Mexico’s Migrant Crisis: Fighting Violence and Healing Trauma

In recent years, a disturbing rise in violence against migrants has been reported across various parts of Latin America, with Mexico becoming a focal point for some of the most harrowing accounts. As more individuals flee their homelands, seeking refuge or better opportunities, their journeys are fraught with unimaginable violence, often inflicted by criminal groups that control parts of the migratory routes. This surge in violence, particularly against women and children, has caused alarm among human rights organizations and humanitarian groups.

One of the few specialized facilities offering psychological and medical care for survivors of this violence is Doctors Without Borders’ Comprehensive Care Center (CAI) in Mexico City. With an increasing number of migrants passing through the center, seeking help after enduring various forms of brutality, the center has become a critical resource. Located far from the immediate dangers of the migrant route, the CAI is an oasis of relief for many who are recovering from physical and mental trauma. Yet, it is not without its challenges.

The Growing crisis:

The case of a Venezuelan mother and her family, who endured a brutal attack while crossing the dangerous Darien Gap from Colombia to Panama, sheds light on the severity of the violence migrants are experiencing. After days of treacherous walking through the jungle, where danger lurked at every corner, this mother believed they had made it through the worst of their journey. But just when they thought they had reached safety, a group of armed men ambushed them. These men separated the women from the rest of the group and subjected them to sexual violence. This mother’s account is one of over 700 such cases handled by the CAI. Her painful story, shared in an interview, is just one example of the countless migrants who arrive at the center with memories of horror and trauma.

Doctors at the center, led by coordinator Ramon Marquez, work tirelessly to treat the victims of extreme violence. The center provides primary health care for physical injuries caused by violence, as well as psychological support for trauma survivors. These victims are not only dealing with the aftermath of physical abuse, but also the devastating emotional and mental toll of their experiences. For many, the psychological scars left by these traumatic events are just as severe as the physical wounds. Marquez emphasizes that in many cases, these effects are lifelong, making the need for continued care and attention all the more crucial.

The Challenges of Immediate Care:

In response to the growing need for mental health services, CAI has expanded its efforts to offer both in-person and remote care for survivors. Many migrants, especially those who have been subjected to violence, are not in a position to stay for extended periods of therapy. Some are determined to reach the United States and have obtained asylum appointments or are seeking to cross the border as quickly as possible. In these cases, offering remote or hybrid treatment options ensures that care continues even after they leave the center.

However, providing such care comes with its own set of challenges. Migrants often leave the center in a state of emotional distress, and their exposure to new dangers along the way makes it difficult for them to focus on treatment. In fact, in many cases, they are forced to prioritize their immediate physical safety and survival, which can delay or disrupt their recovery process.

For example, some of the patients at CAI, such as a trans man from Venezuela who was kidnapped and tortured by criminals in Monterrey, Mexico, have experienced trauma that requires urgent psychological intervention. Despite undergoing treatment at CAI, the survivor still experiences physical pain from the abuse and must cope with the psychological trauma of being held captive for two days in a construction site. These stories are not unique; they reflect the broader pattern of increasing violence against migrants in the region.

Understanding the Scope of Violence:

Experts believe that the intensity of violence migrants face is largely due to the changing dynamics of migratory patterns. With more women and children traveling alone, they have become more vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Marquez notes that these individuals are often seen as easy targets for criminal groups operating along migratory routes. This shift has led to a rise in the number of violent crimes such as sexual assault, kidnapping, and torture against this vulnerable group.

In fact, data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows a marked increase in encounters with family units at the southern border of the United States, with a 73% rise in fiscal year 2024 compared to the previous year. This increase in family migration has put further pressure on already strained systems, as authorities and humanitarian organizations struggle to keep up with the rising demand for protection and support services.

For women, particularly those traveling alone with children, the risks of encountering sexual violence are higher. Marquez points out that in many cases, the mother of the family is not only the victim but also the primary caregiver, tasked with providing food and safety for her children. This complex situation makes it even more difficult for these women to access the help they need, as they often face the dual burden of caring for their children while also trying to heal from their own traumatic experiences.

The Role of Human Rights Organizations:

Organizations such as REDODEM, a coalition of human rights groups in Mexico, have reported a significant rise in violence against migrants in recent years. Sara Lopez, the coalition’s data chief, explains that the intensity of this violence has been particularly shocking, as many victims arrive with visible signs of abuse, including facial bruising, neck and arm injuries, and deep physical trauma. The sheer number of cases being reported is alarming, and it highlights the urgent need for greater protection and support for migrants who are exposed to such brutality.

In many instances, the lack of reliable data on the scope of violence against migrants has made it difficult to fully comprehend the scale of the crisis. The majority of these crimes go unreported, as migrants are often reluctant to speak out for fear of retribution or because they fear the legal and bureaucratic hurdles that come with reporting such crimes. This silence only perpetuates the cycle of violence and further isolates victims who are already traumatized and vulnerable.

The Impact of Changing Migration Policies:

The future of migration in the region remains uncertain, particularly with the possibility of more restrictive policies under the leadership of a new U.S. administration. If migration policies become more stringent, migrants will likely be forced to spend more time in Mexico, where they are exposed to the dangers of organized crime. This would likely increase their vulnerability to violence and make it even more difficult for organizations like CAI to provide the necessary care and support.

The trauma experienced by migrants, especially those who are victims of extreme violence, can have long-lasting effects on their mental and physical health. As they continue their journeys, many may struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The physical injuries they endure can also result in chronic pain and long-term mobility issues. For these individuals, the road to recovery is often long and fraught with challenges.

While the situation for migrants in Mexico remains dire, organizations like Doctors Without Borders and human rights groups are doing everything in their power to provide assistance and raise awareness about the needs of these vulnerable populations. However, much more needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of migrants as they navigate these treacherous routes. Governments, humanitarian organizations, and local communities must work together to provide better protection, support, and care for those who have been subjected to extreme violence.

Ultimately, the challenge is not just to provide immediate care for these victims but to address the root causes of the violence and exploitation they face. In order to do so, it is essential that governments and international bodies take a more proactive approach to protecting migrants and ensuring that their rights are upheld throughout their journeys. Only then will the cycle of violence begin to break, and migrants will be able to seek refuge and rebuild their lives in safety.