When you look at the numbers of people coming to the United States from Central and South America, it’s easy to forget the personal stories.

Juan is a 15 year-old from Nuevo Progreso, Guatemala. He fled North with his family when a local gang threatened to kill his family after he refused to sell and smuggle drugs for them. They survived beatings and robberies along the journey and turned themselves in to US immigration authorities to apply for asylum.

They’re now in the United States, waiting to find out whether they will be allowed to stay. Reporter Brooke Binkowski went to visit them where they’re living right now in San Diego.

Photo By Brooke Binkowski