Their weary faces, disheveled clothing and unfamiliar accents make them conspicuous as they seek handouts from motorists waiting for lights to change at traffic intersections. They are the thousands of impoverished migrants from Central and South America who pass through Guadalajara each year in pursuit of reaching the United States and the promise of a better life.
Many of these migrants ride the roof of the freight train known as La Bestia – a notorious journey that exposes them to the risks of assault, extortion, kidnapping, rape or murder at the hands of criminal organizations, and even corrupt police officers.
Guadalajara can provide a respite for these travelers and charities such as FM4 Paso Libre provide the migrants with a hearty meal of beans and rice, a chance to shower and a roof over their heads, if only for one night.
FM4’s shelter by the railway tracks in Colonia Ferrocarril has been operating since 2007 and is reliant on donations.
For more information visit www.fm4pasolibre.org