Migrant families risk life and limb boarding Mexico train in journey to border

Hundreds of migrants, including families with young children, risked perilous conditions to climb atop a cargo train in Mexico’s Veracruz state, seeking a brief reprieve on their journey to the U.S. border amidst heightened fears of stricter immigration policies.

Hundreds of migrants, including families with young children, scrambled to climb aboard a cargo train on Friday, November 22, as part of their journey towards Mexico’s border with the United States.

In the southern state of Veracruz, in Coatzacoalcos, adults were seen helping children to scale the train’s towering cars.

After enduring long distances on foot, travelling on the roof of the train offers weary migrants some relief. However, it comes with significant danger. Many have suffered fatal accidents or life-altering injuries such as losing limbs after falling from the moving trains.

Selena, a migrant from Colombia, spoke about the constant fear faced by those on the move.

“You always fear migration authorities more than anybody," said Selena.

"You’re hiding in pathways where you are not supposed to enter and fleeing from migration authorities. They say they are here to protect you but in reality, they are pushing you to go to very dangerous places, and that is where kidnappings and everything happens,” explained Selena.

Cairo Oropeza, a migrant from Venezuela, expressed his hope regarding the future under President-elect Donald Trump’s leadership.

“If he (President-elect Donald Trump) re-takes the presidency, we have hope there will be an exception for us Venezuelans, and he will let us stay there and receive some help from Donald Trump’s side to stay there,” said Cairo.

Johnny Alexander, a migrant from Honduras, shared his own frustration. 

“I’m tired," Johnny explained. "I was deported to Monterrey (north of Mexico) and now many people recommend I arrange my papers and stay here. Maybe I will finally stay in Mexico.”

The timing of the migration is marked by the upcoming inauguration of Republican President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to intensify measures against illegal immigration and tighten restrictions on legal migration. His return to the White House on January 20 is expected to revive some of the tough policies he pursued during his previous term from 2017 to 2021.

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