NOGALES, Mexico – People in the border town of Nogales, Mexico, said crime is spreading in their community as migrant encounters continue to increase at the southern border.
“I’ve been living and working here in Nogales for five years, and the crime has increased,” one man, Placido, told Fox News. “There have been many cases of immigrants from Central America who have been the main ones affecting us here.”
Sonora, the state where Nogales is located, is considered one of the most dangerous places in Mexico. Violent crime increased 46.4% in 2020, according to the Mexico Peace Index.
Nogales, a city of about 250,000, reported 248 homicides in 2019, according to the U.S. Embassy.
“Being a border town, most people end up here, coming from the south looking to immigrate to the United States,” Luis said. “Many people are stuck out on the street, or there isn’t help from the government on this side or the government of the United States, right?”
Maria said the problem is not a lack of available employment in Mexico.
“Right now, here in Nogales, there are jobs,” Maria told Fox News. “But they come with their idealized notion of the American dream, and unfortunately, the jobs here aren’t enough for them.”
George Fraser contributed to this report.
Matt Leach is a Fox Digital Originals senior producer based in Tampa, FL.
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