The Plight of Migrants at Casa del Migrante
The atmosphere at Casa del Migrante, a shelter in Mexico, has turned somber and fraught with anxiety since the inauguration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Sister Maria Tello Claro, the shelter’s director, has witnessed this transformation firsthand. Designed to accommodate 170 people, the shelter is currently housing 190 migrants, primarily from Honduras, Venezuela, El Salvador, and Haiti. Many of these individuals, including Martino and Alvarado, have faced harrowing experiences during their journeys, having been held hostage at some point. Sister Maria emphasizes the dangers they continue to face, stating, "Here it is dangerous because they can be kidnapped. In fact, they are being kidnapped.”
The Dangers Faced by Migrants in Mexico
Despite the perils, many migrants feel they have no choice but to stay in Mexico. Sister Maria explains that returning to their home countries is not an option for some, as they fear persecution, violence, or other dangers. The U.S. government’s decision to pause foreign aid spending for 90 days has exacerbated the challenges faced by shelters like Casa del Migrante. This aid freeze has limited the shelter’s ability to meet the growing needs of migrants and asylum seekers. Additionally, other nongovernmental organizations that support the shelter have seen their budgets shrink, leading to the loss of one of the shelter’s two volunteer counseling psychologists. Sister Maria and her team have met with other shelters to brainstorm solutions, but they remain uncertain about how to move forward. "We go day by day," she says.
The Impact of Reduced US Aid on Shelters
The reduction in U.S. aid has created a ripple effect, impacting not only Casa del Migrante but also other shelters and organizations that provide critical support to migrants and asylum seekers. The loss of funding has forced these organizations to cut back on essential services, leaving many vulnerable individuals without the help they desperately need. Sister Maria highlights the difficulty of operating under such constraints, as the number of migrants seeking refuge continues to rise. The uncertainty surrounding the U.S. government’s policies has added another layer of challenges for these shelters, making it difficult to plan for the future.
Johanna Ovando’s Journey: Fleeing El Salvador
Among the many asylum seekers stranded at the border is Johanna Ovando, a 31-year-old woman from El Salvador. She fled her home country with her husband, two children, and mother due to the escalating gang violence that threatens her family’s safety. In El Salvador, gangs often target young boys around the age of 10 for recruitment, and Ovando feared for her eldest son’s safety. The government’s response to the gang crisis has only intensified the risks, leading to widespread human rights abuses. However, Ovando’s journey to safety has been far from smooth. Since arriving in Mexico, her family has faced discrimination, abuse, and extortion. "There is sex trafficking, and one walks with the fear of persecution," she says, drawing parallels to the dangers they faced in El Salvador. Despite the challenges, Ovando remains determined to seek a better life for her family.
Martino’s Resolve: Determined to Move Forward
For many migrants like Martino, returning to their home countries is not an option. Martino, who has survived immense hardships on his journey to the border, views returning as a defeat. He expresses a mix of frustration and hope, saying, "Patience runs out, hope ends, and many things must be taken into account. But calmly, with patience and a lot of faith, we put everything in God’s hands." Despite his resilience, Martino acknowledges that his future is also in the hands of U.S. President Donald Trump. He, like many others, is waiting for some indication of what lies ahead. "Donald Trump also has to give answers," he says, reflecting the uncertainty and powerlessness that many migrants feel.
The Uncertain Future of Asylum Seekers
The stories of Sister Maria, Johanna, and Martino underscore the complex and precarious situation of migrants and asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. The combination of dangerous conditions in their home countries, limited support in Mexico, and uncertain policies in the United States has left many feeling trapped and hopeless. For some, like Ovando, the situation in Mexico has become so dire that they are considering moving on, even if it means abandoning their hopes of asylum in the United States. For others, like Martino, the determination to move forward remains strong, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the future of these asylum seekers hangs in the balance, dependent on decisions made by leaders far removed from their struggles.
