Russia-related below excerpt from: The Other 'Busing Program': Mexico Is Pushing Migrants Back South

By Simon Romero and Paulina Villegas, The New York Times, May 14

Among the many photos in this lengthy article: A Russian military deserter with the aim of reaching California said he was detained in Mexico City and bused to Villahermosa. He opens the door for customers at a convenience store in hopes of receiving some change.

Excerpt:

"Villahermosa is one of the top destinations to which migrants [from Central and South America] are bused. Migrants sleep on the street outside of bus stations and convenience stores. Entire families beg for change at busy intersections. 

image from article:  People from Venezuela and Central America rest near a migrant processing center on the outskirts of Villahermosa after being turned away the night before.

Nearby, people sit on the sidewalk speaking languages like Hindi and Russian.

Karina del Carmen Vidal, manager of a local migrant shelter, said her facility has room for about 160 people, and has been at or above capacity for months. Hundreds of other families rent out rooms in surrounding areas.

'The migrants arrive here in a complete state of shock,' said Ms. Vidal. In some cases, she said, they had been bused multiple times to Villahermosa.

Migrants in the city described being coerced by Mexican agents into taking the buses, and deprived of information as to where they were going and why. ..."

*** 

Experience Villahermosa (from)

Discover Villahermosa

Villahermosa (“Vee-ya-ehr-moh-sah”) is the capital city of the state of Tabasco, a rich, fertile region of Mexico, and once the center of the Olmec Civilization [JB, see, Slavicist - see]—the first ever civilization in Mesoamerica.

The climate is that of an intensely tropical and sticky heat. Its wealth today is founded on the rich petroleum fields situated underneath Mexico’s Gulf waters.

At night, when the traffic dies down and temperatures cool, the atmosphere of this place changes enormously, especially around the Zona Remodelada (Refurbished Zone) with its pedestrian streets, plazas and colonial buildings.

There are some fine museums, good parks, a zoo, and a type of ‘safari park’ on the outskirts. Villahermosa is a through-route for most people traveling by road to the southern peninsula; it can’t be avoided as the main road 180/180D runs straight through it. Villahermosa is also a base camp for people traveling to the hugely popular and fascinating Palenque ruins. 

***

Complete Guide to Palenque Ruins Mexico 

Surrounded by jungle in the northern region of Chiapas, Palenque ruins are arguable the most magical Mayan pyramids in Mexico. Located off the popular backpacker trail, this destination is the perfect stopover to break up the long distance between San Cristóbal de las Casas and the Yucatán Peninsula.