In the early 2000s, many Mexicans headed north to work in industries, such as construction, that boomed before the financial crisis. Today, the numbers are being elevated by Central Americans, among whom are many small children and people fleeing violence. More than 84,000 of the 132,887 people detained in May were in family units, and another 11,500 were unaccompanied minors. If Mexico were pushed into recession, it would be even less equipped to deal with the flows of migrants and refugees. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram.

Source: New York Times June 10, 2019 10:02 UTC