A group of 17 migrants have been kidnapped in Tijuana, the largest city in north-western Mexican state Baja California, authorities said Wednesday.

Municipal police officer Gustavo Huerta said that he had interviewed Leandro Martinez, a migrant who had escaped with another kidnapee.

Martinez was held with 17 others in a safe house by kidnappers who were demanding 4,500 dollars ransom per person.

The incident took place at a time when the Mexican government announced a “comprehensive strategy” against the rampant kidnapping of migrants heading for the United States via Mexico.

Each year, it is estimated that 300,000 Central Americans cross into Mexico ultimately trying to get to the United States.

The news came a week after Mexico’ s Navy discovered the deadbodies of 72 migrants from Central and South America in north-eastern Mexico.