Mexico cracks down on illegal Central American immigrants

[Contrary1]

Interesting read from the Houston Chronicle:

"ARRIAGA, Mexico — For thousands of illegal immigrants from Central America, the long journey to the U.S. starts here, on the groaning back of a freight train they call The Beast. But these days many don't get too far.

Central Americans without documents now face increased security within Mexico, including checks on the train for stowaways. It's also harder for them to head north once they cross into Mexico because of hurricane damage to the train tracks.

The result: The number of non-Mexican migrants stopped by the U.S. Border Patrol has dropped almost 60 percent from 2005, despite increased detention efforts. About 68,000 non-Mexican migrants — mostly Central Americans — were detained last year, compared to 165,000 in 2005. Non-Mexicans make up about 10 percent of all migrants caught by Border Patrol officers.

<snip>

Despite its efforts to secure its own southern border, Mexico does not try to stop its own citizens from crossing north illegally into the United States, beyond pursuing drug and people smugglers. By law, Mexico notes, Mexicans can go wherever they want within the country, including the border. They don't break any laws until they are on U.S. soil..."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/world/5696920.html

[sakabatou]

1. Breaking: S. America cracking down on illegal immigrants

from Antarctica. Scientists and penguins arrested.

[nichomachus]

2. The same as in the US

The US -- at least the last time I checked -- doesn't stop people from entering Mexico. I cross the border frequently, and I've never been even looked at by a US border agent as I approach the Mexican border. The only time I'm checked is when I come the other way.