The southern Mexican border town of Ciudad Hidalgo saw the departure of hundreds of migrants from various countries on Sunday, as they embarked on a journey towards the U.S. border. Some expressed a sense of urgency, fearing that if Donald Trump were to win the upcoming elections in November, he would fulfill his promise to close the border to asylum-seekers. This concern stemmed from the possibility of permits for crossing the border being blocked under a new Trump administration, potentially hindering their ability to enter the U.S. legally through the CBP One app.
Migrants attempting to pass through Mexico have often formed large groups in recent years to mitigate risks of violence from gangs or interception by Mexican authorities. However, these caravans tend to disband in southern Mexico as fatigue sets in from the long journey spanning hundreds of miles. Mexico has also intensified measures to impede migrants from reaching the U.S. border via buses and trains, with travel permits being scarce for those without visas. Additionally, thousands of migrants have been apprehended at immigration checkpoints in central and northern Mexico and subsequently deported to southern towns.
Oswaldo Reyna, a 55-year-old Cuban migrant, crossed into Mexico from Guatemala 45 days ago and had been biding his time in Ciudad Hidalgo in anticipation of joining the newly formed caravan. Expressing dismay at Trump’s portrayal of migrants as invaders, Reyna emphasized that they were hard-working individuals seeking opportunities to improve their lives. The group that departed from Ciudad Hidalgo was driven by the shared goal of reaching the U.S. border before the November elections, conscious of the potential implications of a Trump victory on their asylum-seeking prospects.
The journey from Ciudad Hidalgo, located near the border with Guatemala, marked the start of a challenging trek for the migrants. Many within the group had been waiting in the town for weeks in the hopes of obtaining travel permits to proceed further north. As they progressed through Mexico, migrants faced increasing obstacles in the form of immigration checkpoints, limited transportation options, and the looming threat of a potential border closure. Despite these challenges, the migrants remained determined to pursue a better future for themselves and their families in the United States.
The decision to embark on the arduous journey towards the U.S. border underscored the desperation and resilience of the migrants, who had left their home countries in search of safety and economic stability. The formation of the caravan signaled a collective effort to navigate the complex and often perilous migration route through Mexico, with individuals from diverse backgrounds coming together in solidarity. As they set out on foot from Ciudad Hidalgo, the migrants faced uncertainties and risks, yet remained steadfast in their resolve to reach their destination and seek asylum in the United States.
