Crime infested Mexico

 

The story highlights the perilous journey migrants undertake across Mexico to reach the southern US border and the dangers they face from drug cartels and criminal organizations. Here's a summary of key points:

1. Background: San Luis Rio Colorado, a Mexican border town, serves as a transit point for migrants heading to the US. Many migrants, like Eduardo, are fleeing violence and seeking asylum in the US.

2. Eduardo's Story: Eduardo, a former restaurant owner from Ecuador, was extorted by criminal gangs in his hometown. Fearing for his life, he decided to migrate to the US.

3. Journey Across Mexico: Eduardo's journey involved traveling by bus from Mexico City to Sonoyta on the US border, a route controlled by violent drug cartels. Along the way, migrants face numerous checkpoints where they are extorted by both criminals and corrupt law enforcement officers.

4. Kidnappings and Extortion: Migrants are frequently targeted for kidnappings and extortion by criminal groups. Eduardo witnessed Colombian families being forcibly removed from his bus due to their inability to pay the demanded money.

5. Role of Cartels: Drug cartels in Mexico have diversified their activities to include human smuggling, extortion, and kidnapping. They exert control over migrant routes and often force migrants to transport drugs into the US.

6. Violence and Risks: Migrants who refuse to pay extortion fees or attempt to cross the border illegally without the cartel's approval face violence and even death. Bodies of migrants have been found with gunshot wounds in areas near the border.

7. Eduardo's Decision: Despite the risks, Eduardo chose not to risk an illegal crossing with a smuggler. Instead, he registered with a US government app for migrants, allowing him to schedule an appointment at a US Port of Entry for asylum consideration.

8. Outcome: Eduardo eventually entered the US legally in March, highlighting the challenges faced by migrants and the measures taken to seek refuge in the US.

Overall, the story sheds light on the dangerous realities faced by migrants during their journey across Mexico and the complex interplay between criminal organizations, corruption, and the migration crisis at the US-Mexico border.