Ann Arbor Times

Nearly half of the migrants from Latin America and the Caribbean arriving at the U.S. border have experienced firearm-related threats or violence in their home countries, a study by the University of Michigan reveals. This research explores how U.S.-manufactured firearms contribute to violence abroad, potentially influencing migration patterns.

The study involved 321 participants surveyed between March 2022 and August 2023 at a respite center on the southern U.S. border. Findings indicate that 48% of these migrants faced gun-related threats or violence before migrating, while 34% exhibited signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among those with high PTSD symptoms, about 27% had encountered firearm threats more frequently than those with lower symptoms.

“In the U.S., 21% of people report such experiences, less than half of those migrating from Latin America and the Caribbean. As we work to improve our systems, it is critical that we understand and acknowledge the background of people seeking help in the U.S.,” said Eugenio Weigend Vargas, lead author and postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention.

Survey data showed that nearly 73% were victims of violent crimes like robberies or kidnappings; 9% reported political repression or police threats; another 9% were warned against reporting crimes.

“The high number of individuals that have experienced firearm violence in some capacity is alarming and something that should be considered when developing policies and having conversations around immigration,” Weigend Vargas added.

The authors suggest these findings could inform discussions on health resources at entry points, international firearms trafficking, and immigration policies. The study notes thousands migrate annually from regions with some of the world's highest homicide rates where guns are prevalent. Over 80% came from Honduras, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

“Immigrants face an innumerable number of threats when making the journey to cross the border into the United States. Understanding how firearm violence specifically plays a role in both migration and mental health is critical to informing how we care for these newcomers clinically and in our community,” stated Laura Vargas, senior author and assistant professor at CU Anschutz.

She emphasized considering regional firearm threat prevalence in policy decisions since many firearms recovered in Mexico and Central America originate from the United States.