For Central American migrants crossing Mexico to the US, an arduous journey

A Central American watches as a freight train arrives on Sept. 15, 2014 in Tenosique, Mexico.
John Moore/Getty Images

The entire nation of Mexico, as well as the specter of abuse at the hands of thieves, guides and potential employers, stands in their way, but for Central Americans trying to reach the United States border, the journey is worth the effort.

Here's a look inside a shelter called La 72, run by Franciscan friars, and the first stop for migrants heading north, risking riding atop "La Bestia" or The Beast. It'a a freight train which passes through Tenosique in Mexico's southern state of Tabasco.

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Climbing aboard a freight train — A migrant climbs aboard a freight train on Sept. 15, 2014 in Tenosique, Mexico. Many migrants have perished riding atop "La Bestia" or The Beast freight train on their journey to the U.S. border.
John Moore/Getty Images

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A mural depicting abuse of migrants — Central Americans stand in front of a mural depicting abuse of migrants, while preparing to bed down for the night at La 72 shelter in southern Mexico.
John Moore/Getty Images

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For Central American migrants crossing Mexico to the US, an arduous journey

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