Consider This: Riding 'La Bestia' with Migrants in Mexico
Episode Release Date: March 9, 2025
Host: Scott Detrow, NPR

Introduction

In the episode titled "Riding 'La Bestia' with Migrants in Mexico," NPR's Scott Detrow delves deep into the perilous journey of migrants traversing Mexico aboard the freight trains known as La Bestia (The Beast). Hosted by NPR's Mexico City correspondent, Ader Peralta, the episode offers an immersive exploration of the motivations, risks, and personal stories of those seeking a better life in the United States despite daunting challenges and stringent immigration policies.

The Journey: Boarding and Riding La Bestia

The core of the episode revolves around Scott Detrow's firsthand experience of joining thousands of migrants atop La Bestia, a freight train that snakes through Mexico, serving as a lifeline for those desperate to reach the U.S. border without relying on smugglers.

Setting the Scene

At [00:30], Ader Peralta sets the stage by describing the tense moments when hundreds of migrants await the arrival of a freight train, each hoping to leap aboard and embark northward:

Ader Peralta [00:30]: "Hundreds of migrants were waiting for freight trains, hoping to jump aboard and ride north toward the U.S. border."

The Boarding Process

Scott Detrow explains the migrants' strategic approach to boarding:

Scott Detrow [01:09]: "They have this term that they say 'vamos a ponchar el tren,' which translates to 'we're going to puncture the train.'... What they're hoping will happen is that it disrupts the train's air brakes, and so that would usually cause an emergency stop."

This method underscores the desperation and ingenuity of migrants attempting to safely board a moving train traveling at high speeds.

Migrants' Motivations and Personal Stories

The episode delves into the heartfelt reasons driving migrants to undertake such a dangerous journey, emphasizing that the pursuit of the American Dream remains a powerful motivator despite harsh realities.

Hope for a Better Future

At [04:17], Scott shares a poignant interaction with a Venezuelan woman:

Scott Detrow [04:17]: "She said, 'you guys think that the American dream is dead, but for us, the American dream is still very much alive.' For her, it was that her two kids could get an education."

A Mother's Resolve

Further illustrating personal stakes, Scott recounts meeting a Venezuelan mother and her son:

Scott Detrow [04:17]: "Her son told me... he had a little kid in Venezuela and he hadn't been able to buy him a birthday present. What this trip could mean... is that one day his kid could have a birthday present."

These narratives highlight that for many migrants, the journey is fueled by the desire to provide tangible improvements in their children's lives.

The Harsh Realities and Risks

While La Bestia offers a clandestine route to the U.S., the dangers associated with it are immense, as detailed throughout the episode.

Physical Dangers

Migrants face numerous threats, including:

• Violence: Kidnappings, assaults, and extortion by cartels.
• Accidents: Frequent derailments and falls from the train.
• Environmental Hazards: Exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures during overnight rides.

Scott's Personal Challenge

Scott Detrow candidly shares his fears and discomfort during the 12-hour night ride:

Scott Detrow [09:00]: "I have to say, I didn't realize how hard this was... Part of that train ride was at night, and it was in the high 30s, and that train is moving at 50 miles an hour."

He reflects on the physical and emotional toll of the journey:

Scott Detrow [10:40]: "The sun. Literally all I could think about is, what am I doing? Like, why did we do this? And when is that sun going to come up?"

Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies

The episode critically examines how shifting U.S. immigration policies influence the experiences and decisions of migrants.

Policy Shifts Under the Trump Administration

Ader Peralta summarizes the exacerbated difficulties migrants face due to policy changes:

Ader Peralta [03:42]: "With the Trump administration suspending asylum claims at the southern border... there are fewer avenues to entering the United States than there were even a few months ago."

Heartbreak of Policy Reversals

Scott recounts the profound impact of policy reversals on migrants' hopes:

Scott Detrow [14:38]: "As President Trump took office... the CPP1 appointment... goes offline just minutes after he does. And the heartbreak on that international bridge, it's hard to describe."

This abrupt policy shift dashed the hopes of many migrants who had been guided by the promise of support and facilitated entry into the U.S.

Reflections and Insights

Through his immersive reporting, Scott Detrow gains a deeper understanding of the migrant experience, underscoring the importance of personal engagement in journalism.

The Value of Firsthand Experience

Scott explains why he chose to ride La Bestia:

Scott Detrow [07:29]: "Pedro Anza... told me, 'You should ride the train. It gives you a very different understanding of the migrant experience.'"

Facing Personal Fears

Despite his fear of heights, Scott embraces the challenge to authentically portray the migrants' plight:

Scott Detrow [12:56]: "I have a different opinion than my photographer friend... I'm afraid of, like, Ferris wheels. So, like, I don't like heights."

This vulnerability adds depth to his reporting, allowing listeners to connect more profoundly with the migrants' stories.

Enduring Commitment Amidst Obstacles

Even after enduring extreme hardship on the train, Scott emphasizes the migrants' relentless pursuit of a better life:

Ader Peralta [07:07]: "Why take the risk?"

Scott Detrow [07:07]: "We've been going through hell. And whatever he says is nothing compared to what we've already been through."

Conclusion

"Riding 'La Bestia' with Migrants in Mexico" offers a sobering glimpse into the lives of those risking everything for a chance at a better future. Through detailed storytelling, personal anecdotes, and raw reflections, Scott Detrow and Ader Peralta illuminate the human cost of immigration policies and the enduring hope that drives migrants northward. This episode not only informs but also fosters empathy, urging listeners to consider the profound sacrifices made in pursuit of the American Dream.

Notable Quotes:

• Ader Peralta [01:45]: "The train can offer a way to travel north without paying smugglers. But the risks are great."

• Scott Detrow [04:17]: "For her, it was that her two kids could get an education."

• Scott Detrow [10:40]: "What am I doing? Like, why did we do this? And when is that sun going to come up?"

• Scott Detrow [14:38]: "That app goes offline just minutes after he does. And the heartbreak on that international bridge, it's hard to describe."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the key discussions, personal stories, and critical insights shared by Scott Detrow and Ader Peralta. By foregrounding the human experiences behind migration, the episode invites listeners to engage thoughtfully with one of today's most pressing humanitarian issues.