Five men from Southern California have been indicted on multiple charges related to the kidnapping of migrants, including conspiracy, hostage-taking, and transporting undocumented immigrants. The charges stem from a March 2023 incident where the men allegedly kidnapped four migrants from a gas station in Arizona and held them for ransom in California. They demanded money from the victims' families, successfully collecting $11,000 from one family member. One victim managed to escape from a motel but was pursued by one of the kidnappers, who assaulted him in a store before he could reach safety. All four arrested men pleaded not guilty, while a fifth suspect remains at large. If convicted, the defendants could face life imprisonment for their crimes.