Mothers Pay Thousands to Risk Border Wall Climb for Reunification

In the Tecate area of the Mexico-U.S. border, smugglers are demanding up to $25,000 to guide migrants over the wall, sometimes forming a human ladder for the climb. Maria, who has twin sons and a husband in California, joined a small group in June, but slipped back onto the Mexican side and was later apprehended. She does not know the fate of the young man who initially reached the top.

Other detainees, such as Dina Ramos, were intercepted while attempting to cross after returning to Mexico to visit ill parents. Shelter directors note that many of those still attempting the crossing are deported mothers desperate to reunite with their children. Prices vary, with lower fees offering remote, less-monitored routes and higher fees promising coordinated entry with a U.S. customs agent. Despite the high cost and low odds, the women remain determined to try again.