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 / Modified aug 23, 2018 10:03 a.m.

Report: Nearly 1/2 of Underage Migrants in Mexico Last Year Were Unaccompanied

The association behind the report says most were fleeing violence or seeking to reunite with family. by Jorge Valencia, Fronteras Desk

MEXICO CITY — Almost half of underage migrants traveling through Mexico last year were unaccompanied, according to a new report from association of migrant shelters.

It isn't the largest number of unaccompanied minors Mexico has seen from Central America. But the number is still high: About 46 percent of minors were traveling alone or with a smuggler.

Maria Jose Lascano coordinates the Network for the Defense of Migrants in Mexico, which prepared the report. She says minors are most likely fleeing violence, or they're trying to reach family.

"Their parents, or maybe an aunt or uncle or a brother, are already in Mexico or the United States, so it also has to do with family reunification."

The network made the report by counting 28,000 migrants traveling through shelters in Mexico last year.

Fronteras Desk
This story is from the Fronteras Desk, a collaboration of Southwestern public radio stations, including NPR 89.1. Read more from the Fronteras Desk.
MORE: Fronteras Desk, Immigration, Kids, Mexico, News
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