Youth Ministers on the Border

Youth Ministers on the Border 
Analyze the Challenges of Caring for Migrants

(ANS – Guadalajara, Mexico – February 11, 2025) - On January 28, the youth ministry delegates from the United States West and the Guadalajara, Mexico, provinces, Fr. Fabian Cardenas, SDB, and, Fr. Agapito Francisco Espinoza, SDB, respectively, convened Salesians and lay people from both provinces to discuss the situation of migrants on the Mexico-U.S. border. Meeting digitally, the youth ministers analyzed current challenges; shared experiences of caring for migrants; and established concrete strategies for responding to the tightening of immigration policies resulting from the U.S. government’s recent immigration regulations. Emphasized during the meeting was the importance of strengthening the support network for migrants, the need to forge alliances with other institutions, and improving communication to optimize assistance to these people in vulnerable situations. Among the points that emerged were the coordination of efforts between provinces to provide timely information; the promotion of a Salesian network specialized in the care of migrants; and the encouragement of Salesian missionary volunteers to offer their services to migrants. Participants agreed that there’s a great need for a coordinated response, including raising awareness in local communities, promoting volunteerism, and creating welcoming spaces.