Abhiroop Das
Netflix’s ‘The Gringo Hunters’ tells a story inspired by the real life International Liason Unit of Mexico, which is tasked with deporting American fugitives typically escape to Mexico after committing a crime back home. As such, the role of any police officer affiliated with this Unit is marked by its sensitivity and complexity, as reiterated in the show’s narrative. Abigail Esparza Reyes was one such officer, and she made her presence felt in a male-dominated field such as the Police force, purely by merit. Thus, she is a role model for aspirants of all disciplines, showing the value of focus, dedication, and above all, a passion for the craft. The creators of the show, Scott Gold and Jorge Dorantes, acknowledge her towering contribution to the field, and by extension, the show, and as such, a heartfelt tribute was dedicated to her at the end of the first episode.
Abigail Esparza Reyes Was the Leader of the Real Life Gringo Hunters
Abigail Esparza Reyes was a member of the specialized team called the International Liason Unit of the Baja California State Police in Mexico. Born in March 1992, she was a resident of Tijuana. Growing up near the border, she reportedly became fluent in English in no time. Abigail expressed an interest in law enforcement from a young age, despite her mother asking her not to. She continued on the path, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology. She joined the Liason Unit in 2017, two years after the birth of her child, and soon became a key player in maintaining security between Mexico and the United States. Due to her strategic and operational skills, she quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to Chief of International Liaison in 2022.
Abigail’s claim to fame was her ingenious methods of arresting fugitives, without violent engagements or chases. A Washington Post piece by Kevin Sieff details her process, citing one occasion where she tracked a Texas Police Officer who had fled to Rosarito in Mexico after being accused of sexually assaulting a child. She then created a fake ID to respond to his online request for a woman to give him a city tour, and upon meeting, swiftly arrested him. This was not an isolated incident. Abigail had reportedly participated in over 400 operations and used her clever tactics to capture numerous fugitive criminals and deport them back to their country. Within Police circles, she was nicknamed “La Caza Gringos” which translates to the Gringo Hunter, and soon that name took off in popularity, giving Abigail and her Unit worldwide acclaim.
In 2024, Abigail appeared on screen again, this time on an episode of ‘Nightline x Impact’ titled ‘Meet the Gringo Hunters.’ As the leader of the Liaison Unit, her words and actions were at the center of the feature, which detailed her team’s investigation into David Moreno, an American citizen who was suspected of murder. The mission succeeded, and Moreno was arrested and deported on camera, adding another feather in Abigai’s cap. Her success in a field structurally dominated by men was particularly of note, and she was also praised by her teammates and colleagues. In an interview with ABC, Officer Jeff expressed: “A world of machos with guns, and most of them were older than her (…) She was a warrior.”
Abigail Esparza Reyes Died in the Line of Duty
Abigail Esparza Reyes passed away on April 9, 2025, while trying to arrest a convicted murderer, Cesar Hernandez, who was hiding in a house in Tijuana, Mexico, following his escape during prison transport from Kern County, California. He was convicted of first-degree murder in Los Angeles County on June 27, 2019, and was sentenced to 80 years to life with the possibility of parole. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, he escaped on December 2, 2024, at around 10:40 a.m. local time in the Central San Joaquin Valley town of Kern County. While being driven to a court appearance, he reportedly jumped out of the vehicle and ran away. Although his escape triggered a massive manhunt in Central California, it ultimately bore no result, and Hernandez successfully managed to flee to Mexico.
The US Marshals eventually tracked him to Tijuana and collaborated with the International Liason Unit to conduct an operation on April 9, 2025, at around 1 p.m. local time. During the operations, Abigail was reportedly the first to enter the house and therefore had to endure the brunt of the ensuing gunfire. Reportedly, the Unit was immediately supported by dozens of officers, as well as drones and a helicopter, but failed to get to Hernandez, who had barricaded himself in the house. Unfortunately, Abigail was shot in the exchange and soon died due to her grave injuries. The U.S. Marshals’ official statement expressed: “(…) USMS personnel were in the area but not involved in the shooting incident. They did render aid to Commander Esparza Reyes before she succumbed to injuries.”
Abigail passed away at the age of 33, in a Red Cross facility in the Los Santos neighborhood of Tijuana. Meanwhile, Hernandez survived the ordeal and was seen running through the streets in his undergarments before hiding under a tarp covering a parked vehicle. Subsequently, he was seen again at a later period, this time wearing what appeared to be workmen’s clothing. Although it seemed like he had made another successful escape, his luck soon ran out, as Baja California officials confirmed that Hernandez was arrested on April 17, 2025, during an operation conducted near the eastern borders of Tijuana. As such, Abigail Reyes’ sacrifice did not go in vain, and her final target was brought to justice.
Abigail Remains an Inspirational Figure Both in Life and Death
Abigail’s death immediately made headlines across various news channels, owing to her popularity as one of the faces of the Liaison Unit, and that of Mexican Police Forces as a whole. There was an outpouring of grief, love, and condolences from people across the world. On the evening of April 10, the wake of Abigail Esparza Reyes took place in a funeral home in the Rio Zone of Tijuana. Subsequently, her funeral was held at the Tijuana Control and Command Center and was attended by her friends, family, and colleagues. Abigail is survived by her parents, sister, and two children, ages 12 and 13. On April 13, 2025, her sister, Magdalena Castilla, launched a GoFundMe campaign to request support for the family.
Abigail Reyes was a beloved figure in her police force, as expressed by Officer Jeff getting emotional while saying, “We are lost. We haven’t been able to focus on anything. It’s tragic, because she is not just our colleague, she is our friend.” On a more positive note, the Secretariat of Citizen Security of Baja California penned, as seen in the Facebook post above, “Abigail Esparza Reyes, present! Fly high partner, you accomplished the mission! Courage, honor, dedication to serve and protect Baja California, are some of the qualities that will immortalize your memory among family, friends and colleagues. More than 400 detainees between Tijuana and Playas de Rosarito, during your 8 years as International Liaison Chief of the State Force. Thank you! Rest in peace Abi!”
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