“Like a human jungle”. The journey across Mexico has become harder than ever for migrants hoping to reach the US. While illegal immigration is a big issue in the US election, the number of illegal border crossings is actually down significantly. A lot of that is because of what Mexico is doing.

#AJStartHere’s Sandra Gathmann travelled to Mexico’s northern and southern borders, to explain what’s happening and hear the stories of the people affected.

Chapters:
00:46 How illegal crossings of the USMexico border have dropped
01:57 Jefrin’s failed attempt to cross the USMexico border
03:32 Arrivals at Mexico’s southern border with Guatemala
06:03 The CBP One app and why it’s keeping people in the south of Mexico
08:47 How the journey through Mexico has become harder and riskier
09:44 Mexico’s “bussing” system and “el carrusel”
10:55 How migrants are targeted by gangs and cartels
12:14 Yonatan’s experience of being kidnapped and the “human jungle”
13:55 Why is Mexico helping the US on enforcement?
15:34 Sandra speaks to Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum

This episode features:

Enrique Vidal, Center For Human Rights Fray Matías De Córdova
Gretchen Kuhner, Director, IMUMI (Institute For Women In Migration)
Carlos Heredia, Associate Professor, CIDE (Center For Research & Teaching In Economics)
Claudia Sheinbaum, President Of Mexico
Blanca Navarrete, Director, DHIA (Integral Human Rights In Action)

You can find all Start Here episodes here: https://bit.ly/3o0BEIW
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And let us know in the comments if there’s a topic you find confusing and would like Start Here to cover ⤵

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