On Sunday, hundreds of migrants from various countries embarked on a journey from Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, aiming to reach the U.S. border. Some expressed concerns about the upcoming U.S. elections in November, fearing that a victory for Donald Trump could lead to the closure of the border to asylum-seekers. The migrants highlighted worries that permits for crossing the border might be restricted under a new Trump administration.
A migrant from El Salvador, expressed apprehension that the CBP One app, used by asylum-seekers to secure appointments at U.S. border posts, could face limitations if Trump is re-elected. The app is accessible once migrants reach Mexico City or northern Mexican states, and many in the group were eager to utilize this route for legal entry into the U.S.
The group set off from Ciudad Hidalgo, located near the Mexico-Guatemala border, after waiting for weeks to obtain travel permits to proceed northward. In recent years, migrants traversing Mexico have formed large groups to mitigate risks of gang violence or interception by Mexican immigration authorities. However, these caravans often disband in southern Mexico due to the arduous journey.
Mexico has tightened restrictions on migrants traveling by buses and trains, making it challenging for them to reach the U.S. border. Travel permits are seldom granted to undocumented migrants, leading to numerous detentions by immigration officers at checkpoints in central and northern Mexico, with individuals being deported to southern towns.
A Cuban migrant, who entered Mexico from Guatemala 45 days ago, awaited the new caravan in Ciudad Hidalgo. He criticized Trump's characterization of migrants as invaders, emphasizing that they are hard-working individuals seeking better opportunities due to hardships in their home countries.
