Mexicans vs Central Americans: Violented Migrants Crossing Mexico

The World Health Organization considers that migrants who pass through the Mexico-US walkway suffer high levels of violence, compared to other regions of the world, mainly women. This study aims to identify the factors associated with the types of violence suffered by migrants in transit through Mexico to the USA.

A cross-sectional, exploratory, retrospective, and observational study was conducted. A questionnaire of 46 variables was applied, divided into four sections: sociodemographic background, leaving the home, transit, and stay at the border. Questions about different types of direct violence were included. The survey was applied to 612 Mexican and Central American migrants who were in the Chaparral customs office and in five shelters in Tijuana City, on the U.S.-Mexico border. The results were analyzed using descriptive techniques and multivariate analysis of main and inferential components, using the statistical program R.

The higher vulnerability of Central American migrants compared to Mexicans was documented, specially of women that proportionally were the most negatively affected victims including all types of violence, making it evident that one of each four was violented sexually and among them, only 50% asked for medical assistance. The multivariate analysis determined that the duration of the trip, and the type of transport can generate greater violence.

The results highlight the greater vulnerability of Central American migrants in their transit through Mexico, mainly women and, likewise, the lack of effective public policies that guarantee the protection of the health, safety, and human rights of migrants.