A large group of migrants has begun a journey northward from southern Mexico, aiming to reach the United States border. The departure occurred shortly after the midterm elections in the US, which resulted in a shift of power in Congress. President Donald Trump has warned that Mexico must halt the movement of these groups or face a doubling of tariffs on goods entering the US.
On Thursday, Trump posted on Truth Social that huge caravans are forming and marching illegally through Mexico. He noted that many participants are individuals that other countries have declined to accept. The president stated that the perceived loss by his Republican Party in the recent elections had emboldened the migrants. He also indicated that he was notifying the incoming Democratic governor of Texas about the situation.
The caravan, which calls itself God With Us, started its trek on Tuesday from Tapachula, a city near the Guatemalan border. By Wednesday, the group was en route to its first major destination, Mexico City. A source from the Chiapas state government estimated that approximately 1,500 people are part of this group. The crowd includes many families, with parents carrying young children in their arms, strollers, or on their shoulders.
Most of the migrants are from Central America. They stated that their primary goal is to reach the capital, which is more than 1,000 kilometers away. The journey is expected to take at least several weeks. They hope to seek assistance from the Mexican government and obtain protection from detention during their transit.
Tapachula serves as a critical transit point for those heading to the US. In recent months, thousands have become stranded in the area due to strict US entry restrictions and increased deportations. The region faces challenges such as a lack of jobs, limited healthcare access, and few school options for children.
While caravans are a common occurrence, many participants expressed that the recent victory of Democrats in the congressional elections provided them with new hope. Voters had delivered a rebuke to President Trump, partly due to his immigration policies. One of the notable Democratic wins was the governorship of Texas, which was won by Gina Hinojosa. She is the first Latina to lead the state and is of Mexican-American descent.
Cesar Sandoval, a 47-year-old Nicaraguan migrant who was deported from the US a few months ago, shared his optimism. He said there might be a light at the end of the tunnel and a way for them to get in. Sandoval added that he believes the Democrats will help facilitate their entry.
Meanwhile, Mexican authorities blocked a second, smaller group from attempting to reach the US. Local footage showed officers positioned across a road, with migrants running as they were surrounded. Reports from Tapachula indicated that about 40 people were detained in this incident. This group was separate from the larger caravan of about 1,000 people that crossed on Sunday evening without resistance.
According to the AFP, this is the third caravan to attempt to reach the US since September. The previous two groups were broken up before they could leave the state of Chiapas. Members of those earlier groups were issued temporary stay permits. Ivan Porraz, a researcher at the College of the Southern Border, commented that as long as Trump remains president, the deportations will not stop.
