Mexico-Guatemala border: Mass kidnapping and extortion await migrants

#Migrants

#SuchiateRiver

#Mexico

Migrants crossing the Suchiate River into Mexico often fall into the hands of drug cartels. Many are held for ransom in structures filled with other kidnapped individuals. After paying, they are stamped by the criminals to indicate payment and avoid further harm. Crime groups, exploiting the migrant smuggling trade, have infiltrated Chiapas, once a safe state. Despite government claims of controlling migration, organised crime dictates movement, with authorities allegedly colluding. A local priest highlights the open violence against migrants, a stark reality for those fleeing turmoil only to face exploitation.

Al Jazeera's Alessandro Rampietti reports from Tapachula, Mexico.