Miriam Rodríguez: A Mother’s Relentless Fight for Justice in Mexico
Miriam Elizabeth Rodríguez Martínez of San Fernando, Tamaulipas, became one of Mexico’s most courageous advocates for the families of the missing after enduring a heartbreaking personal tragedy. In 2012, her daughter, Karen Alejandra Salinas Rodríguez, was abducted by members of the Los Zetas cartel—a powerful criminal organization operating across much of Mexico.
Despite her family paying a ransom in hopes of securing Karen’s release, the outcome was devastating. In 2014, Karen’s remains were discovered on an abandoned ranch. The tragedy could have ended there, but for Miriam, it marked the beginning of a dangerous and deeply personal mission.
Determined to bring those responsible to justice, Miriam took extraordinary steps. She used disguises, forged documents, and even staged confrontations to track down her daughter’s killers. Her relentless pursuit led to the capture and arrest of at least ten cartel members—something many believed impossible in a region where organized crime often goes unchecked.
In one instance, she single-handedly detained a suspect at gunpoint until authorities arrived.

Tragically, Miriam’s quest came to an end in 2017. On Mother’s Day, she was shot and killed outside her home. She had been targeted for her efforts. Despite the danger, Miriam had kept meticulous notes and records—so detailed that a police officer once described them as “the best case file he had ever seen.”
Miriam’s bravery has drawn comparisons to the character in the film Taken, but her story is real—and far more profound. Today, her legacy lives on through her son, Luis, who leads a collective of over 600 families still searching for missing loved ones across Mexico.