Just on the day of presidential elections in USAand simultaneously, two migrant caravans They left yesterday Chiapas.
There are thousands of undocumented people from various countries of center y South America, who took their few belongings and began their journey from Tapachula y Tuxtla Gutierrez, bound for the neighboring country to the north.
Luis Rey García Villagrán, director of the organization Human Dignityindicated that the contingent that left at 6:00 a.m. from Bicentennial Park, in Tapacbhula, is made up of around 5 thousand people, including men, women and children.
The first objective is to reach the town of Alvaro Obregon, 14 kilometers from the capital, but first they will have to pass the immigration checkpoint located in Viva México.
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García Villagrán accused the Government of Mexico of turning the southern border into an immigration prison, since both the National Migration Institute (INM) as the Refugee Assistance Commission (COMAR) make foreigners believe that they will be given appointments to enter the United States regularly through the CBP application One in this city and Tuxtla Gutiérrez, but in reality this does not happen.
Another reason why foreigners decide to leave in a caravan is due to the increase in kidnappings of foreigners who enter the country irregularly through the Suchiate River, which divides Mexico with Guatemala.
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At the last minute, the mobilization that would leave the Tuxtla Gutiérrez park was curtailed, they only started the march 500 of the 1,500 people that they would initially integrate it, according to local media. The reason was the fear of being detained at checkpoints or suffering reprisals from the authorities.
The majority are migrants from Honduras y Venezuela, followed by Guatemala, El Salvador, some Haitians, Cubans, Nepalese, Afghans and Jordanians, among other nationalities.
The first row of the contingent that left Tapachula carried a blanket with the legend: “No more migrant blood”, with a firm step they demanded, amidst screams and screeches, to the National Migration Institute (INM) and to the Mexican authorities the safe conditions of transit and access to basic human rights.
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For the specialist from the Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Gerardo González Figueroa, with the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House Migrant caravans will have more problems reaching the US because the borders will close.
He explained that in the scenario of the Democrat winning, “there have been expressions from Harris that are not very encouraging in the sense of migration. The only thing we hope is that Kamala, unlike Trump “That the sword is now drawn, allow dialogues and negotiations.”
These two migrant mobilizations have only been preceded in size, by the megacaravana November 2018, when more than 7 thousand migrants arrived in Mexico City, and a large camp was set up in front of the crowd at the Deportivo de la Magdalena Mixhuca.
Related
Interview: Navigating the Migrant Crisis Amid U.S. Elections
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone, to our special coverage on the critical events unfolding as the U.S. presidential elections coincide with the departure of two significant migrant caravans from southern Mexico. Today we have Luis Rey García Villagrán, director of the organization Human Dignity, joining us to shed light on this complex situation. Thank you for being here, Luis.
Luis Rey García Villagrán (LRGV): Thank you for having me. There’s a lot to discuss.
TNE: To start, can you describe the current situation with the migrant caravans? What does it mean for the individuals involved?
LRGV: Absolutely. Thousands of undocumented individuals from Central and South America have left Chiapas, carrying their few belongings. This journey is fueled by desperation—many are fleeing violence, persecution, and poverty. Our caravan initiated with around 5,000 people, comprising families with children who are hoping for a better life.
TNE: That’s heartbreaking. What are the first steps for these migrants on their journey?
LRGV: The immediate goal is to reach Álvaro Obregón, but to get there, they must navigate a series of immigration checkpoints, starting with one known as Viva México. The process can be dangerous and disheartening, especially given the increased scrutiny and potential detentions at these checkpoints.
TNE: You mentioned the government turning the southern border into an “immigration prison.” Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
LRGV: Yes, the Mexican government claims to offer processes for migrants to enter the U.S. legally through appointments using the CBP One application. However, that is often misleading. Many are left waiting indefinitely, and the reality is stark. The environment creates a sense of hopelessness, pushing migrants to take greater risks.
TNE: Given the current backdrop of the U.S. elections, do you believe the political landscape affects these migrants’ journeys?
LRGV: Absolutely. The heightened rhetoric around immigration can provoke reactions from both the Mexican and U.S. governments. For instance, we’ve seen threats from political figures regarding tariffs unless certain immigration controls are enforced. That creates an atmosphere of fear for the migrants.
TNE: We noted that many migrants are coming from countries like Honduras and Venezuela. Are there specific factors driving these populations to join the caravans?
LRGV: Yes, the driving factors vary. In countries like Honduras and Venezuela, people are escaping dire economic conditions, violence, and political instability. The recent increase in kidnappings, especially for those crossing irregularly through the Suchiate River, has further pushed many to band together for safety.
TNE: We’ve also heard that a planned mobilization from Tuxtla Gutiérrez was scaled back due to fears among migrants. What does this indicate about their current mindset?
LRGV: That’s significant. Only around 500 of the anticipated 1,500 individuals chose to proceed due to the fear of detention and reprisal. This showcases that even in numbers, many are apprehensive about the consequences of their journey, which is a stark indicator of the challenging circumstances they face.
TNE: What can we do as a global community to support these individuals seeking a better future?
LRGV: Awareness is key. Supporting humanitarian organizations working on the ground, advocating for humane policies, and providing safe passage for vulnerable migrants can make a difference. We also need to push for comprehensive reform that addresses the root causes of migration rather than merely criminalizing it.
TNE: Thank you, Luis, for sharing your insights today. This is an evolving situation, and your perspective is invaluable in understanding the human side of these migrations.
LRGV: Thank you for shedding light on these urgent matters.
TNE: We appreciate your time, and we will continue to follow this situation closely. Stay tuned for more updates as we delve deeper into the implications of these migrant caravans and their journey toward a hopeful future.