Like many cities, Tijuana is rich with folklore and eerie legends. One such tale is the story of Juan Castillo Morales, also known as Juan Soldado, the unofficial patron saint of migrants.

In 1938, Castillo Morales, a military private stationed in Tijuana, was convicted of the rape and murder of 8-year-old Olga Camacho, a girl who lived near the military barracks. However, many believe he was wrongfully accused.

According to local folklore, his spirit still wanders the old cemetery in downtown Tijuana, where some claim to have heard him proclaiming his innocence, among other supernatural occurrences.

We delve deep into this folktale to uncover the truth behind the legend — the historical context, the people involved and the story of how he became known as the patron saint of migrants.

To help distinguish fact from fiction, we spoke with Fernando Escobedo, a historian from Tijuana who has extensively researched the city's past. His work sheds new light on this enigmatic case through the testimony of Fausto Matus, a possible witness to the crime.

Don’t miss this episode, where we unravel the mystery surrounding this iconic legend from Tijuana.

Sources:

“Religiosidad Popular en Tijuana, el culto de Juan Soldado” by Gabriel Rivera and Jose Saldaña

“Juan Soldado: Rapist, Murderer, Martyr, Saint” by Paul J. Vanderwood

Fernando Escobedo books

Social media and contact

From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod

Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.

If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.

Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.

Credits

Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González

Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco

Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos

Editor: Chrissy Nguyen

Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco

Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-Zapp

Que onda friends!

Tenemos una serie de reportajes especiales que se centran en los desafíos actuales que enfrenta la región fronteriza: la migración.

La migración es un tema contencioso y polarizante que a menudo los comentaristas políticos utilizan para atacar a sus oponentes, pasando por alto las historias personales de quienes están atrapados en medio de este debate.

Estas historias de esperanza y resiliencia nos recuerdan la importancia de ver más allá de los titulares: reconocer a estas personas como seres humanos. Seres humanos con sueños y aspiraciones, igual que cualquiera.

En la segunda parte de esta edición de nuestros reportajes especiales, nos sentamos a conversar con una exiliada venezolana a quien llamaremos Chama. Chama ingresó legalmente a Estados Unidos en 2022, siguiendo las políticas establecidas por la administración del entonces presidente Joe Biden.

El apodo Chama es un seudónimo. Ella accedió a ser entrevistada con la condición de que Port of Entry no revelara su identidad, ya que carece de estatus legal y teme ser deportada de EE. UU.

En la primera parte, narramos la odisea de Chama para salir de Venezuela y su determinación de reunir a su familia via Tijuana.

Esta segunda parte explora su camino hacia Estados Unidos, el esfuerzo titánico por hacerlo legalmente y cómo, a pesar de todos sus esfuerzos, el sistema terminó fallandole.

Chama se convirtió en una de los cientos de miles de migrantes venezolanos que perdieron su estatus legal debido a una orden ejecutiva del presidente Donald Trump. Como resultado, ahora vive en las sombras, indocumentada—ilegal por decreto.

No se pierdan esta increíble historia de perseverancia.

Redes sociales y contacto

De KPBS, Port of Entry cuenta historias que cruzan fronteras. Para escuchar más historias visita www.portofentrypod.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod

Puedes apoyar nuestro podcast en www.kpbs.org/donate, escribe en la sección de regalos (gift section) “Port of Entry” y como agradecimiento podrás recibir un regalo.

Si tu empresa u organización sin fines de lucro desea patrocinar nuestro podcast, envía un correo a corporatesupport@kpbs.org

Nos encantaría recibir tu retroalimentación, envíanos un mensaje al 619-500-3197 o un correo a podcasts@kpbs.org con tus comentarios y/o preguntas sobre nuestro podcast.

Créditos

Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González

Escritor/Productor: Julio C. Ortiz Franco

Productor Técnico/Diseñador Sonoro: Adrian Villalobos

Editora: Elma Gonzalez Lima Brandao y Chrissy Nguyen

Episodios traducidos por: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco

Directora de Programación de Audio y Operaciones: Lisa Morrisette

Hello, friends!

We have a couple of special reports focusing on current issues facing the borderlands: migration.

Migration is a contentious and polarizing topic that pundits often use to score political points against their opponents, overlooking the real stories of people caught in the middle. These stories of hope and resilience remind us of the importance of seeing others as human beings — human beings with dreams and aspirations, just like anyone else.

In the second part of this final installment of our special reports, we sit down with a Venezuelan exile whom we are referring to as Chama. Chama entered the United States legally in 2022, following policies set by President Joe Biden's administration.

Chama is not her real name. She agreed to be interviewed on the condition that Port of Entry not reveal her identity because she lacks legal status and fears deportation from the U.S.

The first chapter of Chama's migrant journey covers her odyssey out of Venezuela and her determination to reunite with her family via Tijuana.

In this second part, we explore her path into the United States, her herculean effort to do it legally, and how, despite all her efforts, the system ultimately failed her.

Chama became one of hundreds of thousands of migrants who lost their legal status due to an executive order by President Donald Trump. As a result, she now lives in the shadows, undocumented — illegal by decree.

You won't want to miss this incredible story of persistence and resoluteness.

Social media and contact

From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod

Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.

If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.

Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.

Credits

Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González

Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz - Franco

Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos

Editor: Chrissy Nguyen

Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco

Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-Zapp

Que onda friends!

Tenemos un par de reportajes especiales que se centran en los actuales desafíos que enfrenta la región fronteriza: La migración.

La migración es un tema contencioso y polarizante que a menudo los comentaristas políticos utilizan para golpetear a sus oponentes, pasando por alto las historias de las personas atrapadas en medio de este debate.

Estas historias de esperanza y resiliencia nos recuerdan la importancia de ver más allá de la nota: reconocerlos como seres humanos. Seres humanos con sueños y aspiraciones al igual que cualquiera.

En esta segunda y última edición de nuestros reportajes especiales, conversamos con una exiliada venezolana a la que llamaremos Chama. Su nombre real no es Chama; aceptó ser entrevistada bajo la condición de mantener su identidad en el anonimato, ya que carece de estatus legal y teme ser deportada.

Chama ingresó legalmente a Estados Unidos en el 2022, siguiendo las políticas establecidas por la administración del entonces presidente Joe Biden. Chama fue una de los cientos de miles de migrantes que perdieron su estatus legal debido a una orden ejecutiva del ahora presidente Donald Trump. Como resultado, vive actualmente en las sombras, indocumentada.

Este primer episodio explora el primer capítulo de la travesía migratoria de Chama: la odisea para salir de Venezuela y establecerse en Tijuana, y su determinación por reunir a su familia en California.

La segunda parte adentra en su camino hacia Estados Unidos, el esfuerzo sobrehumano por hacerlo de manera legal y cómo, a pesar de todos sus intentos, el sistema finalmente le falló.

No se pierdan esta increíble historia de perseverancia.

Redes sociales y contacto

De KPBS, Port of Entry cuenta historias que cruzan fronteras. Para escuchar más historias visita www.portofentrypod.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod

Puedes apoyar nuestro podcast en www.kpbs.org/donate, escribe en la sección de regalos (gift section) “Port of Entry” y como agradecimiento podrás recibir un regalo.

Si tu empresa u organización sin fines de lucro desea patrocinar nuestro podcast, envía un correo a corporatesupport@kpbs.org

Nos encantaría recibir tu retroalimentación, envíanos un mensaje al 619-500-3197 o un correo a podcasts@kpbs.org con tus comentarios y/o preguntas sobre nuestro podcast.

Créditos

Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González

Escritor/Productor: Julio C. Ortiz Franco

Productor Técnico/Diseñador Sonoro: Adrian Villalobos

Editora: Elma Gonzalez Lima Brandao

Episodios traducidos por: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco

Directora de Programación de Audio y Operaciones: Lisa Morrisette

This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people

Hello, friends!

We have a couple of special reports focusing on current issues facing the borderlands: migration.

Migration is a contentious and polarizing topic that pundits often use to score political points against their opponents, often overlooking the real stories of people caught in the middle of this deeply entrenched debate. These stories of hope and resilience remind us of the importance of seeing others as human beings. Human beings with dreams and aspirations are just like anyone else.

In this second and final installment of our special report series, we sit down with a Venezuelan exile whom we are referring to as Chama. Chama entered the U.S. legally in 2022, following policies set by President Joe Biden's administration.

No, Chama is not her real name. She agreed to be interviewed on the condition that Port of Entry does not reveal her identity, as she lacks legal status and fears deportation from the U.S.

Fast forward to 2025, Chama became one of hundreds of thousands of migrants who lost their legal status due to an executive order by President Donald Trump. As a result, she now lives in the shadows, undocumented.

Today's episode delves into the first chapter of Chama's migrant journey—her odyssey out of Venezuela and her determination to reunite with her family via Tijuana.

Part 2 will explore her path into the United States, the herculean effort to do it the legal way, and how, despite all her efforts, the system ultimately failed her.

You won't want to miss this incredible story of perseverance.

Sources:

Reports on Child Trafficking

https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-47700771

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ILAB/child_labor_reports/tda2017/Venezuela.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_trafficking_in_Venezuela

Reports on crackdown on opposition:

https://www.hrw.org/report/2017/11/29/crackdown-dissent/brutality-torture-and-political-persecution-

venezuela

https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2017/08/report-protestors-venezuela-subjected-human-rights-violations-and-abuses

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/11/venezuela-tortura-abusos-contra-ninos-ninas/

Social media and contact

From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod

Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.

If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.

Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.

Credits

Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González

Writer/Producer: Natalie González

Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos

Editor: Elma González Lima Brandão

Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco

Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-Zapp

This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people

Que onda friends!

En los siguientes episodios contaremos con un par de reportajes especiales que se centran en los actuales desafíos migratorios en la región fronteriza.

La migración es un tema contencioso y polarizante que a menudo los comentaristas políticos utilizan para golpetear a sus oponentes, pasando por alto las historias de las personas atrapadas en medio de este debate.

Estas historias de esperanza y resiliencia nos recuerdan la importancia de ver más allá de la nota: reconociéndolos como seres humanos. Seres humanos con sueños y aspiraciones al igual que cualquiera.

En nuestro reportaje de hoy acompañamos a Laura Pavón, personal en uno de los albergues más concurridos de Tijuana, Casa del Migrante.

Laura relata su camino hacia Tijuana, destacando los momentos que la inspiraron a brindar ayuda a los migrantes y explicando cómo asiste a los recién llegados en su búsqueda de un nuevo hogar. Además, exploramos el impacto significativo que Laura ha tenido en el albergue, tanto en situaciones diarias como durante crisis, como cuando se cerró la aplicación CBP One.

¡No te lo pierdas!

¡Nos vemos pronto!

Redes sociales y contacto

De KPBS, Port of Entry cuenta historias que cruzan fronteras. Para escuchar más historias visita www.portofentrypod.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod

Puedes apoyar nuestro podcast en www.kpbs.org/donate, escribe en la sección de regalos (gift section) “Port of Entry” y como agradecimiento podrás recibir un regalo.

Si tu empresa u organización sin fines de lucro desea patrocinar nuestro podcast, envía un correo a corporatesupport@kpbs.org

Nos encantaría recibir tu retroalimentación, envíanos un mensaje al 619-500-3197 o un correo a podcasts@kpbs.org con tus comentarios y/o preguntas sobre nuestro podcast.

Créditos

Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González

Escritor/Productor: Julio C. Ortiz Franco

Productor Técnico/Diseñador Sonoro: Adrian Villalobos

Editora: Elma Gonzalez Lima Brandao

Episodios traducidos por: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco

Directora de Programación de Audio y Operaciones: Lisa Morrisette

This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people

Hello, friends!

We have a couple of special reports focusing on current issues facing the borderlands: migration.

Migration is a contentious and polarizing topic that pundits often use to score political points against their opponents, often overlooking the real stories of people caught in the middle of this deeply entrenched debate. These stories of hope and resilience remind us of the importance of seeing others as human beings. Human beings with dreams and aspirations are just like anyone else.

In today's special report, we spotlight Laura Pavon, a staff member at one of Tijuana's busiest shelters, Casa del Migrante. Laura shares her journey to Tijuana, discussing the pivotal moments that inspired her to help migrants and how she assists new arrivals in finding a new home.

We also delve into the significant impact she's had on the shelter, both in everyday situations and during crises, such as when the CBP One app was shut down.

Stay tuned!

Social media and contact

From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod

Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.

If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.

Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.

Credits

Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González

Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco

Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos

Editor: Elma González Lima Brandão

Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco

Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-Zapp

This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people