Texas Oil Worker Detained in Mexico
A 23-year-old Texas oil field worker has been imprisoned in one of Mexico’s most notorious facilities for the past nine months. His family is desperately seeking his safe return after what they describe as an “honest accident.” Kayden Hawkins ended up in a Mexican prison on weapons charges after unintentionally crossing into the country while driving home to Hallsville.
According to Kayden’s mother, April Thomas, he crossed the border near Columbus, New Mexico, on March 2 without realizing it. She explained that his GPS led him to the border, and by the time he figured out where he was, it was too late to turn back.
“I was on the phone with him when he started mentioning how intense the speed bumps were in the town he found himself in. Then he said he couldn’t turn back anymore. I could hear people shouting around him in Spanish,” Thomas recalled.
Kayden recorded the tense moment just before he was handcuffed, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Thomas later discovered that he was detained for possessing a legally owned firearm and ammunition, which the family argues is a misunderstanding.
“My son is not a criminal,” Thomas insisted, adding that Kayden “didn’t deserve this.” His sister, Hayley Nicole Hawkins, reflected on the emotional toll of his detention, saying it’s been among the toughest experiences for their family.
“Hearing him so upset on the phone was devastating,” she said.
Since his arrest, the Hawkins family has incurred significant expenses trying to secure Kayden’s release and is now appealing to lawmakers for help. “We really need someone stronger than us to intervene,” Thomas said.
Representative Jay Dean has taken up the cause, claiming that Hawkins is being exploited for financial gain by a corrupt federal judge in Juarez while his family has faced ongoing demands for money.
Dean has alleged that they have been coerced into paying over $1,000 weekly just to ensure that Kayden receives basic necessities like hot water and protection from other inmates. “This situation is entirely unacceptable,” he stated, advocating for immediate federal action to bring Kayden home.
Alongside Senator John Cornyn, Dean is calling on the federal government to step in to resolve the case before Christmas.
Meanwhile, lawyers for the Hawkins family have communicated that Kayden’s appeal might not be evaluated for up to two years, presenting a grim scenario where he could face a lengthy prison sentence.
Cerezo Estatal 3, where Hawkins is being held, is infamous for violence and overcrowding, as well as ongoing issues with security and inmate behavior. Earlier this year, a riot linked to a local gang resulted in multiple fatalities, further underscoring the risks he faces while imprisoned.
