The Patronas: A Beacon of Hope for Migrants on the Train of Death

The story is set in Amatlán de los Reyes, Veracruz, Mexico, and revolves around a group of women known as 'Las Patronas.' The narrative explores themes of cruelty, kindness, injustice, and generosity, highlighting the harsh realities faced by migrants traveling on 'La Bestia,' a train transporting goods and migrants from the southern border of Mexico to the northern border.

The train 'La Bestia' has a history of fatal accidents, including mass deaths from derailments, mutilations, rapes of women, and kidnappings by criminal gangs preying on migrants. The train carries migrants dreaming of escaping violence in countries like Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, or seeking the so-called 'American Dream.'

In 1995, 'Las Patronas' was founded by a group of women led by Leonila Vázquez, who, unaware of the migrant situation, started providing food to hungry migrants they encountered. This act of kindness marked the beginning of their journey to support and feed thousands of migrants traveling on 'La Bestia.'

Leonila Vázquez and her daughters began making 'lonches' (lunches) for migrants passing by, using their own limited resources to prepare and distribute food along the railway tracks. This humble family's selfless act of compassion aimed to alleviate the hunger of migrants even if just for a day.

The concept of the 'bottled morality' originated when David had water, and they saw the line being done correctly. They signaled to start the machine, and the idea of sharing food began with small bags of food, creating a sense of joy and satisfaction.

The joy in sharing food was evident as they prepared tacos with love and happiness, knowing someone would enjoy them. Despite having many children to feed, the act of sharing brought contentment and happiness to the group.

Despite having many mouths to feed, the group shared food with joy and love, happy that others would enjoy the tacos they prepared with care. This act of generosity brought a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

The story highlights the resourcefulness and determination of the group, as they secretly made sandwiches at school, showing their commitment to helping others despite challenges and obstacles.

What began as a spontaneous act of solidarity with available food has evolved into a rigorous process of preparing, cooking, and packaging food for migrants. The focus is on quality and health, reflecting a deep commitment to the cause.

The enduring commitment of the group over 25 years is fueled by love and motivation. The presence of love and dedication to the cause, instilled by the examples set by their parents, drives their continued efforts.

The story of kindness and generosity is set against the backdrop of the harsh realities faced by millions of migrants worldwide. Migration, driven by war, violence, hunger, and unemployment, reflects the desperation and hardships endured by many families.

The speaker recalls the first experience with migrants when a 17-year-old boy approached the train for food. The train had around 800 migrants who began sharing food with each other. The boy, despite losing a leg in a tragic incident, survived with the support of a network for prosthetic care.

Over the years, the project evolved beyond providing food and water to migrants. It expanded to include health workshops and legal assistance due to the increasing number of sick migrants. The project's focus shifted towards addressing the migrants' health needs and advocating for their rights.

The speaker views migrants as family members, emphasizing a sense of kinship and solidarity. As migrants enter the project's premises, they are welcomed as brothers and sisters, highlighting the deep bond and care extended to them.

The project adopted a holistic approach to support migrants, incorporating legal aid, health initiatives, and human rights workshops. By engaging in dialogue and seeking continuous improvement, the project aimed to address the diverse needs of migrants beyond just providing basic necessities.

Migrants face various challenges, including exhaustion leading to falls from trains, being pushed off trains for not paying fees, and enduring hardships such as hunger, humiliation, and kidnapping. The project strives to alleviate their suffering and provide essential support in times of distress.

The speaker recounts walking for 23 days from Guatemala to Mexico, facing challenges as no transportation would pick them up due to being identified as a migrant. They arrived in Palenque with blistered feet, bleeding shoes, and exhaustion, highlighting the harsh reality of the journey.

Julia, a volunteer with 'Las Patronas,' coordinates efforts to assist migrants. A nun on the train informs them of the number of migrants, triggering a rapid response. Neighbors gather, food is prepared, quality control is ensured, and migrants are strategically assisted. The shelter becomes a hub of volunteerism, showcasing the community's support for those in need.

Despite most train operators not stopping for migrants, a few show solidarity. The speaker reflects on the importance of empathy, mentioning a specific operator who didn't slow down, possibly unaware of the human lives at stake. The migrants' dire circumstances, fleeing due to lack of work and gang violence, underscore the necessity of such humanitarian gestures.

The speaker expresses empathy for migrants, imagining their struggles as a parent with four children. They appreciate the support provided by 'Las Patronas,' acknowledging it as a blessing. The speaker admires the volunteers' dedication and selflessness, emphasizing the importance of understanding and assisting those in need.

The discussion explores the significant role of women in 'Las Patronas,' suggesting that the shelter may not exist without them. The speaker reflects on the strong female presence and the impact it has on the organization's ability to provide aid. The feminine component is seen as crucial to the shelter's operation and success.

Women immigrants face challenges in interacting with demos for extended periods due to their nurturing nature. They express a deep sense of love and care, akin to a mother hen, wanting to protect everyone. This emotional attachment lingers even after immigrants leave, with a constant prayer for their safety.

There is a call for governments, including a direct mention of Donald Trump, to acknowledge and respect immigrant rights. The speaker urges for a shift in attitude towards immigrants, emphasizing their pursuit of a better future. Governments are urged to seek solutions through dialogue and cooperation, similar to Canada's approach.

An invitation is extended to viewers, especially those familiar with documentaries, to participate in volunteer programs and witness the ongoing humanitarian efforts. The speaker expresses gratitude for all contributions, highlighting the essential items like rice, beans, and tuna that are included in every meal provided to immigrants.

The speaker emphasizes the transformative power of personal growth and empathy. By sharing difficult experiences and showing love and kindness, individuals can make a significant impact on the lives of others. There is a call to overcome fear, connect with others, and spread positivity to combat the paralyzing effect of fear.

Despite acknowledging the ongoing challenges, there is a plea to take the time to connect with others and offer help. Encouragement is given to overcome fear, find ways to contribute, and extend kindness to those in need. The speaker highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in building a more compassionate society.