Las Patronas: Along the tracks of hope

In the rural community of Amatlán de los Reyes, Veracruz, a small group of women has become a vital source of hope for migrants traveling north through Mexico aboard La Bestia, the perilous freight train. Known as Las Patronas, they have dedicated nearly three decades to an extraordinary humanitarian mission: providing food and water to migrants enduring one of the world‘s most dangerous migration routes.
This mission began in 1995 when the women, moved by the desperation of migrants clinging to passing trains, threw food and water to them. What started as a spontaneous act of kindness evolved into a well-organized operation. Every day, these women prepare hundreds of meals, packaging them into bags of rice, beans, tortillas, and water, handed to migrants in fleeting moments as the trains speed by.
Their work reflects a powerful intersection of compassion and resilience. Amid growing migration flows, increasing dangers on the route, and restrictive policies, Las Patronas provide not just physical sustenance but also a sense of humanity and hope to those who need it most. Their actions transcend borders and politics, embodying an enduring spirit of solidarity in the face of adversity.
In an era where migration is often politicized, the story of Las Patronas serves as a poignant reminder of the power of grassroots empathy in transforming lives.