Child Migration

The Detention and Repatriation of Unaccompanied Central American Children from Mexico

This study documents the conditions under which unaccompanied child migrants from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala are detained and repatriated from Mexico to their countries of origin. The study details the abuses experienced by child migrants on their journey and during the four stages of apprehension, detention, deportation, and reception. It also examines aspects of the detention and deportation process which may place unaccompanied child migrants at greater risk of abuse and exploitation.

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Contents

Executive Summary	3
Introduction	9
I. Background	13
II. Survey Methodology	21
III. Findings: The Journey	23
IV. Findings: Apprehension	39
V. Findings: Detention	43
VI. Findings: Deportation/Repatriation	51
VII. Findings: Reception & Reintegration	55
VIII. Findings: Overall Abuses Throughout the Migration Process	57
IX. Recommendations	59
Appendix I. Detailed Survey Methodology	65
Appendix II. Legal Framework	71
Appendix III. Country Specific Recommendations	75