The growing crisis has increased the amount of Haitian migrants entering the U.S.

The Haitian gang that kidnapped a group of American and Canadian missionaries is $17 million in ransom money.

According to a Haitian official the kidnappers are asking for $1 million per person and are currently negotiating the release with a minister.

16 Americans and one Canadian, including six women and five children were abducted over the weekend, not far from the Haitian capital.

The criminals first conveyed release prices to the victims’ Christian Aid Ministries.

The FBI and Haitian police are assisting in the investigations.

This comes as a growing economic and political crisis has spurred an increase in kidnappings in the country.

Haitians gathered around the country to protest against the growing crime which have worsened since the assassination of their president in July.