Ciudad Juárez is a vibrant border community of hard working people with important historical and economic ties to the United States. Sadly, since 2006 violence has escalated and the community has endured unprecedented levels of crime. More than 6,500 people have lost their lives in drug-related incidents in Ciudad Juárez, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the world. This situation has also affected the local economy: more than 80,000 young people are out of school and unemployed, about 30% of businesses have closed, and approximately 100,000 jobs have been lost.