Seeking asylum from Mexico’s drug wars

May 19, 2010

Since 2006, Mexico’s drug wars have killed almost 23,000 people. The conflict has created a disturbing trend — Mexicans fleeing for their lives and seeking asylum in the U.S. But of the more than 13,000 asylum claims only 232 have been granted.

Among those seeking asylum is Emilio Gutierrez Soto, a journalist who reported on abuses by Mexican soldiers dispatched to fight in the drug wars, and consequently had his life threatened by members of the Mexican military.

Need to Know’s Brian Epstein and Shoshana Guy traveled to the border to produce this piece about Mexicans who have been targeted or threatened by the violence and are seeking a safe haven in El Paso, Texas.

Read more of Emilio Gutierrez Soto’s story at motherjones.com.

Last modified: May 19, 2010 at 6:45 pm
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