Juarez, Mexico — A Guatemalan boy, about six, enters an enormous unknown, crossing alone into the US. After he passes the wall, he breaks right into a run.
He’s one among many youngsters crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, the place the Biden administration has allowed unaccompanied minors and a few households with youngsters underneath seven to remain as their circumstances pend. Most others apprehended on the border are being deported from the U.S.
Whereas some have referred to as this a disaster on the border, the migrants who spoke with CBS Information mentioned the disaster is of their residence international locations, the place the pandemic and pure disasters have worsened violence and poverty.
Earlier than crossing with ladies who have been serving to her alongside the journey from Guatemala, 16-year-old Isabel mentioned her dad and mom again residence have been too sick to work. She mentioned she was on the lookout for work for her household.
Many alongside this stretch of the border close to Juarez have been trying to flip themselves in to frame patrol, whereas others have employed smugglers to attempt to evade brokers. One smuggler spoke with CBS Information on situation of anonymity. Even with the danger of being deported, they nonetheless need to attempt.
Members of the family within the U.S. inform them to maintain making an attempt, he mentioned. His operation contains ladders to scale the wall, with peep holes to observe for border patrol — about $1,000 a attempt.
In six months, he mentioned 80 to 100 individuals have paid him to cross the border.
Nonetheless, others wait. Alex Ajin Tecum, 14, has been ready in Juarez together with his mom Irma for a 12 months and three months, hoping for an asylum listening to underneath the Trump administration’s now-defunct “Stay in Mexico” coverage.
They mentioned they left Guatemala resulting from threats. Alex is aware of he might attempt passing on his personal, however he will not. He mentioned he would not need to separate from his mom.
They’re all they’ve proper now, they are saying. So for now, they wait.
