while trying to find valuable information as to where police raids and gang ambushes are most likely to occur. He has hidden in vantage points, overlooking common routes where trains and buses packed with migrants traveled, and marking the places with the most propensity for danger. Little by little he fashioned a map that has helped many individuals and groups avoid some of the common dangers. It also provided him with enough evidence that links criminal activities to police operations. This has branded Solalinde an uncomfortable nuisance for the powers that be. Consequently, he has been collecting death threats that he claims are not threatening his sleep. However, he will not deny that the day may come when they finally get to him, though he believes that regardless, some other parochial figure will carry on with the shelter. “Someday, the U.S., and hopefully Mexico too, will build you a monument. Because you are heroes of a new history,” told Solalinde to a group of migrants taking shelter at “Hermanos en el Camino.” That may be true, but for the time being, the face of that new history is Father Solalinde, and while he’s not the type to dream of his own monument, he would be greatly appreciative of any help to carry on with the good work.
All Photos by Felipe Jacome