Ryan Fish is KGUN 9's Midtown and Downtown Tucson reporter. Send your story ideas to Ryan at ryan.fish@kgun9.com.
SASABE, Ariz. — When migrants cross the Southern border into Arizona, they’re often being guided by criminal smuggling groups. Known as “the cartel,” some migrants have called them “mafia.”Migrants crossing near Sasabe this week tell us they’re fleeing discrimination or threats of violence in their home countries, but they also describe their journey to the U.
S. as “ugly” and “difficult.” “ thinking that we will die on the road,” said Said Sow, a migrant from the African country of Mauritania.“There are many mafia,” he explained. “You see, we are taken by the mafia. “The mafia, they tell us, we have to just take the road. To make it in two hours. We go two hours, we do not see nothing. Three hours, four hours, one day. No food. Two days. No food. Three days… They tell us two hours.” Gail Kocourek frequents this part of the border, along with other humanitarian aid volunteers and groups, to give migrants food and water. “The cartel’s not really interested in people if they don’t have money,” she told KGUN. “And I think they kind of turn their backs on some of those folks and let them find their own way. ‘Cause we’re finding them in odd places now… Along the wall where we haven’t seen people before.” Sow claims he tried and failed to get a U.S. visa more than three times. In his mind, this trek became his only option.For months, rival cartel factions have been fighting over territory just south of the border.Kocourek says that residents are slowly returning, but still fearful of cartel activity.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
They’re Tiny. They’re More Important to the Ocean Than Anyone Realized. They Need Our Help.When little fish thrive, the results can be spectacular.
Read more »
The Herbal Cure Broken Into Twice in Three Days, Beloved Fish Tank Smashed'Some of these fish had been in that tank for over four years.'
Read more »
Bizarre Prehistoric Predator Fish Breathed Air, Had Fangs And Four 'Limbs'The Best in Science News and Amazing Breakthroughs
Read more »
Ryan Edwards' Girlfriend Amanda Conner Lost Custody of Her Son Because of 'Neglect'Amanda Conner, current girlfriend of 'Teen Mom' star Ryan Edwards, lost custody of her child after going through a divorce.
Read more »
Report: Ryan Grubb staying with Kalen DeBoer at Alabama, won’t be Seahawks OCAnother possible offensive coordinator name bites the dust.
Read more »