They are called canguritos , little kangaroos, because of the plastic trays of candy, cigarettes and other goods strapped across their bellies. There is Juan Gonzalez, 10, selling gum for pennies. There are Humberto Vazquez, 11, and Wilmer Hernandez, 13, shining shoes.
And a few dark-skinned girls, none taller than 4 feet nor older than 12, wrapped in colorful indigenous cloth as skirts and offering tired pastries.
Though the exodus has been dominating U. Some are stranded here, unable to afford to go farther β and vulnerable to abuse. Little has been done to address what diplomats, activists and the migrants themselves say is a central problem: the complicity of police and other local officials who prey on those fleeing Central America, demanding bribes or sexual favors.
How else could it function? Humberto has been in Tapachula since leaving Huehuetenango, Guatemala, four years ago. He lives with an uncle and rarely attends school. What has changed this year is that the number of children traveling without a parent has soared, the children are younger than ever and more are girls.
The Mexican government, under U. Most of the actions the government has trumpeted, however, are a repeat of measures announced a year ago, and largely ineffective, critics say.
