Introduction: The Fateful Journey of Lupe Calle Peralta

In May 2021, Lupe Calle Peralta, a 43-year-old Ecuadorian mother of four, embarked on a perilous journey from her hometown of Cuenca, Ecuador, to the United States. Driven by economic hardships exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lupe sought better opportunities to support her family. Her story, however, took a tragic turn, highlighting the dangers faced by migrants and the enduring pain of families left behind.

Motivation and Preparations for Migration

The pandemic severely impacted Lupe's small business, pushing her to consider migration as a means to provide for her children, aged 23, 12, and 8. With two sisters already in the U.S., Lupe believed it was her turn to seek prosperity abroad. She entrusted her eldest daughter, Cinthya, with the care of her younger siblings and coordinated her journey with a "coyote"—a term for individuals who smuggle migrants across borders—for a fee of $17,000. The plan was to avoid the treacherous desert routes that had claimed many lives. ...Read More