Caravan of 1,500 migrants forms in Mexico

A group of around 1,500 migrants have come together to form a caravan in southern Mexico with the hopes of reaching the United States before President-elect Trump assumes office in January. It is widely believed that the incoming administration will crack down heavily on illegal border crossings, which have significantly increased under the Biden-Harris administration.

This caravan, composed of men, women, and young children primarily from Central and South America, embarked on their journey through the city of Tapachula in southern Mexico, just across the border from Guatemala where thousands of migrants are currently stranded due to lack of permission to enter Mexico. The southernmost point of the U.S. border is located at Matamoros, near Brownsville, Texas, a daunting 16-day journey on foot for desperate adult migrants.

The migrants have come together in a caravan as they believe there is safety in numbers, making it difficult for immigration authorities to detain large groups. Some members hope to hitch rides to aid their journey, while others are prepared to endure the grueling trek to the southern border on foot in extreme conditions.

The looming threat of stricter border enforcement under the new administration has spurred many migrants to expedite their journey in hopes of crossing before Trump’s inauguration. President Trump has pledged to seal off the southern border and carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. He has appointed hardliners to key positions within the Department of Homeland Security and vowed to end parole programs that allow migrants to enter via lawful pathways established by the Biden administration.

Although border encounters have decreased since June following Biden’s proclamation limiting arrivals, concerns remain that the change in administrations could prompt a surge in border crossings as migrants rush to enter the U.S. before stricter measures are implemented. To manage the influx of asylum claims at the border, the federal government has expanded the areas where migrants can apply for appointments to enter the U.S. through the CBP One app.

Despite efforts to deter migrants from congregating at the border, some remain determined to reach the U.S. at any cost, having sold all their belongings and with nothing to return to in their home countries. The urgency and desperation of these migrants underscore the challenges and complexities of the ongoing migration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.

As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the incoming administration will address the issue of illegal immigration and secure the nation’s borders in the face of mounting pressure and humanitarian concerns.