A Mother’s Worst Nightmare

In January 2014, Miriam Rodríguez Martínez’s life changed forever. Her 20‑year‑old daughter, Karen Alejandra Salinas Rodríguez, was driving through San Fernando, Tamaulipas, when armed men forced her into their vehicle and drove off.

Miriam and her family complied with the cartel’s demands. They took out bank loans and paid two ransoms in the hope of Karen’s safe return. However, she never came home.

Two years later, in 2014, Miriam found her daughter’s remains buried in a clandestine grave.

When Justice Failed

After Karen’s death, Miriam immediately sought help from authorities. Yet the government response was slow and inconsistent.

Frustrated and determined, she decided to take the investigation into her own hands. She understood that those responsible were linked to organized crime, specifically the cartel known as Los Zetas — one of Mexico’s most violent criminal groups.

Becoming Her Own Investigator

Instead of waiting for justice, Miriam acted.

She changed her appearance. She dyed her hair, altered how she dressed, and even used false identities.

Then, she traveled across northern Mexico to infiltrate the circles where the kidnappers and their associates might be found. She posed as a poll worker, a health official, and other roles.

Miriam interviewed criminals’ relatives. She asked questions, collected tiny details, and wrote everything down.

Tracking Down the Killers

Over the next three years, Miriam worked relentlessly. She followed leads from town to town. She built a network of clues that pointed to nearly everyone involved in Karen’s abduction and murder.

By 2016, her work had helped bring 10 cartel members to justice, either imprisoned or deceased.

Importantly, the information she uncovered wasn’t just for her own peace—it helped authorities identify suspects in a case that had otherwise stalled.

Building a Movement

As Miriam pursued the individuals connected to her daughter’s disappearance, she also became a leader for others in similar pain.

She founded the Colectivo de Desaparecidos de San Fernando, a group made up of families looking for missing loved ones. This collective offered support and raised awareness about forced disappearances in Tamaulipas — a region plagued by cartel violence and impunity.

Her work inspired others to speak out. And while authorities remained slow to protect her, her courage helped fuel broader demands for accountability.

A Deadly Price

Despite her bravery, Miriam’s fight placed her in danger. She received threats, especially after several suspects escaped from prison in early 2017.

She asked for protection — even requesting armed guards — but authorities never provided adequate security.

Then came May 10, 2017. On Mexico’s Mother’s Day, Miriam was ambushed outside her home in San Fernando. Armed men opened fire and shot her multiple times. She was rushed to a hospital but died from her wounds.

Her death shocked communities across Mexico and drew international condemnation. The Inter‑American Commission on Human Rights criticized the failure to protect her, noting that authorities were aware of her risk before the killing.

Legacy and Justice

Years after her death, justice continued to unfold. In August 2025, a judge in Tamaulipas handed down a 131‑year prison sentence to Enrique Yoel “R”, one of the men convicted of kidnapping and killing Karen.

Miriam’s relentless pursuit of truth and accountability changed how many families confront disappearances. Her story remains a powerful example of resistance in the face of violence and government inaction.

In San Fernando’s central plaza, a plaque now honors her courage. Meanwhile, the collective she helped build continues to support families seeking answers — ensuring that her daughter’s memory and her mission live on.