Urgent: Venezuelan Migrants Find Shelter Amid Crisis in Mexico

UPDATE: Venezuelan migrants are facing an escalating crisis as they seek refuge at the Cafémin migrant shelter in Mexico City, supported by the Irish embassy and the UNHCR. Operated by the Josephine Sisters for nearly 15 years, Cafémin is a vital lifeline for those fleeing violence and instability.

Authorities report that the shelter has become a critical refuge for migrants from over 40 countries, including those escaping economic collapse in Venezuela. “Migration has always been a survival strategy for humanity,” says Mario Bersoza, communications coordinator at Cafémin. The urgency of their plight has intensified as political tensions rise and routes become increasingly perilous.

One such migrant, known as Jarianas, fled from Caracas in 2018 due to dire conditions exacerbated by U.S. sanctions. After enduring a harrowing journey through Peru, Chile, and the notorious Darien Gap, she now lives at Cafémin with her elderly father and two young children. “I value their safety above everything,” Jarianas states, highlighting the constant fear of kidnapping and extortion that plagues many migrants.

The shelter provides not only safety but also education; Jarianas’ children are attending school on-site. However, the family’s hope for a future in the United States was dashed when the Trump administration suspended the online asylum application system, known as CBP One. Now, many migrants like Jarianas are stranded in a state of uncertainty.

Cafémin offers crucial services, including temporary shelter and outreach to nearby encampments. It is one of several shelters grappling with funding cuts while continuing to support the influx of migrants fleeing violence and poverty in Central and South America. The Irish government has allocated €2 million to the UNHCR for regional refugee support, underscoring the severity of the humanitarian crisis.

The need for immediate assistance is more pressing than ever, as recent data indicates that 75% of migrants in Mexico have been there for over six months, a stark increase from 29% in late 2024. “We live in uncertainty, anguish, fear — that is the reality for migrants,” Jarianas adds, encapsulating the emotional toll of their journey.

As the situation evolves, the international community is called to respond to the growing crisis. Migrants at Cafémin and similar shelters remain in limbo, awaiting crucial documentation that could determine their futures. “Every life matters,” Bersoza insists, as the plight of these families continues to garner attention.

WHAT’S NEXT: Observers are urged to monitor developments surrounding U.S. immigration policies and their impact on the flow of migrants. The situation remains critical as families like Jarianas’ navigate the treacherous path toward safety, exemplifying the urgent need for compassionate support and systemic change.