Staff Reports
A new caravan of about 1,500 migrants has emerged in Tapachula, Mexico, with dreams of reaching the U.S. border before Donald Trump takes office again. These hopefuls, primarily from Central and South America, have set off with their eyes on the prize, convinced that life will be easier stateside before Trump cracks down on immigration policies. Perhaps they missed the memo that America isn’t a free-for-all buffet where anyone can just waltz in and partake.
Migrant caravans are not a new phenomenon; they’ve been forming since 2018 as these groups serve as a last-ditch effort for those who can’t afford a smuggler’s fee—because who wouldn’t want to trust a criminal to safely transport them across dangerous territory? Walking in groups gives a misleading sense of security, but in a land rife with cartel activity, it’s like hiding behind a tree while a lion prowls around. Cartels, after all, are infamous for exploiting migrants and turning their journey into a nightmare, with many being held hostage for ransom.
Migrant caravan forms in Mexico; goal is to reach U.S. before Trump’s inaugurationhttps://t.co/1oTXIz9MLB pic.twitter.com/d5FQRkKwGH
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 21, 2024
The distance from Tapachula to the nearest border crossing isn’t exactly a pleasant stroll. Migrants face not only challenges from authorities but also the grueling realities of heat, dehydration, and physical exhaustion. Over 1,100 miles separate them from safety, which is only achievable if they can somehow manage to walk nonstop for 16 days, something that’s even more challenging when children are involved. The notion that safety is found in numbers is, ironically, shattered by the stark reality of their journey.
Desperation drives many to seek out the border, especially since jobs are scarce in Tapachula. The overwhelming sense of urgency about reaching the U.S. before January 20th seems to be the shared motivation of many who are gearing up for an uphill battle. They are convinced that they need to “get their ducks in a row” quickly before potential policies change, imagining that the golden ticket of opportunity would disappear with Trump’s return.
In an attempt to manage the flow of migrants, the U.S. government developed a new system allowing asylum seekers to apply online for appointments to enter the United States from broader regions of southern Mexico. While this might sound like progress, it hasn’t dampened the desire of migrants to rush to the border, where they can swiftly act on any available appointments. Unsurprisingly, as the chaos unfolds, Trump’s promises of stricter enforcement have led many migrants to believe that they may want to high-tail it north sooner rather than later.
Caravans have certainly evolved since 2018, with many participants resorting to hitchhiking or scrambling for rides on empty trucks. However, Mexican officials, perhaps wisely, have become increasingly adept at disbanding these national treks, preferring to issue temporary permits to ease the process instead. As the saga continues, the question remains: will we see this ardent desire for a quick passage persist, or will the daunting hurdles of a fraught journey force these migrants to reconsider their timelines and plans?
