Inside an Anti-Kidnapping School

Kidnappings in Mexico have long been major security problems, but a new troubling trend, according to the FBI, are cross-border abductions and the targeting of Americans in Mexico.

Mexican kidnapping rings are targeting Americans with family and business connections in Mexico, as well as family living in Mexico.

The increase in cross-border violence has forced some American and Mexican citizens to take action to try to protect themselves from becoming the victims of kidnapping.
 

A whole industry dedicated to helping private citizens prevent kidnapping has sprung up. Multi-national security companies like Lasco International Group provide protection services; custom armored vehicles and protected chartered air service anywhere in the world.

NBCLA’s Ana Garcia got exclusive access to a private security training school in Chula Vista where everyday people are taught how not to get kidnapped.

Juan (last name not disclosed for security reasons), a former Navy Seal runs Eagle Eye Security Solutions -- an international security firm specializing in the art of not getting kidnapped. The school runs from a few days to a week and costs about $3,000 per student.

Some students arrive with an education you can’t get in a classroom.

“About 30 percent of our clients already have been kidnapped, and are mostly Mexican Executives, VIP’s, and government agencies.” said Juan.

Juan has put together a team of former military ops to teach his anti-kidnapping class.

“You have about two seconds to react when faced with a kidnapping," said Juan. “We teach our students what to do in those critical moments.”

Students learn how to fight, drive and shoot their way out of trouble.  The course uses smash-up cars and live ammo to give students a feel for what a real kidnap situation would be like.

“There is nothing that can simulate what it feels like to be a in a live gun fight situation," said Juan.

Juan also teaches his students to always be hyper-aware of their situation before they get drawn into a potential deadly encounter.
Being vigilant is critical to avoid becoming a victim of crime in Mexico or anywhere abroad.

NBCLA has compiled a list of resources and tips for American travelers planning to visit Mexico.

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