Venezuelans Stuck In a Mexican City And Unable To Leave Voice Their Despair: 'We Are Trapped Here'

Thousands of Venezuelan migrants are stuck in the Mexican city of Tapachula, unable to enter the U.S. due to President Donald Trump's harsh immigration policies, prevented from moving around Mexico and face significant hurdles to return to their home country.

A new report details the plight of many of those living there, many of whom are in a state of despair and don't know what their next step will be.

The New York Times detailed that rather than trying to enter the U.S., most migrants are now trying to go back. And while many face obstacles to do so, Venezuelans usually have it the worst as most don't have documentation to leave legally. Moreover, flights are limited and need to be authorized by both Mexican and Venezuelan authorities.

The Mexican government has tightened migration controls under pressure from both the Biden and Trump administrations, including internal checkpoints and travel restrictions that prevent asylum seekers from leaving Tapachula without special permits. These documents can take months to obtain, and migrants risk detention if caught traveling without them.

The outlet illustrated the situation that many are experiencing through Patricia Marval, a 23-year-old Venezuelan woman eight months pregnant who lives in a cinder-block room with her partner and three children. Practically out of resources, she and her family often go hungry. "We are trapped here," she said. She described thinking about giving up a child so the others might eat better, but she could not bring herself to do it. She has also thought about committing suicide.

Similar stories abound. Mari Angeli Useche, 24, who is also pregnant, left Venezuela eight months ago hoping to reach the U.S., but now waits for a humanitarian flight back home. Another migrant, Keila Mendoza, 34, said she was kidnapped shortly after arriving in Tapachula. Her partner left soon after, leaving her with their two children.