Venezuelan Migrants Face Urgent Struggles at Mexico Shelter

UPDATE: Venezuelan migrants are currently facing dire circumstances at the Cafémin shelter in Mexico City, highlighting the urgent need for support as they navigate their perilous journey. Established by the Josephine Sisters nearly 15 years ago, the shelter has become a refuge for migrants fleeing violence and economic turmoil.

JUST ANNOUNCED: The shelter is backed by the UNHCR and the Irish Embassy, which has allocated €2 million for migration support across Latin America. As migration trends shift, the shelter reports an influx of individuals from over 40 countries, including those escaping the crumbling conditions in Venezuela.

Jarianas, a 40-year-old Venezuelan mother, is currently at Cafémin with her elderly father and two children, aged 15 and 2. “We live in limbo, waiting for the documents that let us move forward,” she expresses, underscoring the emotional toll of their uncertain situation. Since leaving Venezuela in 2018, Jarianas has faced numerous dangers, including extortion and kidnapping threats during her 7,000-kilometer journey through Latin America.

In Mexico, Jarianas confronts new challenges as the Trump administration’s recent suspension of the CBP One asylum application system has left many families like hers in a state of despair. “If I were alone it would be very different, but when you have a family the risk is much greater,” she says. Many migrants now view Mexico as a final destination rather than just a transit point.

The Cafémin shelter provides not only temporary accommodations but also schooling for children and outreach programs for families living nearby. Mario Bersoza, communications coordinator at Cafémin, states, “Reaching Mexico requires resources. Many who don’t make it here are lost to the dangers of the journey.”

Despite the challenges, the shelter continues to operate thanks to a network of support from organizations like the UNHCR and various church groups. However, funding cuts threaten the sustainability of such vital services. The archbishop of San Pedro Sula, Michael Lenihan, notes that while shelters are still accommodating migrants, the future remains uncertain.

As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, the plight of migrants like Jarianas serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of global migration issues. Many families are caught in a cycle of waiting, fearing for their safety, and yearning for a stable future. The urgency of their situation demands immediate attention and support from the international community.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: As the situation develops, more families are expected to seek refuge at shelters like Cafémin. The ongoing challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and migration policies will continue to shape the experiences of vulnerable populations.