In recent years, the Gulf Cartel has been targeting migrants for ransom, exploiting their vulnerability and using sexual violence as a form of extortion. The Cartel has been kidnapping migrants and subjecting them to brutal treatment, including beatings and threats of sexual assault. Organized crime groups have taken advantage of the long waiting periods that migrants face on the Mexican side of the border, as a result of policies such as Title 42 and the Remain in Mexico program. These policies force migrants to wait in dangerous cities until their immigration appointments are scheduled, putting them at risk of violence and exploitation. Activists like Jennifer Harbury have spoken out against these policies, asserting that they are endangering the lives of refugees.
Customs and Border Protection has implemented the CBP One™ app to schedule appointments at land ports of entry, in an effort to process migrants more efficiently and combat smuggling operations. However, some migrants have reported that the cartels are exploiting this system, targeting individuals who are traveling to their appointments and extorting them for money and belongings. The cartels use violence to intimidate and control migrants, sending videos to their families to prove that they are in their custody. The situation at the border has become increasingly chaotic and dangerous, with migrants caught in the crossfire of criminal organizations and government policies.
The political controversy surrounding abortion in the U.S. is affecting migrants who have been victims of sexual assault on their journey to the border. One Honduran asylum-seeker, who had previously undergone a self-managed medication abortion, found herself in possession of abortion pills and decided to distribute them to others in need. Despite the risk of legal consequences and threats to her immigration status, she chose to help a fellow migrant who had recently arrived in Texas and needed the pills. The overlap of immigration and abortion policies in the U.S. has created a gray zone that migrants may not fully understand as they strive for a better life in America.
The Honduran migrant’s act of compassion highlights the complex challenges faced by migrants at the border, where they are vulnerable to exploitation by criminal organizations and face legal obstacles in accessing essential healthcare services. The convergence of political, social, and economic factors has created a dangerous environment for migrants, who must navigate a system that often fails to protect their rights and safety. By sharing her story, the Honduran migrant sheds light on the harsh realities that many individuals face as they seek refuge and opportunity in the United States.
The ongoing crisis of irregular migration and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by criminal organizations underscore the need for comprehensive and humane immigration policies. Governments and international organizations must address the root causes of migration, such as poverty, violence, and political instability, to create safer pathways for individuals seeking asylum. The voices of migrants must be heard and their rights respected, in order to uphold the principles of dignity, compassion, and justice for all individuals, regardless of their background or nationality. Only through collaborative efforts and a commitment to human rights can we create a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone.
