Unravelling the mystery of America’s missing migrants
- Text by Kathryn Cook-Pellegrin
- Photography by Kathryn Cook-Pellegrin

There is so much human movement in the world right now. Today, we’re seeing the largest numbers of refugees since 1945, and migration is at record highs – but no one can really say how many people go missing on these journeys.
Finding out the fate of missing people is a humanitarian act, and it’s one that deserves greater attention and response around the world. One way to do that is to help tell the stories of those living with that pain.
In our new Missing Migrants project, the International Red Cross has chosen to focus on Honduras and Guatemala because, while there is a global story of migration, these are two countries that are greatly affected by the number of people leaving home. (According to the UN, 500,000 make the journey to Mexico each year – but the numbers of those that don’t make it are still unknown).
We wanted to visit the families of the missing first, to understand what they were going through: what happened to their loved ones, and what mechanisms they are using to search for them. Once there, we shot old photos of the missing family members.
Then, we went to Mexico to follow their route. We met with migrants along different parts of it, heard their stories, and took polaroids of them.
As we went north, the migrant’s stories started to change. They had been through more difficulties by the time they reached Caborca or Altar, in the north. This is why it was important for us to describe how many days they had been on the road. I don’t think many people understand how long it can take, how many things can happen to you, slow you down, or force you to return home. And many do return.
Entering Mexico from the south is an incredibly risky journey. It’s dangerous for the person travelling, but also for the family who is left behind. I gained an extraordinary sense of how vulnerable people are, and at the same time, how tenacious they are to try and make a better life.
It was clear from talking to people that it can vary in how long it takes and the struggles they face. For some, it could be a month, but for others, it could take two or more. I was also really conscious of the women who are especially vulnerable to sexual assault, not to mention families travelling with small children.
For me, these stories are so important because they call attention to an overlooked humanitarian tragedy. When someone goes missing they leave behind families, memories, lives. And that’s true whether it’s in Central America or the Maghreb or the Mediterranean. The places change but the pain that is left behind is the same.

Yonis, on the road for 40 days.

Rolbin, on the road for 15 days.

Rafael, on the road for 29 days.

Maria Delmy, on the road for eight days.
Learn more about the Missing Migrants project on the International Red Cross website.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck

Plestia Alaqad: “Journalists should focus on humanising people”
Huck’s April interview — Having become one of the most crucial and followed voices from inside Gaza in the aftermath of October 7, the award-winning author and journalist is releasing a new memoir, ‘The Eyes of Gaza’, collating diary entries made over the past 18 months. We caught up with her to hear more about it.
Written by: Isaac Muk

The instrument makers taking DIY music to a whole new level
What does it take to construct a modular synth? How do you turn a block of wood into a double bass? Here, four craftspeople explain why they chose to rip up the rulebooks and build their own music-making machines.
Written by: Daniel Dylan Wray

Southbank Centre reveals new series dedicated to East and Southeast Asian arts
ESEA Encounters — Taking place between 17-20 July, there will be a live concert from YMO’s Haruomi Hosono, as well as discussions around Asian literature, stage productions, and a pop-up Japanese Yokimono summer market.
Written by: Zahra Onsori

In 1971, Pink Narcissus redefined queer eroticism
Camp classic — A new restoration of James Bidgood’s cult film is showing in US theatres this spring. We revisit its boundary pushing aesthetics, as well as its enduring legacy.
Written by: Miss Rosen

As amapiano goes global, where does it leave its roots?
Rainbow grooves — Over the past decade, the house music subgenre has exploded into a worldwide phenomenon. Jak Hutchcraft went to its birthplace of Mamelodi, South Africa, to explore its still-thriving local scene.
Written by: Jak Hutchcraft

Clubbing is good for your health, according to neuroscientists
We Become One — A new documentary explores the positive effects that dance music and shared musical experiences can have on the human brain.
Written by: Zahra Onsori