The flow of migrants across the southern US border has become a major theme in the US presidential election. But what often goes unnoticed is the involvement of drug cartels in escalating the perilous journey through Mexico.
San Luis Rio Colorado, a typical Mexican border community with strip clubs and taco stands, is where Eduardo found solace in a migrant shelter after escaping the clutches of organised crime in Ecuador. Threatened with death if he didn’t pay a ‘tax’ to the gang, Eduardo decided to seek asylum in the US, embarking on a harrowing journey.
From flying to Mexico City to boarding a bus to Sonoyta on the US border, Eduardo traversed through terrain controlled by violent drug cartels, making his already dangerous journey even more treacherous. He encountered armed men demanding money, extorting migrants and making life-threatening situations.
In San Luis Rio Colorado, reports of migrants being kidnapped and held captive emerged, shedding light on the brutal reality faced by those seeking a better life. Extortion, abuse, and kidnapping are part of the modus operandi of these criminal organisations, exploiting vulnerable migrants for financial gain.
The journey northward through Sinaloa and Sonora states was marred by police checkpoints where officers demanded money from migrants. Lack of cash resulted in loss of documents and possessions for many like Eduardo, making their plight even more desperate.
The cartel-controlled human smuggling business has seen a rise in violence and criminal activities, forcing migrants to carry drugs and face life-threatening situations. The power of these cartels extends to cities like Tijuana, where bodies of migrants have been found, executed for crossing without payment.
Eduardo’s decision to enter the US legally via a government app is a small victory amidst the chaos he endured. Despite the dangers he faced, his faith and the tragic fate of a friend back in Ecuador keep him determined to seek a better life.
The Biden administration’s measures aim to weaken the grip of these cartels by offering legal pathways for migrants, providing a glimmer of hope for those like Eduardo. The narrative of migration is complex, intertwined with violence, extortion, and the struggle for survival in a hostile environment.
