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The FBI has issued a public appeal for assistance in locating four kidnapped Americans who were ambushed and reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint. The FBI offers reward of $50,000 for information leading to the return of the victims and the arrest of the kidnappers.

 According to reports, they were ambushed by unidentified gunmen in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. The assailants also fired upon the passengers in the vehicle, before abducting all four Americans at gunpoint.

The U.S. citizens were taken minutes after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border from Brownsville, Texas on Friday, March 3rd. The four Americans were drug out of their vehicle and placed in another car. And then driven from the scene by their captors, according to the U.S. embassy. 

FBI offers reward

The identities of everyone known to have been kidnapped have been made public.

Christina Hickson, of North Carolina, says her son, 28-year-old Zindell Brown,28, is one of the four Americans who were kidnapped according to the WPDE news channel.

Latavia ‘Tay’ McGee from Myrtle Beach and Shaeed Woodard from Lake City were also kidnapped. The fourth person in the group was identified as Eric James Williams, whose North Carolina driver's license was found at the scene. 

The incident highlights the ongoing security concerns along the U.S.-Mexico border and the dangers faced by those who attempt to cross into Mexico.

Tamaulipas, the state where Matamoros is located, is considered a high-risk area for crime and kidnapping by the U.S. State Department, with the region being on the “Level 4: Do Not Travel” list. 

The border city of Matamoros is known to be controlled by the Gulf Drug Cartel, and violence and migrant smuggling are common occurrences.

The U.S. State Department also advised those who must travel to the region to exercise caution and stay aware of their surroundings.

The FBI's San Antonio Division is leading the investigation into the kidnapping. And Special Agent Oliver Rich has called on the public to provide any information they may have that could help identify the kidnappers and lead to the safe return of the at-risk American citizens.

The reward of $50,000 is being offered for information leading to the return of the victims and the arrest of the kidnappers.

A joint investigation with the FBI, federal partners, and Mexican law enforcement agencies is currently underway.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI San Antonio Division at 210-225-6741 or to submit tips anonymously here.