### Concerns Raised Over Lack of Progress in Erick Ortiz’s Disappearance Case
After more than three years since Erick Ortiz went missing on June 13, 2021, his family has voiced concerns about the lack of progress in locating him. Despite providing authorities with information and potential leads, the State Attorney General’s Office has made little to no advancements in the investigation.
Lorena Ornelas, Erick’s mother, expressed her frustration, stating that the search for her son has been largely ignored, highlighting the minimal action taken by the investigation team. “It is exhausting having to plead with the authorities to do their job, which as a family, we’ve had to take on ourselves,” she said. The family has been waiting for over a month for officials to accompany them to the Arroyo Alamar, where an anonymous tip suggested Erick might be found.
During a recent visit to the State Attorney General’s Office, Lorena, alongside her husband, demanded more effort in her son’s case. Erick was last seen in the 10 de Mayo neighborhood. In their pursuit of justice, the family founded the “Justice and Truth for Erick Ortiz” group, which has been instrumental in discovering 50 bodies, though Erick remains missing.
Manuel Ortiz, Erick’s father, shared that their search efforts have encountered armed individuals, further heightening their fears for safety. He emphasized their federal protection involvement, questioning its effectiveness in immediate danger. He also mentioned that the Arroyo Alamar area could be a site for clandestinely buried individuals, possibly linked to nearby construction.
**Related Developments in Disappearance Cases**
The crisis of disappearances in Baja California is alarmingly high, with estimates suggesting over 20,000 people are missing. The State Attorney General’s Office struggles with limited resources, having only 15 agents dedicated to investigating these cases. This lack of manpower further complicates the process and hinders timely responses and thorough investigations.
Efforts from advocacy groups like “A Nation Searching” continue to bring attention to the issue, seeking justice for affected families. There have been calls for increased resources and a more robust framework for handling these cases efficiently.
Authorities are urged to prioritize these investigations to provide families with closure and uphold their rights. With each passing day, the urgency becomes more pressing, demanding a significant overhaul in the investigative processes across the region.