What can I do as an individual to see less of this stuff happen?
In our community, all crime has dropped tremendously since we started, and many youths now have purpose to their lives that will (hopefully) keep them from ever joining such groups.
And, importantly, don't forget your own kids. Keep an eye on their friends when growing up, make sure you spend the time to keep a good relationship with them.
If everyone in Central America consciously worked to raise their kids to be better people, and each also took two or three less fortunate kids as projects, it would show. (I am sure plenty do, but we need more working to improve the world!)
It also spreads the nonsense that there’s nowhere safe in Mexico. I skimmed the article and saw she lived in Tamaulipas. No reason that moving to the US should come before moving to a safer state in Mexico like where I live or where any expat chooses to spend their time.