A large migrant caravan has recently emerged from southern Mexico, aiming to reach the United States before the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump on January 20. The caravan, one of many to depart from the region, is navigating its way through Mexico, with plans to regroup in Mexico City before dispersing toward various U.S. border crossing points. Independent journalist Auden Cabello documented the caravan’s departure from Tapachula, Chiapas, noting that it is the sixth caravan to arise since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office. The trend of organized migration highlights the ongoing challenges related to migration policies and the urgency felt by those seeking refuge or better opportunities in the U.S.
According to Cabello, five of the previous caravans began their journeys in Tapachula, with the current one starting from Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Many participants in the caravan expressed an overwhelming sense of urgency, indicating their desire to enter the U.S. before Trump’s inauguration, which they believe may complicate their chances of crossing. This urgency has prompted participants to abandon the wait for CBP One, a digital appointment system, and to instead travel together in a caravan mode. This development reflects the deep-seated fears that changes in U.S. immigration policy under a new administration could limit their opportunities.
Reports from sources within U.S. Customs and Border Protection highlight that the Mexican government has been restricting the use of trains for mass migrant transportation between Mexico City and the U.S. border since late last year. While there is still some capacity for migrants to utilize trains, the numbers have drastically decreased, impacting the strategies of those attempting to reach the U.S. Thus, the current caravan’s members may face additional challenges and delays in their travels, which could complicate their plans to reach the border swiftly.
The caravan is reportedly comprised of about 1,500 migrants, primarily consisting of single adults and family units from Central America. Among them is Yotzeli Peña, a migrant from Venezuela, who articulates the anxiety surrounding the transition to the Trump administration and the anticipated implications for asylum seekers. Peña’s sentiment underscores a commonly held belief among migrants that crossing the border post-inauguration could become more difficult, leading many to strategize on expediting their journey.
The apprehension surrounding Trump’s presidency is further magnified by the expectation that he will terminate the parole programs that have been widely employed under the Biden-Harris administration. These programs have enabled many migrants to find temporary refuge in the U.S. while their cases are processed. With the anticipated policy shifts, many migrants are feeling the pressure to arrive before Trump assumes power, thus intensifying their resolve to travel en masse despite the risks and challenges ahead.
Overall, the departure of another migrant caravan signifies ongoing migration trends and the considerable difficulties faced by those seeking better lives in the U.S. As political landscapes shift and migration policies are debated, the caravan’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and human aspects of migration. The collective actions of these migrants showcase their resilience and determination, even in the face of significant bureaucratic and logistical obstacles they must overcome on their way to the U.S. border.
