More than 100 Central American migrants, including dozens of minors, were found crowded inside a sweltering truck without food or water in Mexico en route to the United States, authorities said.
The 136 migrants, from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, were rescued in the violent southeastern state of Veracruz after 24 hours in temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
They were discovered by federal police and migration agents who heard cries for help from within the truck, which had been abandoned near a freeway, reports Reuters.
Mexico’s migration institute INM said they counted 49 minors among the group, 13 of whom were travelling alone and will receive aid to apply for refugee status in the country.
The adults, as well as the accompanied children, will be sent back to their home countries, the authorities said.
In February, 103 Central Americans, including 36 minors, were rescued from an abandoned truck in the violent northern state of Tamaulipas, where migrants often attempt illegal border crossings.
In July, 10 migrant people died after a truck stuffed with more than 100 Guatemalan and Mexican was abandoned in a Texas parking lot.
Tens of thousands of Central Americans fleeing violence and poverty in their homelands aim to pass through Mexico to the United States every year.
They often transported by human traffickers who subject them to perilous conditions, the report said.
According to a government document, more than 800 Central American migrants have been found in truck trailers or safe houses in Mexico so far this year.
Border apprehensions fell when US President Donald Trump took office last year and vowed to stamp out illegal immigration, suggesting fewer crossing attempts, but have picked up in recent months.