Key facts
- Two missing men from Chicago, Zafar Padamese Mawani and Guillermo Jafett Hidalgo Ortiz, have been confirmed dead.
- Their bodies were found on the outskirts of Mexico City.
Two men from Chicago, Zafar Padamese Mawani and Guillermo Jafett Hidalgo Ortiz, who went missing in May south of Mexico City, have been confirmed dead by their family. Their bodies were among four unidentified bodies discovered by Mexican authorities in the mountains.
The confirmed deaths of two U.S. citizens in Mexico highlight the ongoing issue of widespread disappearances and criminal violence in the country, impacting families and drawing attention to the effectiveness of search efforts.
A missing Chicago couple, Zafar Padamese Mawani and Guillermo Jafett Hidalgo Ortiz, have been confirmed dead by their family. The men, who had relocated from Chicago to Mexico City, disappeared in May. Their bodies were among four unidentified corpses discovered by Mexican authorities in the mountains on the outskirts of the capital, following arrests made in connection with their disappearance.
Mawani, a U.S. citizen, and Hidalgo Ortiz, both 56, were last seen south of Mexico City. Their disappearance prompted a search by authorities and family members, with unusual withdrawals reported from their bank accounts. The family expressed gratitude for the efforts of investigators, support teams, and volunteers in both countries.
Mexico faces a significant challenge with over 135,000 people missing due to criminal violence, according to federal data. Despite a drop in homicide figures since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office in 2024, the number of missing persons continues to rise. In May alone, 977 individuals were reported missing.
Relatives' groups have recently protested, demanding more attention and resources for searches, particularly noting that authorities often act more swiftly for missing foreigners.