A family of Venezuelan migrants finds themselves stranded in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, after their hopes of seeking asylum in the United States were dashed. Lucymar Polanco, her husband Jesus Caruci, their three children, and five other relatives have been stuck in a shelter, grappling with an uncertain future. The family's journey began over two years ago when they fled political persecution under President Nicolas Maduro's government.
Their arduous journey took them through the treacherous Darien Gap, a notorious stretch of jungle between Colombia and Panama, which they crossed safely. However, upon reaching southern Mexico, they faced further challenges when they were kidnapped by a cartel. The family had to pay $900 for their release, adding to their financial woes.
The family had secured an appointment to seek asylum in the United States. However, their plans were thwarted by the cancellation of the CBP One app, a decision made during President Donald Trump's administration. Stranded without money, the family now resides in a shelter with other migrants, relying on meager meals of chicken soup and a small dish of rice and beans with canned tuna.
Lucymar and her brother, Luis Alfonso, who both worked in the beauty industry in Venezuela, left behind a life of economic hardship. Luis Alfonso also worked as a barber, often exchanging haircuts for food due to the dire economic situation back home. Reflecting on their survival, he noted,
“Ever since we’ve survived with some money our family has sent us or that we’ve had to borrow.” – Luis Alfonso
The conditions in the shelter are harsh, with cold temperatures adding to their struggles. Despite these challenges, the family makes light of their situation through humor.
“We try to make jokes about each other, it’s a way of distracting from the news we received on January 20, it was very sad,” – Estiven Castillo
“The point is to support one another, so one makes a joke, and we laugh, and we try to make a nice moment, otherwise, if we just focus on our situation, we’d all get depressed, so we laugh to keep from crying,” – Lucymar
Lucymar explained their political affiliation and how it led to threats from the government.
“We were part of an opposing political party,” – Lucymar
“My family, my parents, everyone there, and the government knew that, and we’d constantly be threatened.” – Lucymar
She added that she was set to receive a house from a government program but lost this benefit after officials discovered her voting history.
“I was set to receive a house from a program run by the government but after they found out who I voted for in prior elections, they took that benefit away from me,” – Lucymar
The family remains aware of rumors about the possible reinstatement of asylum appointments but is unsure if these rumors hold any truth. Amidst the uncertainty, one member of the group expressed his understanding of the measures taken by the U.S. government to ensure safety but wished for compassion towards those like them who are not criminals.
“There have been crimes done by illegal migrants, I understand the measures, they are meant to keep the country safe,” – Beyker Sosa
“But we aren’t criminals, I wish he (Trump) would have compassion, we are humans just like him.” – Beyker Sosa
Adding to this sentiment was a statement reflecting frustration with their current situation.
“Trump, take our country and call it Venezuela of America” – Beyker Sosa
The family is unable to leave the shelter due to warnings that migrants are often targeted in the area. Their prolonged stay in Ciudad Juarez has been marked by anxiety and concern over what the future holds for them.
