Migrants from various countries in Latin America, including Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, and Venezuela, are facing obstacles at the U.S.-Mexico border as they seek to enter the United States. Texas has erected barriers, including miles of razor wire, to deter illegal crossings, causing many migrants to remain stranded in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. These migrants, including parents with young children and teenagers traveling alone, are enduring harsh conditions while waiting for an opportunity to enter the U.S.
The migrant camp near the U.S. border, where families and individuals have been staying for days, lacks basic necessities such as food and water. Despite the challenges, some migrants, like Rene from Honduras, have been sleeping outside for weeks, trying to protect their children from the cold and uncertain circumstances. While illegal border crossings have decreased by over 40% this year, many migrants are still stranded in Mexico, waiting for their turn to enter the U.S. legally through official ports of entry.
The demand for entry into the U.S. through a Biden administration program known as CBP One far exceeds the available spots, leading to long wait times for migrants in Mexico. As a result, some migrants in desperation choose to attempt illegal crossings in Texas, where they must navigate through the barriers put in place by the state. Migrant shelters in Ciudad Juárez and El Paso have criticized the harsh measures taken by Texas, describing the razor wire as inhumane and harmful, especially to children.
The Texas Department of Public Safety defends the use of barriers and razor wire as a deterrent to illegal border crossings, highlighting the federal crime associated with entering the U.S. between official ports of entry. While acknowledging the potential risk of injury to migrants, Texas officials emphasize the importance of protecting the border and providing assistance to those in distress. Despite the efforts to enforce strict measures at the border, many migrants like Rene still view the U.S. as a place where they can pursue the American dream.
While Texas officials credit their actions, including the use of razor wire and arrests of migrants, for the decrease in border crossings, federal authorities believe that Mexican officials’ crackdown on migrants traveling to the U.S. is the main factor driving the decline. Mexican authorities have increased efforts to prevent migrants from reaching the U.S. border and are deporting some individuals to southern Mexico. Despite these challenges, migrants like Rene remain determined to reach the U.S. in search of better opportunities and a brighter future for themselves and their families.
