East Texas Family Pleads for Help as 22-Year-Old Remains Detained in Mexico Since March

EAST TEXAS — The family of 22-year-old Caden Hawkins of Hallsville is urgently pleading for government intervention after the young oilfield worker was arrested and detained in Mexico more than nine months ago — a situation they describe as a nightmare no family should ever have to endure.

Hawkins was taken into custody on March 2, 2025, in Ciudad Juarez after his GPS reportedly misdirected him across the border while he was driving home from a job site near the Texas-Mexico line. According to the family, Hawkins had a legally registered firearm in his vehicle — a normal safeguard for many East Texas workers traveling long distances — but in Mexico, possession of that weapon led to immediate detention.

Allegations of Extortion and Inhumane Conditions

Hawkins’ family says the past nine months have been filled with fear and financial strain. They report paying more than $1,000 per week just to ensure Caden has basic necessities like toilet paper, hot water, food, and a measure of protection inside the facility.

“They’re paying for his safety, for hygiene items — things any human being should already have access to,” one family supporter said. “It’s unacceptable.”

The family and community members say the conditions Hawkins faces are dangerous and degrading, and that the extortion is ongoing.

State Representative Jay Dean Calls for Immediate Action

Texas State Representative Jay Dean has stepped in, publicly urging residents to apply pressure on federal and state leadership, including:

• U.S. Department of State – Overseas Citizens Services

• U.S. Senators representing Texas

• Texas state leadership and Governor’s Office

Dean emphasized that Hawkins is “a young East Texas man who made a wrong turn — literally — and has now spent nearly a year in a foreign prison under harsh, unacceptable conditions.”

Efforts are now intensifying to bring Hawkins home before Christmas, a goal the family says feels both urgent and increasingly uncertain as the months drag on.

Community Rallies Behind Hawkins

Across East Texas, residents have begun calling congressional offices, sharing Caden’s story online, and urging elected officials to accelerate diplomatic efforts.

Supporters say the situation has gone beyond a simple legal matter.“This is now a humanitarian issue,” one advocate told East Texas Banner.

“He’s scared. He’s alone. And his family is bleeding financially trying to keep him alive in there.”

How the Public Can Help

Officials and family members are directing supporters to contact:

• U.S. State Department – Overseas Citizens Services

• U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Senator John Cornyn

• U.S. Representative for their district

• Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Office

Callers are encouraged to request heightened attention and diplomatic intervention to secure Hawkins’ release.

A Family Waiting for Their Son

With the holidays approaching, the Hawkins family says they’re praying for a Christmas miracle — a chance to bring their son home and end a situation they describe as traumatic, costly, and deeply unfair.