NOGALES, Ariz. (KGUN) — For Sergio Morales from Guatemala and his six year old daughter, the journey to the U.S. has taken 26 days.
The migrants who are dropped off by border patrol agents in Nogales often don’t know where they are.
Santa Cruz County employees show them maps on phones, and laminated sheets of paper to help orient them.
Migrants who get dropped here often have no idea where they are. Santa Cruz County employees show them on maps on phones and laminated paper. pic.twitter.com/KjZClDwam4
— Adam Klepp (@AdamKleppAZ) October 4, 2023
Morales says he’s going to San Jose, California where his wife is waiting for him.
“We want to give my daughter a home that I didn’t have in Guatemala. I had no way there. I want to give her a better life," Morales said.
Morales, and the rest of the migrants here face a tough road ahead.
Still, the migrants believe what’s ahead of them will be better than what they left behind.
“My family is my priority. We need better opportunities," Morales said.
Santa Cruz County employees do not expect the street releases to end anytime soon.
In a statement to KGUN 9 in September, a CBP spokesperson said "We are safely and efficiently vetting and processing migrants to place them in immigration enforcement proceedings consistent with our laws and operational planning efforts."
——
Adam Klepp is a reporter for KGUN 9. At his previous station in Yuma, Adam focused on a range of local issues including the border, water rights and healthcare. He is originally from Detroit, Michigan, and attended both Loyola University Chicago and Syracuse University. Share your story ideas and important issues with Adam by emailing adam.klepp@kgun9.com or by connecting on Twitter.