"The beast": Analysis of criminal intelligence on the mexican freight train and its consequences on trafficking networks and other criminal activities

Abstract

This study analyzes the role of the freight train known as “La Bestia” in the context of migration in Mexico. It is focused on its relationship with organized crime. Over the years, this means of transportation has been used by thousands of migrants. They use it on their journey to the United States. Thus, it becomes a space of vulnerability where criminal networks engaged in human trafficking, extortion, and other crimes operate. The study investigates how drug cartels and criminal groups have integrated control of the train into their illicit activities. This creates a system of exploitation that affects migrants. The main risks faced by migrants and the strategies used by criminal organizations to benefit from this situation are identified. This is due to an approach based on documentary sources and data analysis. The findings reveal that the lack of effective security and migration policies has allowed these criminal practices to become entrenched. The need for greater government control and the implementation of protective measures for migrants, as well as international cooperation to address this issue, is emphasized.