Stricter US immigration policies have left thousands of migrants stranded in Mexico. Many, like Margelis Rodríguez, had active asylum cases but can no longer move forward. She and her children remain in a Tijuana shelter, unable to cross legally or return to Venezuela. They hoped for safety in the US but now face uncertainty.
Hector López is also in limbo. His brother, a construction worker, was arrested in San Diego during an ICE operation. López fears his brother may be relocated to a distant border crossing, making reunion difficult. ICE often transfers detainees far from their original entry points, complicating efforts to reconnect families.
Shelters Struggle to Meet Growing Demand
The Mexican government has set up shelters in cities like Tijuana and Mexicali, but many migrants avoid them. They fear authorities, poor conditions, and overcrowding. Past tragedies, like the deadly 2022 fire that killed 40 migrants, add to their concerns.
Government-run shelters often lack food, medical care, and sanitation. Outbreaks of illness are common. Private shelters are safer but overcrowded. The Casa del Migrante in Reynosa was built for 150 people but now shelters 250, including 80 children. Resources are running out, and volunteers struggle to provide enough food and medical supplies.
Mexican deportees receive help to return home, but migrants from other countries have fewer options. Many are left to fend for themselves, facing hunger, violence, and exploitation.
Criminal Networks Take Advantage of Desperation
With official migration routes blocked, criminal organizations are profiting. Smuggling cartels charge higher fees and force migrants onto more dangerous paths. Parks and train stations, once gathering points for migrants, are now controlled by cartels running “safe houses.”
These places are far from safe. Migrants report extortion, forced labor, and sexual violence. Some cartels demand ransom from their relatives in the U.S. Criminals exploit their desperation, making millions from human trafficking.
Father Prisciliano Peraza, who runs a migrant shelter in Altar, warns that strict border policies push people into criminal hands. Migrants, with no legal options, turn to smugglers despite the risks. He says stronger enforcement only fuels cartel activity.
US Policy Reduces Crossings but Doubts Remain
The US government reports a sharp drop in illegal crossings. Officials credit stricter policies and increased deportations. However, experts warn this may not last. Migrants like Rodríguez are now seeking legal residency in Mexico, but many still hope to reach the US.
Smuggling networks continue to grow, adapting to new border restrictions. With each policy change, cartels find new ways to exploit migrants. The crisis is far from over.
As thousands remain stranded, the humanitarian crisis worsens. Shelters are overwhelmed, resources are depleting, and crime is rising. Unless policies change, more migrants will be forced into dangerous situations.
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