For years, a complex crisis of violence, gang warfare and corruption has driven children and families to flee the Northern Triangle of Central America – El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras – and seek safety and protection in the United States. These countries have some of the highest child homicide rates in the world.

In 2026, the high number of unaccompanied minors (UAMs) at borders—particularly the U.S.-Mexico border—is driven by a combination of systemic violence, climate instability, and family reunification. Many children are sent north by their families to escape "targeted recruitment" by gangs and cartels in the Northern Triangle (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador). Economic desperation is another factor, as persistent poverty in rural regions makes survival difficult. Additionally, 2026 has seen an increase in "climate refugees" following severe weather patterns that have destroyed agricultural livelihoods in Central America. Many of these children are also attempting to reunite with parents who are already working in the U.S. or Europe. The surge is often exacerbated by smugglers (coyotes) who spread misinformation about border policies, convincing families that children traveling alone will be granted legal status. This leads to a complex humanitarian crisis where thousands of children navigate thousands of miles without a legal guardian.