In recent years, tens of thousands of migrants have used caravans as a means to cross Mexico. This week, about 3,000 migrants, carrying bags, water, and small children, braved the intense heat along a highway in southern Mexico, heading towards the US border in two groups. Despite the risks, these caravans offer a sense of security for those who cannot afford to pay smugglers or human traffickers for a safer journey.
Leivi Galvna, a migrant from Honduras, expressed the determination shared by many, stating, “Whoever is in charge of the US government, we will continue the fight to be there. We have to fight for our dream.” As they walked, the group shouted phrases like “yes we can,” while pushing worn-out strollers. These caravans have become a lifeline for those seeking a better life, amidst reports of robberies, rapes, and kidnappings that are common for migrants traveling alone.
The Security Ministry in Chiapas, Mexico’s southernmost state bordering Guatemala, estimated the caravan size to be between 2,500 and 3,000 people, with most being Venezuelans. Another local government source noted a significant increase in the number of children in recent caravans. Yoisy, a Venezuelan migrant tired of waiting for an appointment through the US Customs and Border Protection CBP One platform to apply for asylum, shared, “I travel more safely in a caravan, I don’t want to be killed in Mexico.”
Despite the Biden administration’s policy implemented in June that prohibits migrants caught crossing the US-Mexico border illegally from applying for asylum, thousands continue to take a chance at seeking refuge in the United States. The daily average of arrests dropped to between 2,500 and 3,000 migrants per day for a week, a significant decline from previous months. However, many are still driven by the hope of escaping insecurity, poverty, and other problems in their home countries.
Jose Maria Garcia, director of the Juventud 2000 migrant shelter in Tijuana, noted the uncertainty among the migrant community regarding the future of US immigration policy. He mentioned that the outcome of the upcoming US elections could be a motivating factor for many migrants.
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