Organized crime operates in Guatemalahopes that the migrants arrive at the bus terminal Tecún Umánborder city with Mexico. At this point there are tricycles that are used as transportation; When they go up, they take photographs of the families that are on the move.
About 20 minutes away is the Guatemalan military detachmentthe population is dedicated to selling bale clothing and fried chicken, there are no stores here large departmental
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in this city, a migrant family was kidnapped; Their captor brings a radio and a short gun, talks to them and others foreign people.
He warns them that they will go through lost roads and that they will be protected by other groups that are waiting for them in Suchiate, Chiapas.
In order to cross into mexico,they must use rafts built with wooden planks and tires. big of trucks. Upon arriving at the Chiapas municipality, they are loaded onto a three-ton truck.
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“I paid 100 dollars to continue on my way, I couldn’t move on my own, they moved me, when I was already in the safe house they put me in another car,” said Raúl, one of the foreigners seeking to reach the United States, even with the warning of the next Donald Trump’s goverment.
This migrant was transferred in another cargo car, along with 56 others of diffrent nationalities.The young man driving the truck, who looked high, lost control and overturned. The mishap occurred when passing the first checkpoint of the National guard (GN) and The National Migration Institute (INM), in Suchiate.
They tried to flee after the accident, but members of organized crime prevented them from getting into private cars that were passing through the area.
“The _cartel_ arrived and told us that no one could leave, or turn themselves in to Immigration, they _picked us up_ and took us to a safe house Raul explained.
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SAFE HOUSES
According to the testimonies of migrants, these houses are around the municipality, They appear to be abandoned. They separated the foreign family, told them that they do not belong to anyone and that they were not fit to cross the border between Guatemala and Mexico. “when we paid they gave us a stamp with a sign of a rooster.”
This group moved to different security addresseswhere they could verify that they had many people kidnapped.
When they were transferred to Tapachula, They boarded nine in private vehicles. “They had lines of 100 people and it was like seeing soldiers lined up; These people are well organized,” he indicated.
Organized crime moved Raúl along the jarita highway that connects the municipality of Suchiate with Tapachula and then he left along the road that leads to the International Airport in Tapachula,to go to the Central Park, where he was abandoned along with other people.
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THEY ARE PROMOTED ON TIKTOK
“They took a video of us and asked me (the coyotes) if they had hurt me and if I was robbed or if I arrived safely. They told me to say that everything was fine and that they will recommend (the transfer route) to the line.”
After recording them,the criminals upload the material to TikTok to use as a promotion for your group coyotes.
This family of migrants joined one of the six caravans that have left this month to have greater security,becuase they fear being kidnapped by organized crime that demands quotas from foreigners in mobility, just so they can continue on their way.
This group was advancing along the coastal highway and when two more people from Venezuelan nationality, They were kidnapped by an armed commando who was traveling on a motorcycle.
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“We found out that this caravan was leaving, we decided to leave and we went to the terminal and took the buses, before arriving at the ejido Long live Mexicothe car was stopped by this group of people who forced us to get out: ‘Get off, otherwise we’re going to kill you!‘, said one of the criminals.
Afterwards, the subjects got on the motorcycles and upon noticing the presence of the caravan, which was guarded by the National Highway Guard, They were thrown from the moving unit. The guards _picked them up_ and let them go, he said.
The goal for these migrants is to reach USA before trump takes office as president on January 20.
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How can international cooperation improve the safety and rights of migrants facing organized crime in Central America?
Interview: Organized Crime and Migration in Central america
Time.news Editor: Good day, and welcome to our special discussion on organized crime and migration in Central America. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Elena cervantes, a renowned expert on migration and organized crime in the region. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Cervantes.
Dr.elena Cervantes: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical issue that requires urgent attention.
Time.news Editor: Let’s start with the situation in Guatemala, especially at the Tecún Umán border. This area seems to be a hotspot for organized crime exploiting migrants. What can you tell us about that?
Dr.Elena Cervantes: Tecún Umán is indeed a focal point where many migrants pass through as they seek to cross into Mexico. Organized crime groups are deeply embedded in this area, taking advantage of the vulnerability of these families.They operate with a level of impunity and try to control the flows of migrants, often demanding payments in exchange for “protection” and passage.
Time.news Editor: We recently learned about migrants being kidnapped upon arrival. The use of intimidation is alarming. how does this impact the safety of these families?
Dr. Elena Cervantes: The practice of kidnapping is regrettably prevalent. Many migrants, like Raúl, who we heard about, find themselves at the mercy of their captors. They are threatened, and their journeys are manipulated.This creates an habitat of fear,forcing many to comply with the demands of organized crime just to continue on their perilous journey.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned ‘safe houses’ in your previous work. Can you explain what these places are and their role in the trafficking networks?
Dr. Elena Cervantes: Safe houses are spots where migrants are kept while waiting for further transport to their destination. Often, these facilities can become traps. While they offer temporary shelter, they are also controlled by organized crime, which maintains power over the migrants until they are paid or until the group is ready for another leg of the journey.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like the journey to the United states is fraught with peril at every turn. What can be done to protect these vulnerable populations from such exploitation?
Dr. Elena Cervantes: A multi-faceted approach is essential. Firstly, we need stronger international cooperation to dismantle these criminal networks. Secondly, providing legal pathways for migration could significantly reduce dependence on traffickers.Also,raising awareness among migrants about their rights and the dangers they might face is crucial.
Time.news Editor: The prospect of crossing into Mexico can be daunting with reports of exploitation and abuse. How should countries like Mexico and the U.S. respond to the challenges posed by organized crime at the border?
Dr. Elena Cervantes: Countries must take a humanitarian approach. Rather than simply enforcing stricter borders, there should be a focus on protecting migrants’ rights and addressing the root causes of migration—like poverty and violence in their home countries. Consulting local communities and organizations working at the grassroots level can lead to more effective policies.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Cervantes, thank you for sharing your insights today.it’s clear that the migrant crisis is a complex issue requiring immediate and thoughtful intervention.
Dr.Elena Cervantes: Thank you for shedding light on this critical matter. It’s only by working together that we can begin to address these injustices.
Time.news Editor: We appreciate your time and expertise. For our readers, stay informed and engaged as we continue to follow this evolving story. thank you for joining us.