In 2014, a surge of unaccompanied minor children from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico began arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border and turning themselves in to immigration officials. They were fleeing rampant violence from organized crime and drug gangs, and the governments of their countries could not protect them. Many had seen family members, even parents, attacked and killed, and they were now on their own. Others had suffered abandonment, neglect, or abuse at the hands of their caregivers and could not survive alone in an environment wracked by violence and instability.

(July 25, 2014, Los Angeles) – As an organization advocating for the rights of Central American immigrants for over 30 years, CARECEN is encouraged that the situation of child refugees at the U.S.-Mexico border is receiving attention from the presidents of all the countries involved.

(July 22, 2014, Los Angeles) – In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by thousands of unaccompanied Central American children turning themselves in to immigration authorities at the U.S.-Mexico border, immigrant and human rights organizations in Southern California are calling on Congressional leaders and the Obama administration to keep the protections provided by the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA).