Survivors and family members who lost loved ones in the tragedy call for stronger enforcement against the cartels
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the survivors and family members who lost loved ones in the La Mora massacre mourn as they recognize the sixth anniversary of the attack.
On November 4, 2019, three American mothers and their 14 children were ambushed by the Juárez Cartel and its armed wing La Línea near the United States-Mexico border. One mother and her children, still alive after the barrage of gunfire, were brutally killed when their car was set on fire. Thousands of bullets were fired at the families. Overall, nine Americans were killed – Maria “Rhonita” Miller (age 30) and her young children, Howard Jr. (age 12), Krystal (age 10), Titus and Tiana (8-month-old twins), Dawna Ray Langford (age 43) and her children Trevor (age 11) and Rogan (age 2), and Christina Langford (age 29). Those who survived – all under the age of 13 – suffered from gunshot wounds and were forced to walk nearly eight miles for help.
“The last time I spoke with my sister, Rhonita, our conversation was full of love, gratitude, and reflections on the joys of motherhood,” said AmFACT President Adriana Jones. “I cherish that conversation with her and had no idea it would be my last. Since then, my family has fought for justice for my sister and her children and done everything in our power to prevent others from experiencing the same pain and loss.”
In the six years since the massacre, the groups responsible – the Juárez Cartel and La Línea, its enforcement wing – have not been brought to justice, despite the family’s dedication to ensuring that no other Americans are harmed by Mexican drug and human trafficking cartels.
In February 2025, President Donald Trump and the State Department designated eight cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The Administration should continue the work they began by also designating the Juárez Cartel and La Línea. Designation of these cartels will put the full force of the federal government up against their terrorist acts and cut off the financial networks that support them.
“I know I will never get my mom and siblings back,“ said AmFACT Board Member Crystal Langford. “But I know I can help my fellow Americans get the safety they deserve and help deliver justice to the many families like mine who have lost loved ones to cartel violence. We must continue to fight cartels as what they are – soulless, evil terrorist organizations with no regard for human life.”