Conoce a "La Bestia", el tren que transporta a miles de migrantes

Summary

The transcript details the dangerous journey of Central American migrants traveling through Mexico on freight trains, known as 'La Bestia' (The Beast). The migrants, often traveling in precarious conditions, face significant risks including falling from trains, assault by gangs, and even death. Despite these dangers, many continue their journey in search of a better life in the United States, driven by poverty, violence, and the hope of reunification with family. The report highlights the struggles of mothers with children, the role of rumors in shaping migration patterns, and the lack of sufficient government intervention to protect migrants.

Takeaways

• 😀 La Bestia is not just one train, but a series of cargo trains that allow thousands of Central American migrants to travel through Mexico toward the United States.
• 😀 Despite recent government statements, the Mexican government still permits migrants to board La Bestia, and the authorities are aware of it.
• 😀 Migrants on La Bestia face immense risks, including potential falls from the train and threats from criminal gangs, but they board the train as it's their only hope of reaching the U.S. border.
• 😀 The train journey begins in Arriaga, Chiapas, and migrants must travel long distances by foot to board the trains, which can take several days to depart.
• 😀 Migrants can spend hours, even up to 10 hours, waiting on top of the train before it departs, all while facing extreme weather and the constant fear of falling off.
• 😀 Many migrants, especially mothers with children, are part of a larger exodus fleeing violence, poverty, and gangs in their home countries of Central America.
• 😀 Some mothers believe a rumor that if they travel with their children, they will be allowed to stay in the United States without being deported, further increasing the number of women and children making the perilous journey.
• 😀 The Mexican government allows migrants to board the trains, but they face little to no protection from law enforcement or the army during their journey.
• 😀 Inside the trains, there is no order or security, as criminals and gang members infiltrate the train cars, making the journey even more dangerous.
• 😀 Despite the dangers, migrants continue to board La Bestia because the alternative in their home countries—violence, poverty, and gang activity—is far worse, pushing them to risk their lives for a chance at a better life in the U.S.

Q & A

What is 'La Bestia' and why is it significant for migrants?

La Bestia refers to a series of cargo trains that travel across southern Mexico, which migrants, particularly from Central America, use to travel toward the United States. These trains are considered a dangerous but necessary means for migrants to reach the U.S. border, as they offer one of the few affordable methods of transportation despite the numerous risks involved.

Why do migrants choose to ride 'La Bestia' despite the dangers?

Migrants choose to ride La Bestia because it is one of the few available transportation options to reach the U.S. border, despite the risks of accidents, crime, and exposure to the elements. Many are fleeing violence, poverty, and insecurity in their home countries, and they see this journey as their only chance for a better life.

What kind of risks do migrants face while traveling on 'La Bestia'?

Migrants face numerous dangers while traveling on La Bestia, including the risk of falling off the train, being attacked by gangs, encountering violent weather conditions, and facing exhaustion. Many suffer from injuries, such as amputations, and some die during their journey due to accidents or violence.

How does the Mexican government react to migrants using 'La Bestia'?

Despite official statements, the Mexican government largely allows migrants to board the trains. There is little intervention from authorities to stop them, although there are instances of armed guards preventing access to certain trains. The government is aware of the migrants' use of these trains but has done little to regulate or prevent it.

What role do criminal organizations play in the journey of migrants on 'La Bestia'?

Criminal organizations, such as gangs and cartels, often infiltrate the trains. Migrants are vulnerable to assaults, theft, and exploitation by these groups. The lack of security and the chaotic nature of the journey make it difficult for migrants to distinguish between good and bad individuals among their fellow passengers.

How do women and children fit into the migration journey on 'La Bestia'?

Many women and children are part of the migrant wave traveling on La Bestia. Some mothers, particularly single mothers, travel with their children in the hope of reaching the U.S. for a better life. There is a widespread belief among some migrants that women with children are less likely to be deported upon arrival in the U.S., which adds to the motivation for these families to undertake such a perilous journey.

What myths or rumors influence the decision of migrants to board 'La Bestia'?

A common myth circulating among Central American migrants is that if they are single mothers traveling with children, they will be allowed to stay in the United States and will not be deported. This belief encourages many to embark on the journey, despite the dangers they face on the way.

How do migrants cope with the uncertainty of the train's departure time?

Migrants face great uncertainty about when the trains will depart, which can lead to long waits. They often board the trains as soon as they see any signs of movement, such as the coupling of train cars, and hold onto their spots, fearing that if they move, they might miss the train or lose their place.

What are the psychological and emotional effects on migrants traveling on 'La Bestia'?

The journey on La Bestia is extremely taxing emotionally and psychologically. Migrants face anxiety, fear, and exhaustion as they encounter physical dangers, witness suffering, and endure long periods of uncertainty. The emotional toll is especially significant for families, including mothers with young children who must navigate these dangers while carrying the weight of their hope for a better future.

What do the personal stories of migrants reveal about their reasons for leaving their home countries?

The personal stories shared by migrants reveal that many are fleeing extreme violence, poverty, and instability in their home countries, particularly in Central America. They often feel that their survival is at risk if they remain, and they are willing to endure the risks of the journey in the hope of finding safety and a better life in the United States.