A caravan of over 1,500 migrants departed Tapachula, Mexico, near the Guatemalan border on Sunday, seeking to reach the U.S. before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20. The group, composed of migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras, is racing north amid fears of stricter immigration policies under Trump’s administration.
Migrants cite concerns that Trump may end the Biden administration’s CBP One app program, which allows asylum seekers to schedule appointments with U.S. immigration officials. The program, introduced in January 2023, offers approximately 1,450 daily appointments. Venezuelan migrant Francisco Unda expressed apprehension, stating, “There are reports Trump will eliminate CBP One and increase deportations. You have to have faith in God.”
Trump’s recent announcement of a potential 25% tariff on Mexican products unless migration is curtailed has added urgency to the caravan’s movement. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged to block unauthorized migration while maintaining that “migrants and caravans are taken care of before they reach the border.”
Previous migrant caravans have faced crackdowns by Mexican authorities, with many migrants bused back south or offered transit papers. Despite these efforts, Tapachula remains overwhelmed by migrants, creating challenges for those seeking work or legal status.
Some migrants, like Honduran Santos Modesto, expressed willingness to stay in Mexico’s industrial cities if job opportunities arose. However, the majority aim to enter the U.S., citing economic hardships and aspirations for a better future.
As the caravan progresses north, questions remain about the future of migration policy under Trump’s administration. Trump has promised to tighten border controls and pressure Mexico to enforce stricter measures. Meanwhile, the migrants’ journey underscores the ongoing humanitarian and logistical challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border.
