"Rising Cartel Violence: War Zones and Mass Exodus on Mexico's Border"

Mexican drug cartels are profiting from the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, turning entire border towns into war zones as they fight for control of the lucrative human smuggling business. Cartels are extorting, kidnapping, and battling each other for a share of the profits, leading to increased violence and homicides in cities like Ciudad Juárez. Migrants are being targeted and exploited, with one Venezuelan migrant expressing fear for his family's safety as they face extortion and kidnapping threats. The situation has also led to clashes with Mexican and U.S. authorities, with record-setting numbers of migrant apprehensions in 2023.