Video of taxi driver being tableted in Veracruz, Irma Hernández Cruz would not have been the only case of violence

The kidnapping of Irma Hernández Cruz for refusing to pay extortion has caused shock throughout Mexico , but unfortunately, it is just another case of violence experienced by taxi drivers in Veracruz .

In 2020, a video was released showing a taxi driver being attacked by a hooded man, apparently for not having “filed a report” or “been snooping” for the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel ( CJNG ).

“This is going to happen to everyone who doesn't report it [...] we want to report all taxi drivers,” can be heard in the video recorded in Veracruz, where violence against transport workers claimed the life of Irma Hernández Cruz.

Five years ago, media reported that CJNG hitmen had beaten up a taxi driver for not providing information about whether there were members of the National Guard patrolling the community of Omealca , in Veracruz.

According to witness accounts, in that area, located in southern Veracruz, organized crime groups are dedicated to extorting merchants and taxi drivers , to whom they also assign "fishing" duties.

Additionally, another act of violence was recorded on June 27, 2025, when the disappearance of a young taxi driver identified as José Antonio Cocotl Quintero was reported in the community of Xúchiles.

His taxi was located a week later in Omealca, but nothing has been heard from José Antonio Cocotl Quintero . This situation highlights the growing violence against taxi drivers in Veracruz, which ended with the death of Irma Hernández Cruz .

Irma Hernández Cruz, 62, was kidnapped by a criminal group while driving her taxi in the center of Álamo , in Temapache, Veracruz, while trying to earn a few pesos to contribute to the family economy.

The incident occurred on July 18, but days after her disappearance, she was forced to record a narco-message addressed to taxi drivers in the area:

“Fellow taxi drivers, you don't mess around with the Veracruz Mafia. Pay your dues, as they should, or you'll end up like me.”

Irma Hernandez Cruz

For this reason, two men known as Víctor Manuel “N”, alias “El Cholo” or “Moyo”, and José Manuel “N” , known as “El Gastón” or “Águila” , were arrested and identified as members of the so-called Veracruz Mafia, a faction related to the Gulf Cartel.