Texas Oil Worker Trapped in Mexican Prison After Accidental Border Crossing

A Texas man remains imprisoned in Mexico after nine months. Caden Hawkins accidentally crossed the border in March.

His family says it was an honest GPS mistake. Mexican authorities arrested him for having a firearm in his vehicle.

A Dangerous Detention in a Notorious Jail

Hawkins is held at Cereso Estatal No. 3 in Juárez. This prison is known for violence and gang control.

According to the New York Post, his mother described the harrowing phone call during the crossing. Hawkins reported bad speed bumps before men yelled in Spanish.

He was legally licensed to carry the weapon in Texas. Mexican law treats such offenses severely.

The 23-year-old oil worker from Hallsville is now a focal point for lawmakers. Texas State Rep. Jay Dean alleges corruption is involved.

Family Fights for Freedom Amid Allegations of Extortion

The situation has taken a heavy toll on Hawkins’s family. His sister says hearing him distraught is devastating.

According to KLTV, the family claims they are being extorted. They say they pay over $1,000 weekly for basic protections and necessities inside the prison.

Rep. Dean called Hawkins a “cash asset” for a corrupt judge. This has escalated calls for U.S. federal intervention.

The case highlights the severe risks of accidental border crossings. It also underscores the complex legal differences between the two nations.

The ongoing detention of Caden Hawkins in a Mexican prison shows how a simple error can lead to a prolonged nightmare. His family continues to plead for his safe return home to Texas.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How did Caden Hawkins accidentally cross into Mexico?

He was following GPS directions home from an oil field job. The route led him to the Columbus, New Mexico, port of entry where he crossed unintentionally.

Q2: Why was he immediately arrested?

Mexican authorities found a pistol and ammunition in his vehicle. While legal in Texas, possessing a firearm in Mexico carries strict penalties and leads to arrest.

Q3: What is the prison like where he is being held?

Cereso Estatal No. 3 in Juárez is notoriously violent. It has a history of riots, gang activity, and corruption, making it extremely dangerous for inmates.

Q4: What are the allegations from the Texas lawmaker?

State Rep. Jay Dean alleges judicial corruption and extortion. He claims the family is forced to pay large sums weekly for Hawkins’s basic safety and necessities inside the jail.

Q5: What is the U.S. government’s role in this case?

The family and lawmakers are urging federal intervention. Such cases typically involve the U.S. State Department to provide consular assistance and navigate the foreign legal system.