For the first time in eleven years, the sending of dollars from the United States has decreased. This is due to the aggressive expulsions by immigration agents (ICE) and the implementation of a financial tax.
Every weekend, tourists from Mexico flock to the cobblestone streets of Tonatico amidst the white and red facades. Nestled in the foothills of the Nevado de Toluca, one of Mexico’s tallest volcanoes, this charming little town maintains its image of a “magical village” (“pueblo magico”). The town’s charm is preserved thanks to the many benefactors based in the United States who send thousands of dollars to their relatives, renovate houses for retirement or rental, and contribute a large sum to the community for local festivals. “Here, everyone has a relative living in the United States,” explains Luis Enrique Pedroza Celi, the town hall’s communication officer.
Throughout his life, he has seen his father leave for eight months a year to Waukegan, a city north of Chicago on the shore of Lake Michigan, where most residents of Tonatico gather to work in the fields, construction, and more.
