recruitment method employed by organized crime groups: young girls approaching teenagers in public spaces like shopping malls, inviting them to eat and socialize with their so-called “family.”

This alarming strategy came to light over the weekend at a mall on Avenida López Mateos in Guadalajara. Five schoolmates from a northern city school, including a 14-year-old boy whose mother requested anonymity out of fear, went to the movies together. While waiting for the film to start, a 15-year-old girl joined their group, claiming her parents were dining nearby. The teens even asked the boy’s mother to buy a ticket for the girl so she could stay with them during the movie—a request that raised red flags for the mother, who decided to remain at the mall throughout the screening.

Near the end of the movie, the boy messaged his mother, explaining that the girl had invited some of them to leave early and meet her “parents” a few blocks away, asking them not to inform any adults. Two of the five teens accepted the invitation, but the boy discreetly called his mother from the restroom to share what was happening.

When the mother arrived, she found two of the boys leaving with the girl. She managed to catch up with them just as they were about to get into a car and pulled them out before it could drive away. The driver then sped off, hitting her with the car door, but she was unable to note the license plate or get help at that moment.

This case highlights how organized crime is exploiting social dynamics and trust among youth to lure them into dangerous situations.

A similar incident occurred on June 25 in Puerto Vallarta, where three young people—Flor Joseline Espinosa Contreras (18), José Israel Ramos Mejía (17), and Elvira Monserrat Guzmán Mascorro (14)—lost contact with their families after arriving at a public transport stop.

Initial investigations suggested a woman had invited them into a ride-share vehicle, but this was ruled out due to the absence of any travel records. Authorities are now exploring whether the vehicle was private or if the driver had accomplices.

Blanca Jacqueline Trujillo Cuevas, the vicefiscal special for Missing Persons, reported that the youths contacted their families to confirm they were safe but said they could not return home yet. Despite this, nationwide alerts remain active to ensure their safe return.

These cases underscore the urgent need for community awareness and protective measures for young people, especially in public spaces. As cities like Puebla invest in inclusive and safe public transportation options such as the cablebús, which connects marginalized neighborhoods with the urban core, there is hope that safer mobility and community engagement can help counteract such predatory tactics.

For migrant and immigrant communities navigating life in Mexico, staying informed about these risks and supporting inclusive social policies is crucial to safeguarding youth from exploitation.