Central American migrants, fleeing their homelands to escape the extreme violence there, are beset by more dangers as they travel through Mexico. Crimes, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common, and many migrants encounter discrimination, corrupt government officials, and deportation. Kevin shared his story with the KBI, an account that illustrates how harrowing the journey can be. My name is Kevin, and I’m 24 years old, born and raised in a district of Guatemala City. My … [Read more...]

Amidst the suffering endured by migrants who are apprehended, detained, and deported, a deep bond of common experience and common humanity is forged, and many a migrant story includes touching details of kind strangers, helpful advice, and shared resources. Every day, the KBI encounters people who, despite their own pain and untenable circumstances, offer sustenance and solidarity to others. Tere is one of them.   Deported to Nogales, Sonora after decades of living in Phoenix, Tere … [Read more...]

Like so many people who choose to journey to the U.S. for a better life, Cinthya arrived at her decision after considering all possibilities. Amid great uncertainty and with limited resources, a central question is weighing the potential benefits of crossing against its financial, emotional, and physical costs. With prosecutions on the rise, this already fraught scenario can become even more complicated, creating further challenges and obstacles.   When Cinthya met José and fell in … [Read more...]

Emmanuel—father of three, devoted husband, business owner, and Phoenix resident for 13 years—was recently deported back to his native Mexico, a country that is no longer home, and far from the life and family he has created. Now, his family is shattered and he is desperately trying to figure out how to reunite with them. Hailing from a small town in central Mexico, Emmanuel could not find work to support his parents and himself in 2006 after graduating from high school, so he decided to … [Read more...]

Witness to his father's murder in Honduras when he was one, Abraham's life was in grave danger. The gang responsible sent a threatening note, and their brutal crime proved their seriousness even more than any words on a page. Abraham's mother knew--the only thing to do was flee. Abraham is two-and-a-half years old. A friendly, spunky, and observant toddler, he likes turtles, grapes, and looking at photos of his two older brothers on his mom’s phone, particularly the one of his 8-year-old … [Read more...]