Overview
- The Navy assisted 27 minors and an 18-year-old found at sea near La Paz and Topolobampo, with most reported to be from Chiapas.
- The group was transferred aboard the Santa Marcela II to Topolobampo, received medical attention, and remains under protection of the Sinaloa vice prosecutor’s office and SIPINNA.
- Prosecutors report that most teens said they traveled voluntarily to Comondú, Baja California Sur, to work in agriculture.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum says the adult who traveled with them was detained and directed an investigation into a possible child labor model, ruling out cartel recruitment in initial findings.
- Authorities are examining the route, potential recruiters and vessel responsibility, while child-rights groups press for a deeper probe into possible trafficking or coerced recruitment.