HUEHUETOCA, MEXICO - In a gripping exploration of migration challenges, CTV News has delved into the perilous journeys of countless individuals risking everything to traverse through Mexico in search of a brighter future.

Amidst the chaos, families like that of a seven-year-old girl named Sarah engage in a heartbreaking game of hide and seek, seeking refuge from the eyes of immigration authorities.

The Tragic Reality Behind the Game

Sarah, blissfully innocent, believes she is playing an innocent game. However, the reality is far more tragic. Alongside her mother, Jasmin, and a cohort of other migrants, they hide in a garbage dump, anxiously waiting to risk their lives aboard Mexico's infamous freight trains, colloquially termed 'La Bestia' or 'The Beast' — both names referring to the train's lethal reputation.

The Beast: A Last Resort

These freight trains, not intended for human travel, have become a last resort for many migrants embarking on an treacherous journey northward toward the U.S. border.

"It's known as the beast because of its speed," noted migrant advocate Anahi Selum. "As they run for it, many cannot hold on, leading to catastrophic injuries or, tragically, loss of life."

The Garbage Dump Hideout

The garbage dump near Huehueteca, Mexico serves as a temporary hideout for migrants, offering a view of the train tracks and the movements of immigration patrols.

A sudden noise from a nearby railway maintenance truck once triggered panic in the group, as their imagination transformed common sounds into potential threats of deportation.

The Psychological Toll

Jasmin, hailing from Colombia, recounted how the constant fear of immigration authorities has left her daughter traumatized.

"We have been running for weeks... I told her we are playing hide and seek so they don’t see us," she said, revealing a stark truth about the psychological toll of their journey.

The Impact of Strict Policies

In 2023, shocking images of thousands of migrants precariously perched atop these trains drew international scrutiny, prompting more stringent enforcement across Mexico.

Military checkpoints sprouted along the paths leading north, and those caught faced immediate deportation back to Guatemala.

Tighter U.S. border controls have exacerbated the crisis, rolling out policies that require migrants to schedule asylum appointments through an app called CPB One.

This new system imposes a significant challenge, as less than 1,500 slots are available daily, compelling desperate migrants to compete for appointments against millions of fellow hopefuls.

Dire Implications of New Regulations

The implications of these policies have been dire. Reports indicate that irregular crossings have plummeted by over 50% following the new regulations, with removals from the U.S. hitting the highest levels in over a decade.

Such measures, while aimed at managing immigration, have left many migrants trapped in a dangerous limbo in Mexico.

Exploitation by Organized Crime

Advocates contend that the situation has intensified the threats migrants face. Father Priciliano Peraza, who runs a shelter for migrants in Altar, Mexico, voiced alarm over the rise of organized crime exploiting vulnerable migrants.

"They rob you, kidnap you, and extort you," he lamented, emphasizing that the majority of these individuals are fleeing dire circumstances out of necessity rather than choice.

Systemic Issues at Play

The tragic plight of migrants in Mexico is a mirror of larger systemic issues, often tied to violence and poverty in their home countries.

Until these core problems are addressed, the exodus of individuals seeking safety and opportunities is unlikely to cease.

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