Here are just some of the articles I found regarding it that I have used extensively to broaden my knowledge on the subject matter, as well as key quotes from each that stood out and fuelled my research.
Mexico's ‘Train of Death’
A great source of facts and information from Global Voices about the issue in a bigger, broader sense, looking at the dangers Mexican immigrants face from different angles, shifting it's focus to Pedro Ultreras's documentary La Bestia, its window into the matter at hand, and it's importance in shedding light on the many dangers that await. It highlights key occurrences that each played their part in the rise of the dangers, which has been brought to a head with the problems right now.
"In the United States many people refer to them derogatively as “illegals.” In the heart of Central America, these human beings represent some of the most disposed, desperate yet tenacious men and women leaving their impoverished countries in hopes to make it to the United States.
Unable to afford another form of transportation but also seeking to avoid Mexican immigration check points, thousands of Central American nationals from countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras or Nicaragua, dangerously and boldly hop on top of moving freight trains going from southern Mexico to many northern destinations along the U.S.-Mexican border."
'Train of death' drives migrant American dreamers
Great article on CNN by Ken Penhaul, detailing the Train of Death, which people seek it, how they get there, and what happens to them when they arrive. Features many testimonies and eye witness accounts of the daily routine of the train, be it opportunistic for some, and dangerous for all. Accompanied by original photographs taken on location which provide a fascinating visual insight into the situation.
"To thousands of dirt-poor migrants, this thundering cargo train is a free ride to their American Dream -- or their modest dreams of working hard and saving even harder to send a few dollars home to loved ones.
But along the ride, migrants who cram onto the roof of the trucks and any spare space in between risk death and injury."
Scarred but alive after riding the train of death
A fascinating follow up article to the previous one, chronicling the plight of one individual, Jessica Ochoa, who rode atop the train, only to see her dreams of a better life come crashing down with tragic consequences. Primary interviews with Jessica form the backbone of this article, as she recounts the horrific end to her hopeful journey, falling asleep atop the train, only to wake up in a hospital an amputee. A tragic story that really brings to light the dangers that await these poor people.
"The first thing you notice about Jessica Ochoa is her huge brown eyes.
The next thing you notice is her stiff walk. Her right leg was severed in February 2009, when she fell off a cargo train. The train's steel wheels did the rest."
Migrants ride 'the Beast' from Mexico to the US
A BBC report by Valeria Perasso, which takes the route of visiting the life's of those who took the trip, and succeeded, the pair in question now settled in California with a job, money, and a much safer and prosperous way of life. Includes a short but informative video on the matter, which sees Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal speaking on the matter too.
"Los garroteros [people armed with garrottes] were running from coach to coach in the middle of the night, asking for money," she says. "They said that even though the train was free and we had not paid for a proper ticket, we had to pay them to be able to ride. And if you had nothing, they would just abuse you, verbally or physically."
The train, she says, was the only means to get to the North, as she had very little money and no job, and most of those who ride the Beast take between 10 and 15 different trains to cover the distance.
Migrants risk all to cross from Mexico to the US
As a part of the Catholic Church, Caritas Internationalis reflects the social mission of the Church and the core values dignity, justice, solidarity, and stewardship. I thought reading about the issue under a totally different light would provide an extra way of thinking to it, giving opinions I wouldn't normally have read about before. It raises concerns over the issues that lead the migrants to even attempt the trip in the first place, through the eyes of a young girl known only as Stefani.
“One does not escape violence in Honduras,” she says. “I come from a nice family. We were happy at home. But as soon as I crossed door, I entered a different world. Outside, there were street gangs, prostitution, drugs and weapons. You always kept your eyes lowered.”
Her father was taken from home one evening by a gang and his dead body found dumped the next day.“There was no motive,” says Stefani. “I don’t want my baby to live through what I have had to endure.”
Tracking the Death Train (Chiapas, Mexico)
An article by a professional blogger, whose company enforces fair trade and human rights. Fully aware of the danger that befalls many of their workers, the article is a great insight into a shared opinion which surrounds the issue from both sides of the border. What is perhapes most refreshing is the fact that such a respected and established company actually takes a moment to care.
"We wanted to investigate the Death Train and see what, if anything, we could do to assist Dona Olga in caring for the victims. We had talked to Dona Olga about repatriating some of the survivors to their own countries, and providing some form of economic assistance and job training, as well. But, of course, these things can't be done cookie-cutter style."
These are just a few of the many articles I've been reading, and will continue to read any others I can find regarding the issue I've chosen to base my work on. Sure it's a lot of work that might not necessarily look like it is relevant to my design work, nor can I really show on paper what I gain from researching it, but I figure the more I know about my subject matter, the better prepared I can be in designing something FOR it.
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