As the U.S.-Mexico border sees a decrease in migrant encounters, the flow of migrants into Mexico continues, with organized crime exerting control over their movement. Migrants entering Mexico from Guatemala often find themselves held captive in a structure known as the 'chicken coop' until they pay the cartel running it.
Reports indicate that over 150,000 migrants were intercepted by Mexican immigration agents in the southern region from January to August, with only a fraction being deported. Kidnapped migrants are often forced to pay a $100 ransom for their release, with those unable to pay facing dire consequences.
