It’s unfortunate and unnecessary. Either the contraband was planted & an innocent American was locked up (shame on Mexico), or the woman was actually carrying the contraband and she was released without proving her guilt (shame on Mexico).
As someone who visits Rocky Point 6 to 7 times a year, this story resonates with me for some reason. First I am insulted why her faith came into play to portray her innocence (as if Mormons never commit crimes or should not be treated in the same way, come on!)
But the underlying issue is that if the Mormon card wasn't played & pressure wasn't applied in the media, this woman would still be rotting away in some God forsaken cell in Mexico. After looking at the facts of this story, it seems like it was a set-up for profit by the officers and an innocent woman got thrown in jail. As an American, this gives me pause and confirms how people can just disappear for being in the wrong place at the wrong time south of the border.
Anger should be directed at whomever threw this woman in jail because it’s going to make everyone think twice before visiting Mexico - Not only for safety, but to support a corrupt system that let something like this happen. The stupidity of locking her up for a week, letting the PR machine churn and then releasing her in the middle of the night does not reflect well at all.
It's really a shame as confidence & tourism was picking up for places like Rocky Point - this just kicked it back into the Stone Age.