US border policy drives migrant camps to Mexico City

Eliezer López, a migrant in Mexico City, celebrates after registering for an asylum appointment through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's mobile app, CBP One. This policy has led to a significant increase in migrant camps in the capital, where thousands are now waiting for weeks or months in poor living conditions. Many migrants, seeking safety from cartel violence in northern Mexico, have chosen to stay in Mexico City despite its own challenges, including overcrowding and sanitation issues. The camps, often referred to as 'ranchitos,' are makeshift shelters constructed from various materials to protect against the elements. In neighborhoods like La Merced, large groups of migrants have organized to manage resources, such as water distribution, to improve their living conditions. However, tensions have arisen with local residents, who have protested against the presence of these camps, demanding government intervention to assist the migrants. As the migrant population grows, individuals like Héctor Javier Magallanes have taken on leadership roles to address security and infrastructure needs within the camps. Despite their efforts to create a semblance of community and dignity, many migrants continue to face uncertainty and fear as they await their asylum appointments. The situation highlights the broader implications of U.S. immigration policies, which have inadvertently transformed Mexico City from a transit point into a temporary refuge for thousands of migrants, raising questions about the responsibilities of both the U.S. and Mexican governments in addressing the needs of these vulnerable populations.