In summary
Haitian migrant Fabricio Jean made his trip to the Texas border by following the instructions sent to him via WhatsApp.
From Chile to the USA, the Haitian migrant Fabricio Jean followed his brother’s instructions via WhatsApp. His brother, now in New Jersey, recently drove the same route to the Texas border. With his knowledge of safe routes, resources needed, and areas to avoid, his brother had it all planned.
“You need about 20,000 pesos (about $ 1,000) for the buses. You have to take this bus to this place and then take another bus, ”said Jean, who spoke to Die Associated Press after reaching a town on the Del Rio, Texas border.
RELATED: US Special Envoy to Haiti Resigns Over “Inhuman” Treatment of Migrants
Although Jean had a strategic plan, he was surprised to find thousands of Haitian migrants crossing the same place. The use of apps such as Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp enables migrants to exchange information.
Last week, a Facebook group for Haitians in Chile of 26,000 members received an announcement from a member posting detailed instructions on routes through Mexico. The post included routes to avoid and specific bus companies, AP News reported.
“Good luck and be careful,” said the post, which was written in Haitian Creole.
A 32-year-old mother who came to Del Rio with her two teenage children bought bus tickets to Mexico City after receiving an audio message from a cousin on WhatsApp.
“In Mexico, wait until this month is over. They’ll pick everyone up under the bridge. Then they give me the contact to enter Miami, ”said the recording in Creole that she played to an AP reporter. To protect the safety of the woman, the AP withholds the woman’s name.
–
