The Daily

A Mother, a Daughter, a Deadly Journey

31 snips
Jan 20, 2023
Julie Turkewitz, Andes bureau chief for The New York Times and a migration expert, shares a gripping narrative about a mother and daughter navigating the dangers of the Darién Gap. They endure harrowing conditions in Central America, driven by desperation from economic collapse and harsh policy changes. The heart-wrenching story reflects the profound sacrifices made by families in search of safety, highlighting the emotional toll and the perilous journey through treacherous landscapes, exploitative traffickers, and profound loss.
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ANECDOTE

Darién Gap Dangers

  • The Darién Gap, a 66-mile jungle between Colombia and Panama, is incredibly dangerous.
  • Migrants face treacherous terrain, deadly animals, and thick mud, with some dying on the route.
INSIGHT

Migration Drivers

  • Pandemic-hit economies in South America and a de facto exception for Venezuelans in U.S. policy fueled migration.
  • Traffickers advertise the trek on social media, turning the Darien Gap into a migrant highway.
ANECDOTE

Sarah and Alexandra's Story

  • Julie Turkewitz met six-year-old Sarah and her caregiver, Ángel, on the Hill of Death.
  • Sarah's mother, Alexandra, was separated from them during the journey, her whereabouts unknown.
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