On February 24, 2023 sisters Maritza Trinidad Perez Rios(47), Marina Perez Rios(48), and their mutual friend, Dora Alicia Cervantes Saenz(53) traveled to Mexico to sell some clothes at local flea markets in Matamoros. However, ever since the girls left their hometown in Peñitas, Texas, they haven’t been seen or heard from since. 

According to NBCDFW one of the daughters of the missing women filed their missing persons report on February 22, 2023 after she had not heard from the women and their safe arrival.

The women have made multiple trips to this specific location in the past, so this particular trip didn’t raise any red flags to friends and family. The U.S Army has offered their assistance in finding the women, putting forth as much effort as they can to help. Using resources such as drones, K-9 units, and holding press interviews not only in Mexico but in the states aswell. 

In a statement made by the FBI it was stated that they are “unable to provide comment on this ongoing investigation” however they are “relentlessly pursuing all options when it comes to protecting the American people, and this doesn’t change when they are endangered across the border.” According to CNN.

The women’s last known location was Tamaulipas, this is located around 3 hours from where they were heading. It has been reported that Marina Perez Rios’ husband also filed a missing persons report.

As of now no updates have been made about the women and their whereabouts, however authorities are still investigating and keeping the public informed on any updates.

Around a week prior to this disappearance there was a similar incident involving four American individuals traveling through the same city of Matamoros. It was reported they were shot and kidnapped, two of the victims have made a safe return to the Uniter States. Unfortunately the other two individuals died shortly after the incident occurred.