Desperate Migrants Ride the 'Train of Death' Through Mexico to Reach the US Tribune.com.ng
go to original May 6, 2013

For close to two decades, thousands of Central American migrants have lost their dreams, limbs and lives trying to illegally cross Mexican territory. Mexico represents a great challenge for those whose only goal is to reach the northern border hoping to incorporate themselves into the United States. Their Calvary begins in the state of Chiapas, the moment they step on Mexican soil. (Pedro Ultreras)

The freight train known as ‘The Beast’, travels from the southern Mexican town of Arriaga up to Mexico City.

And every day, hundreds of migrants, mostly from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras or Nicaragua, sit on top of the notorious train, often for days at a time.

It is also known as the ‘Train of Death’. Riding precariously on top of the moving containers, migrants are often maimed or killed if they fall due to dehydration or fatigue.

There is also the human threat, as these vulnerable travelers have been increasingly targeted by criminal gangs, people smugglers, kidnappers and corrupt officials.

Driven by poverty at home, many are hoping for a better life in the U.S. The journey north take, leads them closer to the Mexican border with the United States.

According to Amnesty International, thousands of migrants are ill-treated, abducted or raped.

When the travelers reach Mexico City, more organised criminals are often lying in wait. Jorgé Andrade told the Independent, that gangs charge the migrants to get to shelter.

“If they don’t pay, they kidnap, beat them, ask for sexual favours. In the worst case, they would be forced to work for the gangs or even killed,” Andrade said.

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